Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Review: Pilot (Season 1 Episode 1)
It’s Zoey’s world on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot.” We’re just singing in it.
You’re going to compare Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist to its predecessors like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Soundtrack– I get it- but to do so is unfair. Want to know why there have been so many musical shows in the last ten years? Because they make us smile.
If you want to blow off Zoey and her friends because their version of “Help!” is not as good as it was on Smash or Glee, that’s fine, but you’re going to miss the chance to laugh a little amidst the darkness in the world if you do.
What sets Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist apart from its predecessors is that it’s relatable. Zoey is dealing with some heavy stuff. Job anxiety, stress headaches, and self-doubt are the key staples of a good Millennial Starter Pack, but Zoey also struggles with a family health crisis that puts a strain on her relationships with her mother and brother.
This is where the music comes in.
Music is the show’s most dynamic character. The musical numbers serve mostly as comic relief – until Zoey’s father sings “True Colors.” In this moment, music becomes an asset. Zoey is so empowered by the ability to communicate with her father that much like a superhero, she harnesses that energy for good and lands a big promotion.
Zoey’s father, by the way, is played by Peter Gallagher.
The firepower of this cast along with the depth of the story makes the show a delightful reprieve from the grind of everyday life.
Music is and has always been a form of self-expression, and the show personifies this idea in multiple forms. The musical highlights of the episode include John Clarence Stewart’s soulful cover of “Dark World,” and her nerdy coworker’s hilarious rendition of DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is essentially a millennial fairy tale; it’s an easygoing break from the harsh reality of our world minus Cinderella’s castle and Prince Charming. If Zoey can laugh through her pain, so can we.
This particular fairy tale is what the kids these days would call “woke.” Zoey is a coder in charge of a bunch of dudes, and her boss is played by Lauren Graham. One of the dudes does make a smartass remark about answering to ladies, but it’s hard to hear him over all of the girl power in the room.
Zoey’s neighbor also openly admits to being high as a kite- something I can’t recall ever seeing on an NBC show before. The chef’s kiss was made for moments like this.
Back on the Prince Charming thing for a second, we’ve established in no uncertain terms that Max loves Zoey, but there is not enough interaction between them to ship just yet. Skylar Astin is pretty damn charming, though, so I look forward to them becoming a thing in the future.
What did you think of the pilot episode of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist airs Tuesday at 10/9c on NBC.
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Gina Zippilli
Gina is the co-host of Meet Us At Molly’s, the first-ever Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. podcast. Outside of One Chicago, she has never met an ensemble-driven cop show, post-apocalyptic drama or true crime whodunit she has not liked.