We’re all in this together! And by “this” I mean we’re all in on the Disney+ Streaming Service. Have you signed up yet? You’re going to want to do that ASAP. It’s launching on November 12 and the biggest question is: What to watch first on Disney+? Here’s why we think High School Musical: The Musical: The Series should be on your Disney Plus day 1 watch list.
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What To Watch First On Disney+: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
This is the most anticipated series on Disney+ – and don’t come at me with the, but, The Mandalorian… stuff. I mean, that’s going to be good, but this one? It’s confirmed greatness. By me.
Look, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is going to be the hit of the Disney+ streaming service and you’ll want to go ahead and get on board with this one.
We’ve had a sneak peek of the series and are sharing our review for you today. But if you need the TL:DR version of the review: it’s a playmaker.
About High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The 10-episode scripted series, set at the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, follows a group of students as they countdown to the opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.”
With meta-references and some docu-style elements, it’s a modern take on the “classic” from 13 years ago. Show-mances blossom; friendships are tested, while new ones are made; rivalries flare; songs are sung; and lives are changed forever as these young people discover the transformative power that only high school theater can provide.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” follows East High juniors Ricky and Nini, who just returned from summer camp with a new-found voice, confidence and ambitious boyfriend, E.J. With the help of his best friend, Ricky launches a plan to win back the heart of his ex-girlfriend Nini by auditioning to stage opposite her in the school’s first-ever theatrical production of “High School Musical.”
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Review
I previewed the first episode of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series at D23 Expo. The full cast was at the Expo Panel and answered a lot of questions we had about the reboot of the movies.
And ever since then, I’ve been counting down the days for the release of this series.
I think someone over at Disney shares my excitement because they are showing the first episode on November 8 on ABC. You don’t even have to have Disney+ to see that episode, but after you watch it there’s a good chance you’ll be signing up for Disney+.
What team?
WILDCATS!
Alright, but is the show actually good? And can your family sit down and watch this one?
YES and YES. For the most part, anyway. I do have some age suggestions below.
This series is not a remake of the movies and it doesn’t star a Troy and Gabrielle. And that’s the first thing to know going in; it’s completely not what you expect.
This show is totally meta and it’s extremely self-aware; it recognizes just how big a deal High School Musical was for the generation before and also just how much the current students of East High probably don’t care too much about it.
My favorite aspect of it (besides the references to the original movies) is The Office-style mockumentary.
This is smart, clever, and so well produced finding the right balance of musical numbers with typical teen discussions (and a little drama thrown in).
East High is very 2019 in this show, and that’s what’s going to appeal to the younger audience. There are tons of fun pop culture references and easter eggs harkening back to the original shows that this fangirl is going to have a blast hunting them all up as the show airs.
And it’s got my vote for the most binge-able show on the streaming service.
Unfortunately for me, Disney+ isn’t going to let us binge this one (the series will release episode 1 on the 12th, 2 on the 15th, and one episode every Friday after that) but it’s the thought that counts. This is one fun ride of a series!
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Podcast Review On Now Streaming Disney Plus
Andrea and I don’t agree on everything. And I had concerns that my deep love for the original High School Musical movies might be coloring my love for this series.
She hasn’t seen any of the movies, so this would be a good test of the show. How did she feel about High School Musical: The Musical: The Series?
Take a listen to the Now Streaming Disney Plus podcast to find out.
Parent Review: What Ages Should Watch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+?
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is generally family-friendly, but I’d lean this one toward the teens and tweens in your life.
If you have teens and tweens? You’ll see some of your own family dynamics here. Some good ol’ teen drama and relationship issues, some kissing and hugging as well.
There is a little bit of language in this show, so it’s not completely clean for the younger kids in your house. Think Disney Channel shows that are aimed toward the tweens and you’ll have an idea of the age level for this one.
Is it necessary? Nah. But it is realistic and not too prevalent.
10 and up might be a good indicator for most kids.
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What You Should Watch on Day 1 on Disney+: Encore!
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Patty Holliday is a parent movie reviewer, writer, and podcaster living in the Washington, DC area. Her goal is to bridge the gap between casual fandom and picky critic with parent movie and television reviews. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.