The Best New TV Shows Starring Musicians

The television landscape has shifted significantly as more recording artists transition from the stage to the small screen. These musicians bring unique perspectives and natural charisma to their roles which often enhances the storytelling in contemporary series. Whether they are playing fictionalized versions of themselves or entirely new characters these performers have proven their versatility. This list explores several recent and popular shows where musical icons take center stage to showcase their acting range.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021–)

Selena Gomez stars as Mabel Mora who lives in an upscale apartment complex in New York City. She teams up with two older neighbors to investigate a mysterious death that occurs in their building. The trio records a podcast while they gather clues and uncover secrets about their fellow residents. This series blends comedy with mystery while exploring the connections between strangers living in the same space.

‘The Idol’ (2023)

Pop star Abel Tesfaye known as The Weeknd stars in this drama about the music industry and its dark underbelly. He plays a modern day cult leader who develops a complicated relationship with an aspiring pop idol. The series explores themes of fame and power within the high stakes world of entertainment. It features a cast of real world musicians and industry professionals to enhance its gritty atmosphere.

‘Dave’ (2020–2023)

Rapper Dave Burd better known as Lil Dicky plays a fictionalized version of himself in this comedic series. The show follows a neurotic man who is convinced that he is destined to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. He must navigate the complexities of the music business while balancing his personal relationships and mental health. The series provides an inside look at the modern rap industry through a humorous and often surreal lens.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

Donald Glover stars as Earnest Marks a young man trying to manage the rap career of his cousin in the city of Atlanta. The show follows the duo as they navigate the local music scene and face various social and economic challenges. It became widely acclaimed for its surreal humor and insightful commentary on race and culture. Glover who also performs music as Childish Gambino brought a unique creative vision to the project.

‘Girls5eva’ (2021–)

Grammy winner Sara Bareilles stars as a member of a one hit wonder girl group from the late nineties. The members reunite decades later to give their musical dreams one more shot in the modern world. They must balance their adult responsibilities with the demands of a changing industry that has largely forgotten them. The series features original songs and parodies the tropes of pop music history.

‘Queens’ (2021–2022)

This musical drama stars hip hop legends Eve and Brandy as former members of a famous female rap group. After years of estrangement the women attempt to recapture their former glory by reuniting for a comeback. Each character faces personal struggles including health issues and family conflicts that complicate their professional return. The show highlights the legacy of women in hip hop through powerful performances and original tracks.

‘Power Book II: Ghost’ (2020–2024)

Mary J. Blige plays a powerful and ruthless matriarch who runs a drug empire in this popular spin off series. Her character Monet Tejada must protect her family interests while navigating dangerous alliances and rivalries. The show explores the consequences of past actions as the characters strive for power and survival in New York City. Blige received critical praise for her portrayal of a woman determined to maintain control at any cost.

‘Yellowstone’ (2018–)

Country music artist Ryan Bingham appears as Walker an itinerant ranch hand and former convict. His character provides a musical presence on the ranch by frequently performing songs for the other cowboys. Walker often finds himself at odds with the strict rules and violent culture of the Dutton family land. Bingham brings an authentic western sensibility to the role through his acting and his songwriting.

‘Rap Sh!t’ (2022–2023)

Rapper KaMillion stars as an aspiring artist who forms a rap duo with her high school friend in Miami. The series explores the challenges of going viral and the realities of the music industry in the age of social media. The characters struggle to maintain their authenticity while seeking fame and financial success. It offers a fresh perspective on the hustle required to make it as a female rapper today.

‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ (2019–2023)

Rapper Dave East portrays Method Man in this scripted dramatization of the formation of the Wu Tang Clan. The series follows the group members as they navigate the crime infested streets of New York in the early nineties. It shows how they eventually turned to music as a way to escape their circumstances and build a global brand. The show emphasizes the brotherhood and artistic innovation that defined the iconic collective.

‘Mood’ (2022)

Nicôle Lecky stars in this British series based on her own stage play about an aspiring singer and rapper. The story follows Sasha as she navigates the world of social media influencers and the pressures of the modern music scene. She moves out of her family home and finds herself caught in a cycle of precarious work and digital fame. The show incorporates original music to express the inner thoughts and ambitions of the main character.

‘Genius’ (2017–)

Cynthia Erivo who is a celebrated singer and Broadway performer stars in the third season of this anthology series. She portrays the legendary Aretha Franklin as she rises from a gospel singer to the Queen of Soul. The series details her artistic struggles and her involvement in the civil rights movement during the mid twentieth century. Erivo performs many of the classic songs herself to showcase the vocal power of the musical icon.

‘BMF’ (2021–)

Snoop Dogg has a recurring role as a spiritual advisor and pastor in this crime drama based on a true story. The series follows two brothers who rose from the streets of Detroit to become major figures in national drug trafficking. It explores the intersection of family loyalty and the pursuit of the American dream through illegal means. Snoop Dogg brings a charismatic presence to his character who offers guidance to the protagonists.

‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (2024–)

Donald Glover returns to television as a secret agent who enters into a marriage of convenience for a high stakes assignment. He and his partner must complete dangerous missions while navigating the complexities of their fabricated relationship. The series redefines the original premise by focusing on the emotional development and chemistry between the two leads. Glover serves as a co creator and executive producer on this modern reimagining of the concept.

‘The Vince Staples Show’ (2024–)

Vince Staples stars as himself in this satirical series that explores his daily life and surreal encounters. Each episode presents a different scenario where the rapper finds himself in awkward or dangerous situations. The show utilizes a deadpan sense of humor to critique celebrity culture and social norms. Staples brings his signature wit and perspective to this unconventional television project.

‘Entergalactic’ (2022)

Kid Cudi stars as the voice of a young artist named Jabari who moves into a dream apartment in New York City. The animated special follows his journey as he balances professional success with a new romantic connection. It features a unique visual style and a soundtrack composed of new music from Kid Cudi himself. The story explores the intersection of art and love within a vibrant urban landscape.

‘Monarch’ (2022)

Country singer Trace Adkins stars as the patriarch of a fictional first family of country music. The drama follows the Roman family as they fight to protect their legacy and maintain their status in the industry. Secrets from the past threaten to destroy their reputation and their multi million dollar empire. The show features numerous performances and guest appearances from real world country music stars.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–)

Dominic Fike joined the cast of this intense teen drama as a character named Elliot who becomes involved with the main protagonists. He is a musician in real life and his character often plays the guitar and sings during his scenes. The show follows a group of high school students as they struggle with addiction and identity in the digital age. Fike brought a relaxed and musical energy to the often chaotic atmosphere of the series.

‘The Righteous Gemstones’ (2019–)

Country artist Jennifer Nettles plays the late matriarch of a famous and wealthy family of televangelists. She appears in flashback sequences that provide context for the history and motivations of the Gemstone family. The series satirizes the world of mega churches and the greed that often accompanies large scale religious organizations. Nettles brings a soulful and grounding presence to the comedic and often absurd narrative.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022–)

Audra McDonald stars as Dorothy Scott in this historical drama set in New York City during the late nineteenth century. Her character is the mother of an aspiring writer and a member of the black elite in Brooklyn. The series explores the social hierarchies and conflicts between old money and new wealth during a period of rapid change. McDonald is a legendary singer and actress who brings depth and elegance to this period piece.

‘Physical’ (2021–2023)

Zooey Deschanel stars as Sheila Rubin a woman who finds a sense of empowerment through aerobics in the nineteen eighties. She navigates the pressures of being a housewife while building a fitness empire from the ground up. The series uses a dark comedic tone to explore internal struggles and the societal expectations placed on women. Deschanel who is also part of the musical duo She and Him delivers a complex performance in this character study.

‘Schmigadoon!’ (2021–2023)

Ariana DeBose and Dove Cameron both known for their musical backgrounds star in this parody of classic stage musicals. The show follows a couple who becomes trapped in a magical town where everyone acts as if they are in a nineteen forties musical. They must find true love to escape while participating in various song and dance numbers. The series celebrates and critiques the tropes of musical theater through high energy performances.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Mary J. Blige appeared in the first season of this superhero series as a ruthless time traveling assassin named Cha Cha. She and her partner are tasked with tracking down members of a dysfunctional family of superpowered siblings. The show follows the siblings as they try to prevent an impending apocalypse while dealing with their shared trauma. Blige displayed her ability to play a formidable and physically demanding role in this action oriented drama.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Jussie Smollett and Bryshere Y. Gray star as the sons of a music mogul who are competing to take over the family business. The series focuses on the power struggles within a massive hip hop and entertainment company based in Chicago. It features a rotating cast of real life musicians and original songs produced specifically for the television screen. The drama explores the intersection of family loyalty and the cutthroat nature of the music industry.

‘Star’ (2016–2019)

Queen Latifah stars as a salon owner and surrogate mother to three young women trying to start a girl group. The series follows the aspiring singers as they navigate the music business in Atlanta while dealing with personal hardships. It features original songs and musical sequences that highlight the talent of the main cast members. Queen Latifah provides a veteran presence and musical expertise to the show as it depicts the realities of seeking stardom.

‘Bel-Air’ (2022–)

Jabari Banks stars as Will Smith in this dramatic reimagining of the classic nineteen nineties sitcom. Banks is a musician in his own right and brings a modern sensibility to the iconic role of a teenager from West Philadelphia. The series explores deeper themes of class and race as Will moves into the wealthy neighborhood of Bel Air. It maintains the core premise while adding a serious tone and contemporary cultural references.

‘Swarm’ (2023)

Billie Eilish makes her acting debut in this psychological thriller about the dangers of extreme fandom. She plays a mysterious cult leader who encounters a young woman obsessed with a fictional pop star. The series critiques the obsessive nature of internet fan culture and the lengths people go to for their idols. It features a unique visual style and explores the darker side of modern celebrity worship.

‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ (2023)

Suki Waterhouse stars as a keyboardist in a famous seventies rock band that experiences a meteoric rise and a sudden fall. The series is presented as a documentary featuring interviews with the band members decades after their peak. It explores the creative friction and romantic tensions that defined the group during their most successful era. Waterhouse who is a real life musician brings an authentic stage presence to the fictional band.

‘Top Boy’ (2011–2023)

The rapper Kano stars as Sully a lead figure in a London drug syndicate who struggles with the violence of his lifestyle. The series depicts the harsh realities of urban life and the constant struggle for power in the criminal underworld. Several other musicians including Little Simz and Dave appear in significant roles throughout the various seasons. The show received praise for its realistic portrayal of the connection between the street and the music scene.

‘Turn Up Charlie’ (2019)

Idris Elba stars as a struggling DJ who becomes a manny for his famous best friend’s young daughter. Elba is an accomplished real world DJ and musician which adds an element of authenticity to his performance. The show follows his character as he tries to restart his musical career while managing his new domestic responsibilities. It is a lighthearted comedy that explores the balance between professional ambition and personal connections.

‘Blindspotting’ (2021–2023)

Rafael Casal who is a rapper and spoken word artist stars in this series based on the film he co wrote with Daveed Diggs. The story follows a woman who must move in with her boyfriend’s mother after he is suddenly incarcerated. It uses heightened elements like choreography and verse to explore the emotional lives of characters in Oakland. Casal brings his background in performance and music to the unique storytelling style of the show.

‘The Get Down’ (2016–2017)

Shameik Moore and several other young performers star in this vibrant drama about the birth of hip hop in the Bronx. The series follows a group of teenagers who find their voice through music and art during the late nineteen seventies. It features a blend of historical facts and fictional narrative to capture the energy of the era. The show was executive produced by musical legends who ensured the soundtrack and performances were culturally accurate.

‘Pistol’ (2022)

Anson Boon stars as Johnny Rotten in this limited series about the rise of the influential punk band the Sex Pistols. The show follows the band from their humble beginnings to their brief and chaotic period of global fame. It explores the social and political landscape of Britain in the nineteen seventies that fueled the punk movement. The actors underwent extensive musical training to perform the iconic songs of the band with authentic energy.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2019)

Zoe Kravitz stars as Bonnie Carlson a yoga instructor and bohemian mother living in the wealthy community of Monterey. Kravitz is a musician who leads the band Lolawolf and she brings a calm and observant presence to the series. The show follows a group of women whose lives are connected by a mysterious murder investigation. It explores themes of domestic life and secrets hidden behind the facade of perfection.

‘Dickinson’ (2019–2021)

Wiz Khalifa appears as the character Death in this modernized and surreal take on the life of poet Emily Dickinson. His character arrives in a horse drawn carriage to provide wisdom and perspective to the young protagonist. The series uses contemporary music and language to bridge the gap between the nineteenth century and the present day. Khalifa brings a cool and enigmatic energy to his recurring role throughout the three seasons.

Tell us which musician-led television show is your personal favorite in the comments.