17 Memorable Musical Moments from Non-Musical TV Shows

These days, to make it in the entertainment industry you need to be a jack of all trades — a singer, a dancer, and an actor. If you’re not ready to immediately break out into song and dance, even if your show is the farthest thing from a musical show, you better get ready to take lessons.

Music is the bread and butter for creating emotion and, if done well, can bring audiences to tears. Some shows have managed musical moments spectacularly well, and some have struggled with it. For this list, we’re focusing on magical musical moments.

Here’s our list of the most memorable musical moments from non-musical TV shows:

1. Simply the Best (Schitt’s Creek 4×06)

In an attempt to draw more customers to the shop, David and Patrick put together an open mic night. Little did David know, Patrick was planning on hosting and performing. 

Didn’t think Patrick could get any more perfect? David didn’t think so either. When Patrick first took the stage, David was skeptical about his talents but was soon wowed and teary-eyed by his beautiful voice. 

The emotion and overwell of love between Patrick and David was beautiful and so apparent in this scene. How could we not include it as #1!

2. All For Us (Euphoria 1×08)

There’s no way a show could feature Zendaya and not utilize her vocals. 

Euphoria Season 1 Episode 8, “And Salt the Earth Behind You,” was a music video in itself. As Rue sings while she’s relapsing, the lyrics perfectly align with her situation, providing 100% more emotion. And the addition of the choir and band really gave it a church-like feel. 

Plus, the song itself is a bop outside of Euphoria. 

3. Neverending Story (Stranger Things 3×08)

Nobody believed poor Dustin had a girlfriend. So when Suzie showed up on the other end of the radio and proved her existence and how enamored she was with him, it stunned everyone. 

What better time to break out into song than when you’re trying to save the world?

Given the nature of the moment, the little bit of purity in the duet between Dusty-bun and Suzie-poo mid-conflict helped ease the tension and left everyone a bit confused.

4. Holy (Love, Victor 2×09)

If you’ve Instagram stalked Michael Cimino, who plays Victor, you probably knew it was only a matter of time for his voice to make its big debut.

With voices as sweet as angels, Victor and Rahim jammed together at a gay bar as they shared a moment of realization that their friendship was more than that.

Sure, Benji can play guitar, but there’s a chance Rahim’s beautiful voice could steal Benji’s spot in Victor’s life.

5. Beauty School Dropout (Jane the Virgin 3×05)

Xo and Rogelio’s rekindled love story is just about the cutest thing. Next, is Rogelio’s incredible love and support of Xo’s dreams.

While Xo was busy searching for her new career path, Rogelio got the opportunity to share his musical talent.

Following Rogelio’s grand gesture of performing a Grease number, Xo no longer had to question her career trajectory. She found inspiration directly through his talent — open a dance school. 

6. The Longest Time (How I Met Your Mother 8×20)

The show boasts many musical moments, but the acapella of this scene was simply sensational.

It was hard to choose among Barney’s best song moments, but I think his vocals needed to shine alongside Ted’s without the distraction of instrumentals and fancy dance numbers.

Neil Patrick Harris’s theatrical roots were well used in How I Met Your Mother, and How I Met Your Mother Season 5 Episode 12, “Girls Versus Suits,” certainly deserves an honorable mention.

7. Torn (The Bold Type 2×09)

Drunk Jane. We love to see her, especially when she decides to sing like she’s a pop star on stage.

For those who don’t know, Katie Stevens was on American Idol in 2009 before she got into acting. So, her cover of ‘Torn’ was simply a tribute to her previous musical roots. 

If you can find her American Idol performances on YouTube, you won’t be disappointed.

8. Time After Time (This Is Us 1×03)

Always stuck in the shadows of her mother’s talent and beauty, Kate was never brave enough to pursue her singing career.

That was until Toby came along and gave her the confidence and push she needed. She finally got to forge her own musical path by building her courage in her performance for residents at a nursing home.

And now look where she is, teaching music at a school. 

9. How to Save A Life (Grey’s Anatomy 7×18)

In the one and only musical episode of Grey’s Anatomy, we got to witness the talents of the cast put to the test. As they worked to save Callie, they belted ‘How to Save A Life.’

Maybe not the best number musically, but it was wonderful to see every actor sing a line or two. Sorry, Meredith, your attempt was admirable. 

However, with the help of Sara Ramirez, a Broadway alum, they were able to stay afloat. 

10. Falling Slowly (Good Trouble 2×06)

In replacement of gifts, Malika asked the coterie to perform pieces that expressed themselves.

Davia and Dennis did just that during their performance of the romantic song ‘Falling Slowly’. Their budding tension was put on display for the entire coterie.

Their rendition was beautifully performed and even brought Davia to tears and the rest of the coterie to an enthusiastic ovation. 

11. ‘Rainbow Connection’ (A Million Little Things 1×05)

It’s no question that A Million Little Things dials up the emotion. The real question is how many tears aren’t shed when watching!

So when Sophie entered the kitchen to sing the song Jon used to sing when Delilah was pregnant with her, the happy tears were streaming.

Using the full length of the song in the background while the rest of the group experienced big life moments was the perfect way of symbolizing Jon watching over them.

12. Shallow (Shrill 2×04)

If you needed a sign to take yourself out on a date, this is your sign.

As Fran’s tried to find her footing in singledom, she went to a karaoke bar and serenaded herself. She may have been intoxicated, and have only brought herself to tears, but at least there was a breakthrough! 

The fact that they didn’t extend Fran’s scene, but let Gabe’s full solo at his party stay, was a disappointment. 

13. Africa (New Girl 6×03)

It’s well known that Zooey Deschanel is a singer, the theme song for New Girl literally features her vocals. But maybe you knew this fact even beforehand from her shower scene in Elf. 

Jess’s singing ability is purely a personality trait. So her featured vocals with Robby during their singles retreat offered everyone else a treat around the campfire with their rendition of Toto’s song ‘Africa.’

Jess took the harmony on this one, and we’re glad she did because, as Cece said, it was electric.

14. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Fresh Off the Boat 6×10)

Is it really a Christmas episode without Christmas songs?

Jessica’s intricate dream of a Charles Dicken’s-esque town with her as the main character singing Christmas carols is everything we didn’t know we needed. 

The costume and set really increased the value of this performance and provided the perfect Christmas spirit. 

15. Is You or Is You Ain’t My Baby (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 3×03)

Reggie and Shy Baldwin took the stage to participate in a friendly singing battle, putting a modern twist on the 1943 Rythm and Blues original.

Although Leroy McClain, who plays Shy Baldwin, is dubbed over by Broadway actor Darius de Haas, Sterling K. Brown performs all of his own vocals.

It makes us wonder why Sterling K. Brown hasn’t sung on This Is Us. His voice was incredibly smooth. 

16. 9 to 5 (Younger 6×01)

After a work tiff, Liza and Kelsey used a Dolly Parton song to apologize to Diana and win her back. It worked, and it didn’t take long before the boss ladies were belting the lyrics arm in arm. 

With all the talk about a Younger musical, if this musical number doesn’t prove its success, then Broadway’s missing out. 

17. Total Eclipse of the Heart (Modern Family 9×01)

Jay’s family lakehouse trip didn’t go exactly as planned. And while he mourned the reality that his family might not be as close as he wanted, they came together to show him just how much he’d done for them.

Definitely not a perfectly tuned version of the classic song, but seeing the family enjoy quality time together and spontaneously burst into song was sweet.

They showed the real bonding power of music. And arguably, the scene would’ve been a beautiful ending to the entire show. 

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What are some of your favorite musical moments from TV shows? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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