Need some binge-worthy TV to help get you through the current climate? Look no further than our favourite music-orientated series!
Top Boy
18 episodes, 3 seasons
This Netflix crime drama is star-studded! Produced by Drake, this gangster-orientated series is set in Hackney, East London and features a cast of rappers and artists Kano, Dave, Asher D, Little Simz and Scorcher. The fast-paced drama will keep you hooked while pointing out some of our favourite rap stars along the way.
Available on Netflix
Black Mirror: Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too
Episode 3, season 5
Black Mirror has opened our eyes to the potential future humans could face in parallel universes (or our own if we’re not careful…) throughout each episode of the anthology series. From webcam spies to social media likes, we’ve seen how technology has the power to destroy lives, and in Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too, AI in music is in the spotlight. The most recent season finale tells the tale of pop star Ashley O (Miley Cyrus), who is heavily controlled by her momager, and has just released a series of AI dolls called Ashley Too. However, after a tragic scandal takes place, fans Rachel and Jack’s Ashley Too gains its own consciousness and it’s up to the trio to uncover the truth as the episode questions the authenticity of the use of AI in music.
Available on Netflix
Pose
18 episodes, 2 seasons
Set in the 80s and 90s, this musical drama encapsulates the essence of the underground subculture of predominately black and LGBT+ ballroom dancers in New York. Along with their dance competitions, members of the community are also left to face homophobia, transphobia and racism that was rife at the time. From the birth of the Vogue pose to AIDs activism, there are so many things we owe to the original icons of this era that many don’t even know about.
Available on Netflix
The Defiant Ones
4 episodes, 1 season
This documentary series shines a light on the behind the scenes of creating Beats Electronics. Founded by rapper Dr. Dre and entrepreneur/record label executive Jimmy Iovine, the HBO series takes viewers through both men’s journeys through separate sides of the industry and how they eventually came to create their famous products and eventually signed a major deal with Apple. It also features exclusive interviews from the likes of Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Nicks, Bono and Trent Reznor, adding personal anecdotes from this momentous period.
Available on Netflix
The Get Down
11 episodes, 1 season
Set in the Bronx, New York in the 1970s, we see a group of teens witness the rise of disco and hip hop in this big budget musical drama. Desperate to be a part of the developing scene, characters range from poets and aspiring DJs to graffiti artists who all have other obstacles to overcome. Featuring real news clips and footage from the time, this theatrical take of the time comes with credible snippets of the era’s reality.
Available on Netflix
Vinyl
10 episodes, 1 season
Co-created by Mick Jagger, Martin Scorsese, Rich Cohen and Terence Winter, this HBO series is centred around American Century Records in the 1970s. It shows label founder Richie Finestra fight to save the company during tough times, all while enjoying the highs of the sex, drugs and rock n roll era. However, an allegation of the worst degree leads Finestra’s life and career to spiral even further.
Available on YouTube Premium
Empire
98 episodes, 6 seasons
When Luscious Lyon, the CEO of hip-hop major label Empire Entertainment is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he’s forced to choose a predecessor to take over when the time comes. Pitting his three sons against each other for the title while his ex-wife tries her hand at getting a slice, trouble ensues. Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Rita Ora and Patti LaBelle, plenty of original tracks stem from the industry-focused show.
Available on YouTube Premium
My Mad Fat Diary
16 episodes, 3 seasons
Based on Rae Earl’s book My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary released in 2007, this wonderfully funny, emotional and nostalgic series is everything you could want to in a TV show. Set in 1998, it follows the life of Rae, a 16 year old from Lincolnshire who’s trying to integrate back into reality after a four-month stint in a mental hospital. However, this reality includes her mother’s new husband, friendship scandals and trying to get Finn to fancy her back, all soundtracked by the likes of The Verve, The Stone Roses, Pulp, The Smiths and New Order.
Available on All4
Nashville
124 episodes, 6 seasons
Set in the fictional music capital of the US, Nashville follows country legend Rayna James into her fall from grace and her attempts to keep up with the ever-developing scene. Struggling to fill arenas and sell records as she used to, Rayna must find a way to make a comeback while battling younger talent as her husband runs for Mayor of Nashville. Watch as country music and politics collide in this dramatic affair with a grand soundtrack.
Available on YouTube Premium
Glee
121 episodes, 6 seasons
Here’s what you missed on GLEE!
What better way to take your mind off what’s going on in the world than faked pregnancies, teenagers eloping and Jesus appearing in some grilled cheese?! If you missed out on the Glee hype from 2009-2015, why not catch up with William McKinley High’s group of singing misfits who caused the revival of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’? They’ve covering over 700 popular songs from ‘…Baby One More Time’ by Britney to their own rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in competitions and rehearsals, all narrating their crazy storylines. The most unrealistic musical comedy drama out there, this series is sure to get you singing along to some great throwback tunes without a care in the world!
Available on Netflix
Nashville
124 episodes, 6 seasons
Set in the fictional music capital of the US, Nashville follows country legend Rayna James into her fall from grace and her attempts to keep up with the ever-developing scene. Struggling to fill arenas and sell records as she used to, Rayna must find a way to make a comeback while battling younger talent as her husband runs for Mayor of Nashville. Watch as country music and politics collide in this dramatic affair with a grand soundtrack.
Available on YouTube Premium
The Mighty Boosh
20 episodes, 3 seasons
This weird and wonderful series is so surreal, it’ll certainly whisk your mind away to a zoo far away. Everyone’s favourite goth Noel Fielding is joined by Julian Barratt as two aspiring musicians working at a zoo alongside the mystical alien shaman Naboo and gorilla Bollo. Featuring indescribable scenes and original funny songs to soundtrack their wacky adventures, there’s really no show like it!
Available on Netflix
Got any TV recommendations for us? Tweet us @gigsandtours!