For Your Streaming Consideration: Disney+ Original
SEASON 1, OVERALL RATING: B+
THE GIST: A new drama teacher decides to put on a stage play of High School Musical, and this new teacher just happens to be at the same school where the movie was filmed. Meanwhile, a young girl named Nini wants to try out for the role of Gabriella while her ex-boyfriend Ricky tries out for the role of Troy in order to impress Nini.
Released: 2019
Rating: TV-PG
Episodes: 10
Available: Disney +
Staring: Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Kate Reinders, Dara Renee, Larry Saperstien, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez
Review: One of Disney+’s first shows in their new streaming service is the new “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”. This show sparked a lot of backlash from fans. One of the main things about this show that people hated was that it had no connection to the original movie trilogy, but it is not a remake. People wanted, I think, more of the story of their favorite characters. But, this show was actually really good, because it goes in a different direction. First, I thought the performances were off the chart. Everyone was great, and their characters were interesting. The show tries to make every character interesting by creating great friendships and storylines. One of the best parts about this show is that the music was outstanding. The show made original songs, and they connect to an episode, and even a character. By episode 3, there are new, catchy songs that (in my opinion) are better than some of the original songs. I would like to say this show was amazing, but there are also a few problems. Every time the show doesn’t focus on anything High School Musical-related It almost feels like this isn’t a show about High School Musical. The show requires a lot of scenes involving the stage play within the show, which is also connected to the movie, and when it doesn’t focus on that the show feels very disconnected from the movie. Some of the characters were underdeveloped leaving a few of them to be very bland. But still this is a great show with great performances, good songs, and interesting characters. The show also tackles some themes–such as friendship, different types of relationships, and other teen issues. Overall, it had a great message for its target audience–teens around my age (I am 15). Give this show a watch even if it does follow too closely to the original. Good, but still not fully the start of something new.