20 best original songs from TV, from The Simpsons to Empire

Everybody loves a good musical number, and these are the greatest. Here are 20 shows with the best original music or songs.

I don’t know about you guys, but I downright love it when a character on my favorite show bursts into song. I love it even more when the music is clever and funny, without betraying the integrity of the show. The series on this list does this very thing, offering the most iconic original music on TV, with each show having one specific song that really stands out.

I know some folks don’t love a break from the norm, but if done right, the insertion of an original song can make a good show great, or a mediocre show watchable. In some cases, the songs might even be a regular occurrence — which means that the quality has to be there consistently or risk even more criticism than just doing a bad song once.

Whether the show uses the music to further a particular plot point or as a vehicle to enhance the storytelling, these shows did it right. I hope there is something for everyone on this list, but if I’ve missed your favorite tune, tweet me and let me know what I missed.