Top 10 television shows that should be musicals

Movie and television writers are not the only people searching for fresh ideas; playwrights also constantly are making new material. Musicals are some of the most popular types of these shows. The combination of music into dialogue brings a unique aspect of storytelling to any tale.

Sometimes, these writers use each other’s material to transfer the same story and characters into a different type of media. For example, The New York Times announced that the reality show Duck Dynasty will have a musical in Las Vegas. Broadway producer Michael David stated, “The Robertsons are so unusual, their story is so juicy, and theater shouldn’t be limited to telling stories about people you resemble or revere.”

Few musicals have been based on television shows. An exception is Happy Days which, according to Happy Days: A New Musical website, is touring in the United Kingdom. This upbeat story features 1950s music, fashion and fun.

However, there are many more television shows which would make great stage productions. Adding romantic ballads, huge group dances or humorous songs makes almost any story even better. Here are just a few of the shows that should be made into musicals whether they have comedic moments, romantic plots, charming characters or epic battles.

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10. The Flintstones – 1960 to 1966

What could be more fun than a prehistoric adventure with goofball Fred, his friend Barney, their more sensible wives and adorable children? This musical would bring back memories for the older audience members while delighting children with slapstick humor and friendly dinosaurs. This idea might even happen in the future. According to Variety, screenwriter and producer Marco Pennette has discussed writing a Flinstones musical. Perhaps one might still appear on Broadway in the near future.

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9. American Idol – 2002 to present

Having a reality television show as a musical might sound odd, but think about how fun it would be to see stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood or Phillip Phillips rise to the top. There would be drama with Pia Toscano’s surprise elimination in season 10 and bickering between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaja. Touching stories, powerful music and behind-the-scenes interaction would make plenty of material for the American Idol show. Plus, everyone wants to finally hear Simon Cowell sing.

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8. Parks and Recreation – 2009 to present

Seeing Amy Poehler’s perky character, Leslie Knope, belt out a showstopper would be just one wonderful element of this musical. Picture all of the quirky characters dancing in their own strange manner. Audiences would be rolling with laughter as Ron Swanson shuffles across the stage and Tom attempts to serenade people into buying his new idea.

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7. How I Meet Your Mother – 2005 to 2014

Musicals about families are popular if The Addams Family Musical, Bye Bye Birdie and Fiddler on the Roof are any example. The play based on How I Meet Your Mother would have this aspect of family as well as some romance, drama and comedic mystery. Neil Patrick Harris’s character, playboy Barney, already brought some music into the television show. His flagrant flirting would make fun musical numbers while the lead Ted would have more romantic ballads as he longs for a woman to stay and love him.

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6. Gilligan’s Island – 1964 to 1967

Few musicals could be more charming than this one about the lovable but odd group stranded on an island. Ginger, the glamorous movie star, would steal the spotlight, while Gilligan would make the audience cry with laughter as he tumbled across the stage. Every character would have some great songs. Sure, it is an older show, but Gilligan’s Island would enchant all ages.

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5. Game of Thrones – 2011 to present

Musicals can be full of drama, violence, scandal and terror. Game of Thrones would be this type of show. Elaborate costumes, fight stunts and complex storylines would echo the television show, but grandiose ballads and lively battle marches would add a new element of majesty. George R. R. Martin, the author, might even be able to write the script to make it even better.

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4. Friends – 1994 to 2004

Comedy with many sweet moments and loveable characters made this show a big hit. The musical would have the same mood and appeal. Rachel and Ross’s sweet duets, Joey’s quirky dances, Chandler’s sarcastic remarks while Monica sings about perfection and Phoebe’s attempts to show off her musical skill would be a few of the fun elements of this play.

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3. Downton Abbey – 2010 to present

Who does not love a sophisticated British accent? The dramatic, classy Downton Abbey would bring Great Britain to stages all over the world. Mary’s romantic entanglements could be made into beautiful songs while Carson the butler might have a piece where he barks at the servants. History, scandals, war, family, romance and a bit of humor would make this a compelling musical.

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2. I Love Lucy – 1951 to 1957

Lucille Ball brought great joy to audiences for years. Her quirky but sweet character, Lucy Ricardo, makes mistakes and causes messes but still manages to make viewers and her husband Ricky fall in love with her. Ricky’s attempts to make it in show business would translate wonderfully to the stage while Lucy’s shenanigans would be hilarious too. This musical would be a great classic television show to bring back again.

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1. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – 1990 to 1996

Many young adults who grew up in the 1990s remember The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with fondness. Think about the joy that would erupt from that fan base if this show became a musical. Rap, hip hop and other fun music genres could mix in this tale of a teenager (played once by Will Smith) who moves from a rough neighborhood to join his wealthy aunt and uncle. Will’s adventures and jokes would captivate audiences as well as bring back great memories.