I am part of the generation that obsessed over HSM. Yes, I watched them all as a kid. I liked the music, but never really got extremely into it. This may be an unpopular opinion, but this show is way better.
It is like a PG version of GLEE, but I'll confidently say it's better than that show ever was. The actors are good, acutely believable for high schoolers too. A lot of them have great voices and great chemistry together.
I started watching this with my friend who's never seen HSM; we thought it would be a joke. Yet, both of us where pleasantly surprised and got sucked into it. I'm not ashamed to say I'm excited for the next season, and I hope these actors get the chance to prove their potential.
Once again, a Disney+ original does not fail!
101 Reviews
Great!
tomi152219 January 2020
This show isn't trying to be high school musical, and it shouldn't. They made a great Easy to watch teens series, that fits to young adults (and young in heart) who grew up watching the original high school musical. Just right, great cast (Nini is awesome ), no complains.
It's HARMLESS.
samueldo-167149 November 2019
Honestly there's really NOTHING to be mad about because it doesn't destroy the original HSM storyline or anything. It is it's OWN show. It's humorous and lots of heart. Talented group of young actors! The mockumentary style is a PLUS!
Happily Surprised!
dessysamuel9 November 2019
This mockumentry style of filming only solidifies my belief: This show is the love child of Glee and the Office. And if that sounds interesting to you, you should definitely give HSMTMTS a try. And because this show is for the Disney+ streaming platform and not just Disney Channel, there was a certain maturity to the show that (excitingly) makes me believe that it's demographic isn't just kids who currently watch Disney, but for people who grew up with High School Musical. It's funny without being forced, and a refreshing new take on an established franchise.
It's not High School Musical
SanciR31 December 2019
It's not High School Musical, but it's not meant to be. Honestly, this show is exactly what it's supposed to be: an homage to a classic series that tries to do its their own thing. It's a cute Disney show with teen drama, talented kids and decent humor. With most Disney shows you usually can't expect a lot but this show actually adds in decent LGBT representation, a diverse cast (speaking both of body types and races), and the original music is not bad either.
This is a must watch for teenagers and people who like encouraging young talent!
This is a must watch for teenagers and people who like encouraging young talent!
honestly, it's amazing
barbarosiethea12 January 2020
Unexpectedly Enjoyable!
jogre177 December 2019
To start, I almost had no interest in even watching this show originally because I thought it was just going to be childish and cheesey. Then I decided to give it a shot and boy I can tell you that it's by no means boring or bad. It is clearly cheesey, but the show is well aware of that and firmly embraces it. The acting is really good actually, specifically the kids. I'm actually more invested in this show more than I should be, honestly. It is definitely a good time, especially if you are just looking for something lighthearted and fun.
Extremely talented cast, terrible writing!
catfleming31 July 2021
I got so invested in season 1, as did the rest of America, with the love triangle and the HSM references. However, season 2 had neither of those things and was borderline unbearable to watch. In both seasons episodes had nothing to do with each other, there was no clear plot or direction, and so many unnecessary dead end storylines.
Giving it a 4 star review because every single actor/actress was amazing and I believe they will all go far in their careers.
Giving it a 4 star review because every single actor/actress was amazing and I believe they will all go far in their careers.
Give it a Try!
samconkt1 December 2019
This show was surprising! When first seeing that HSM would become a series I was very against the idea. The show is a fun experience, with new characters who have interesting personalities than other Disney Channel shows. High School Musical: The Musical- The Series feels fresh and new, with a new humor to it. The series documentary feel adds a humorous effect to it as well. The show appeals to children as well as adults!
Season one is better then two
gracewalliss19 July 2021
Series Starts FAirly Strong in Season 1 and Fades Fast in Season 2
spasek7 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'd decided to give this series a chance after seeing mostly positive reviews. As a fan of the first and third High School Musical films, I thought that perhaps I was on to something.
For me, if a musical is going to be memorable, it has to have great songs. I don't care if the plot isn't as strong, but if the songs are there, then you've got me hooked. Some musicals have both, such as "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," "An American in Paris," "The Sound of Music," or even more recently for me, "The Greatest Showman." The first High School musical had a few good songs. The second one didn't have any, and the third was loaded.
This is a series that seems to work better as a comedy-drama than a musical. Most of the songs on this series--and I'm not talking about the ones they copy from High School Musical or Beauty and the Beast, are mostly forgettable. Frankly, none of the songs, nor most of the singers reach the same compatible level as Efron, Hudgens, Tisdale, or the rest of the original cast. Most of the songs feel like they were written by amateurs off of youtube. Disney should have hired some quality writers.
The show does have some decent storylines, however. In Season 1, especially, there's enough plot to keep the viewer vested. By Season 2, the show descends into a soap opera rollercoaster with a ridiculous plot element of two schools competing for money, which is silly.
Sofia Wylie (Gina) gets the most props from me as a super all-around talent. She's easily the best dancer of the cast, and she is the only character who gives her character real depth. She was easily my favorite.
Julia Lester and Dara Renee are the best singers by a longshot of the group.
Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett have obvious chemistry but little else. The writers decided to bathe the two actors in a sea of immaturity and teen angst that is as tiresome as watching a Hallmark movie. Nini is all about getting viewers on Instagram. Ricky is all about crying over his girlfriend, his mom, and anything else that doesn't happen to go his way. Neither are particularly strong actors either, and they stand out badly against the better performers.
Perhaps the worst of all is Kate Reinders (Miss Jenn), who acts like she's a cross between Michael Scott (The Office) and Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation). I'm not sure who decided that it was a good idea to be a 10th-rate performer by ripping off two classic characters. Is it because Disney also went that route by trying to go the mockumentary path? Her character is nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating. Half of her facial expressions look as if her head is about to explode. She tries to be funny, but most of the time it is cringeworthy bad.
I realize that today's "Hollywood" is doing its best to re-create and ride the coattails of past successes. Disney clearly lacks any creative writers who can simply write something original. That industry is all but dead. The Koreans easily own the best entertainment industry on the planet right now, with some of the best TV shows and movies. Perhaps Disney should consider hiring some of them to write.
Obviously, after an abysmal Season 2, I have no desire to punish myself by watching the next one. This series, like so many others from Disney (most of the Marvel and Star Wars series), is lukewarm at best. I'll be sticking with the Korean shows on Netflix, which are infinitely superior is just about every way.
For me, if a musical is going to be memorable, it has to have great songs. I don't care if the plot isn't as strong, but if the songs are there, then you've got me hooked. Some musicals have both, such as "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," "An American in Paris," "The Sound of Music," or even more recently for me, "The Greatest Showman." The first High School musical had a few good songs. The second one didn't have any, and the third was loaded.
This is a series that seems to work better as a comedy-drama than a musical. Most of the songs on this series--and I'm not talking about the ones they copy from High School Musical or Beauty and the Beast, are mostly forgettable. Frankly, none of the songs, nor most of the singers reach the same compatible level as Efron, Hudgens, Tisdale, or the rest of the original cast. Most of the songs feel like they were written by amateurs off of youtube. Disney should have hired some quality writers.
The show does have some decent storylines, however. In Season 1, especially, there's enough plot to keep the viewer vested. By Season 2, the show descends into a soap opera rollercoaster with a ridiculous plot element of two schools competing for money, which is silly.
Sofia Wylie (Gina) gets the most props from me as a super all-around talent. She's easily the best dancer of the cast, and she is the only character who gives her character real depth. She was easily my favorite.
Julia Lester and Dara Renee are the best singers by a longshot of the group.
Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett have obvious chemistry but little else. The writers decided to bathe the two actors in a sea of immaturity and teen angst that is as tiresome as watching a Hallmark movie. Nini is all about getting viewers on Instagram. Ricky is all about crying over his girlfriend, his mom, and anything else that doesn't happen to go his way. Neither are particularly strong actors either, and they stand out badly against the better performers.
Perhaps the worst of all is Kate Reinders (Miss Jenn), who acts like she's a cross between Michael Scott (The Office) and Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation). I'm not sure who decided that it was a good idea to be a 10th-rate performer by ripping off two classic characters. Is it because Disney also went that route by trying to go the mockumentary path? Her character is nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating. Half of her facial expressions look as if her head is about to explode. She tries to be funny, but most of the time it is cringeworthy bad.
I realize that today's "Hollywood" is doing its best to re-create and ride the coattails of past successes. Disney clearly lacks any creative writers who can simply write something original. That industry is all but dead. The Koreans easily own the best entertainment industry on the planet right now, with some of the best TV shows and movies. Perhaps Disney should consider hiring some of them to write.
Obviously, after an abysmal Season 2, I have no desire to punish myself by watching the next one. This series, like so many others from Disney (most of the Marvel and Star Wars series), is lukewarm at best. I'll be sticking with the Korean shows on Netflix, which are infinitely superior is just about every way.
A heartfelt and entertaining surprise
juscharles-976624 February 2020
I began watching the first episode of HSMTMTS not really knowing anything about it. I thought it was going to be a remake of the original series without all the cheesy heart that made those movies so beloved to millenials and early gen-z (my generation). This is not your typical heartless Disney remake banished to a streaming service however.
The show takes place in East High, the actual high school where the original HSM movies were shot. The plot follows the East High drama dept (and as a drama geek myself, I was so happy to see high school theatre accurately portrayed on screen) as they put on a production of High School Musical.
The drama in this show is handled really well, especially with leading man Ricky Bowen, whose arc throughout the series had me tearing up more than once. Nini's character also goes through the very relatable arc of every high schooler of trying to figure out who she is in this world and what she really wants.
My main issue with this show is that aside from a few other characters (Ms. Jenn, EJ, and Gina), the rest of the characters feel like they are there simply because they needed somebody to fill those roles for the musical. That's not a discredit to the actors, who all do an amazing job. I just don't think the 20-25 minute run-time per episode left much time for them, which is somewhat disappointing because there was a lot of potential for some great character moments with all of them, not to say there weren't any. I just don't think there were enough.
This will find its audience
nancyldraper30 November 2019
I think this is going to find its audience. A beloved High School concept. Talented cast. Good music. High School drama. Lots of fun. I've already heard one High Schooler's rave review. I give this series a 7 (good) out of 10. {High School Musical}
A M A Z I N G
kaf-399284 January 2020
I'm 16. I was raised on HSM and Disney Channel. At first when this came out I thought it looked dumb...but I decided to watch it anyway, thinking it would be happy optimistic as Disney shows often are. I was right. But this show is also so much more REAL than any other TV show. You have a boy who's parents are getting divorced, LGBTQ+ kids figuring out who they are, stupid decisions, ALL kinds of things. As someone who is heavily involved in chorus and is a HUGE theatre nerd and who happens to be bisexual and transgender, this is what I've been waiting for for years. The representation is incredible. The music is OUTSTANDING. The actors range from 15-23 and play their roles amazingly. I never thought Disney Channel would come as far as to have a 16 year old boy in a PRIDE shirt, but I am so proud.
No matter how good you think it will/won't be, GO WATCH THIS SHOW. It's beautiful and TS real and it's relatable. It's amazing
No matter how good you think it will/won't be, GO WATCH THIS SHOW. It's beautiful and TS real and it's relatable. It's amazing
Great Format False Documentary!
Antonio_Martilotti24 May 2021
An unmissable show for a young audience!
There is clearly a touch of the old guard.
The photography department is almost similar to the old High School Musicals.
A very next generator script.
The fake documentary format is cool. It is very well structured.
Unfortunately, however, it is not possible to define this work as a masterpiece.
Simply because it is a stereotype with a thousand references to the new rules of political correctness.
What hurt my eyes is the use of an ugly color and very unsightly shots.
7/10 Deserved!
-Antonio.
There is clearly a touch of the old guard.
The photography department is almost similar to the old High School Musicals.
A very next generator script.
The fake documentary format is cool. It is very well structured.
Unfortunately, however, it is not possible to define this work as a masterpiece.
Simply because it is a stereotype with a thousand references to the new rules of political correctness.
What hurt my eyes is the use of an ugly color and very unsightly shots.
7/10 Deserved!
-Antonio.
Nostalgia at its finest!
sims-983-91135326 December 2019
Love the way this is made, love the characters and the actors. I was invested after the first episode. Growing up on the original high school musical movies I did not know this show was something that I needed. This show made my year!
It's good for what it is!
thom-charline11 November 2019
Familiar?
anip-3942117 November 2019
So basically a kid friendly version of glee ?
Two gay moms, lots of singing, a theatre club, teen high school drama, the songs and even the drum rolls are reminiscent of glee, although the twist of it being "high school musical" the musical from which the original high school movies were filmed with the added mockumentary style commentary makes it entertaining enough, I'm not sure how the premise will continue once the musical is over
Fun.
chelsie1983-118 November 2019
Love the HSM movie, and also love glee and the office which many are drawing comparisons to. Therefore can't go wrong! Also, I like that it's not just a regurgitation of the mi ie as it has it's own plot. I found it amusing that it is a series about a school where a movie was filmed putting on a play about that movie, which is about putting on a play. :)
I've only seen the first episode
kyleczzowitz13 November 2019
They are taking an office show approach to it which is kinda cool. But I've only seen the first episode and I'll have to wait for more to release to give my final verdict. But I chose 6 for now because, the first episode was just so in your face and a little cringy but it brought back good memories and I'm hoping for more character development
Subpar show with potential and good rep, but execution is poor
marisadogs8 December 2019
I was excited about there being a new Disney series based on High School Musical, a movie that was my entire childhood. Knowing that some of my favorite Disney Channel actors and actresses were on here too made me even more excited to watch it. My friends were all telling me how good this show was and I decided to give it a shot and watched a few minutes of one of the episodes with my sister. It's pretty corny and cringy - the Nini-Gina "rivalry" that is included is really unnecessary and honestly made me cringe more and made me more uninterested. For me, it doesn't accurately represent high schoolers today and overall the show is pretty dull. I was half asleep by the middle of the episode; it just isn't that compelling to watch and it's kind of unoriginal. Like the director, trying to be that stereotypical "cool mom"? Makes me cringe twice as hard. However, on the better end, there is a great amount of POC and LGBTQ+ rep - Nini has two moms, girls seem to take on an important role in the show, so A+ for that. I think the show does have a lot of potential, but the way they executed all of this was pretty poor. The creators kind of just took famous ideas from popular TV shows and squished them into this TV show. I like the concept of a mockumentary, but agreeing with quite of other reviewers on here, the transition to "personal thought interviews" like The Office does seem kind of unnatural for a show like this. In my opinion, a pause and just like a voiceover would be more effective. I think I could watch it again if it improves, but here's my two cents for now.
Unexpectedly funny
nrayyan-0834120 November 2019
It was rough getting through the beginning of the first episode due to the legacy of the HSM trilogy, however after watching a few more scene I began to enjoy it. The forth wall breaking is what hooked me in this show however I wished that it was more acknowledge. The talking heads are fine however I think it would benefit from a tighter shot. A show that executed this excellently was The Office. Tighter shots allow for the viewer to see the small details of the person and helps me connect with the characters. This Office-Glee hybrid has been really enjoyable with great characters, however definitely needs some more refinement.
What happened?
cgdtpmqq22 August 2021
Season 1 was fantastic and it made me an instant fan. After patiently waiting for season 2 to get better, I ended up being pretty turned off by the show. I just found this season really boring and uneventful. Also why don't they even show the full musical that they work up to all season? Two extra episodes were added this season and I thought they did about nothing to add more to the storyline. They felt like filler episodes. Really disappointing because I loved season 1 so much. Probably won't be watching any more seasons.
Not a bad show!
hannah-8373314 December 2019
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