Top 10 Best Musical Numbers in Sitcoms
Top 10 Best Musical Numbers in Sitcoms
A staple of any sitcom is at least one musical number, whether it’s good or bad. Here are 10 of the best good musical numbers from some of my favorite sitcoms.
1. “The Candy Man,” Malcolm in the Middle
Commandant Spangler’s (Daniel von Bargen) idol is coming to visit the military academy, and he wants to make a great impression, so he and the cadets prepare a stunning rendition of “The Candy Man” from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
2. “Ferryman’s Funerals,” WKRP in Cincinnati
The station wins a big advertising account from Ferryman Funeral Homes on the condition that they provide a commercial jingle, so Venus (Tim Reid) leads the gang in recording a catchy tune.
3. “The Mission Song,” 3rd Rock from the Sun
In the final episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun, the gang pile into their classic convertible and prepare to head back to their home planet. In an emotional moment, Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) leads everyone in singing their mission song just before they’re transported.
4. “Lady of Mine,” Frasier
Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Niles (David Hyde Pierce) discover that many years ago, Martin (John Mahoney) wrote a song that he intended to send to Frank Sinatra. They decide to help him finish the song and finally mail it. Meanwhile, their aunt has passed away, and Frasier is tasked with giving the eulogy, but he can’t think of anything nice to say. When Sinatra turns down Martin’s song, Frasier has the church choir perform it at the funeral in lieu of a eulogy.
5. “Danny Boy,” Spin City
Paul (Richard Kind) performs a duet with the mayor (Barry Bostwick) every year at the mayor’s annual costume ball, but this year, James (Alexander Chaplin) wants to sing with the mayor, so the mayor holds auditions to decide who gets to perform with him. James nails his audition with a moving rendition of “Danny Boy.”
6. “My Lovely Horse,” Father Ted
Ted (Dermot Morgan) and Dougal (Ardal O’Hanlon) want to enter the Eurovision song contest, so they write a dreadful song about a horse, which consists of only two notes. While they’re taking a break from songwriting, Dougal plays a record, and Ted decides to steal the song’s tune. The night before the contest, Ted and Dougal dream up a music video for their song.
7. “Born to be Punished,” Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
Ben (H. John Benjamin) finds a photo of Dr. Katz (Jonathan Katz) and his former folk singing partner, which leads Dr. Katz to bust out his guitar and play some of their old songs. During the end credits, Ben says he loves songs where “instead of saying a dirty word at the end, you change it,” and Dr. Katz doesn’t disappoint.
8. “Desk Song,” Just Shoot Me!
To help his daughter, Hannah, take a nap, Jack (George Segal) plays his banjo and sings a song about the things on his desk; Nina (Wendie Malick) interrupts.
9. “When You Wish Upon a Star,” Perfect Strangers
Balki (Bronson Pinchot) confuses Jiminy Cricket with Frank Sinatra. When Cousin Larry (Mark-Linn Baker) corrects him, they randomly burst into a beautiful performance of “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio.”
10. “Ten Cents a Dance,” The Mary Tyler Moore Show
While Phyllis and Mary help Rhoda look for a dress to wear in a beauty contest, Phyllis reminisces about the time she won the talent portion of a beauty contest by singing “Ten Cents a Dance” from the 1930 musical, Simple Simon.
Honorable Mention: “More Than Words,” It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
While hanging out at the bar, the gang performs a decent rendition of “More Than Words” by Extreme until they’re interrupted by Frank (Danny DeVito).