10 TV shows with the best soundtracks that'll turn your living room into a concert

TV shows with the best soundtracks | Images via Prime Video and Netflix
TV shows with the best soundtracks | Images via Prime Video and Netflix

Soundtracks within TV shows have transformed our music listening experience! TV shows now comprise spectacular music, enhancing the thrilling storyline of the narrative. This list includes 10 TV shows, with arguably the best soundtracks, amplifying the event within the narrative and making it more powerful and memorable.

The episodes of the 10 TV shows encompass a wide range of music, including pop, rock, classical, and techno. The soundtracks have their own energy, which may transform a rather ordinary watching experience into a fantastic musical concert.

The article has a list of 10 TV shows with soundtracks that will leave any music lover satisfied and excited!

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.


Here is the list of 10 TV shows with the best soundtracks that'll turn your living room into a concert:

10. Gossip Girl (2007)

Gossip Girl - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Gossip Girl - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Gossip Girl is a television series that follows the lives of wealthy teenagers in New York City, whose lives are chronicled by an anonymous blogger. The music in this series comprises indie, pop, and electronic music. Lana Del Rey, The XX, Robyn, and many others became fans of The Pretty Reckless band.

For example, in Season 5, Episode 6, Gossip Girl utilized Lana Del Rey's track Video Games in the soundtrack. In the scene, Chuck Bass is attempting to honestly apologize to Blair Waldorf while the record plays in the background.

The finest music in this television series also carries the audience on a great emotional and soul-stirring ride. The songs go hand in hand with fashion and drama, and it just feels as though one's own sitting room transforms into an energetic and stylish concert hall with each episode.


9. Stranger Things (2016)

Stranger Things - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Netflix
Stranger Things - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Netflix

Stranger Things is a science fiction thriller TV series set in the 1980s, in which children battle strange monsters. The show's soundtrack includes retro synth and '80s songs. Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein were the original composers of the supernatural synth score.

The song we hear in Season 4, Episode 4 is Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush. Viewers claimed that the track was the best choice for the particular event, as it was played when Max was apprehended by Vecna and about to die. Her friends play this song through her headphones. The music helps her fight back and escape. She runs towards the light while the song plays. The nostalgic and dramatic ambience of the song keeps the listener captivated, as well as highlighting the main event of the episode.

The fact that the soundtrack can combine suspense with familiarity will make your living room vibrate with the zest of an '80s concert.


8. Orange Is the New Black (2013)

Orange Is the New Black - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Orange Is the New Black - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Orange Is the New Black is a drama about the complex lives of women in prison. The soundtracks in the show are the most vibrant music combinations, and they are very enjoyable to hear. It has the magical theme song You've Got Time by Regina Spektor, as well as the soulful music of such iconic musicians as Tom Waits and Kelis. Jenji Kohan (the creator of the show) mentioned,

“I listened to Regina’s albums obsessively ......... immediately thought of her for our theme song."

You've Got Time is played in the opening credits of every episode. The soundtrack, just as memorable as the storyline, evokes a unique sentiment throughout the entire watching experience. It features a blend of numerous interesting artists and genres.


7. Succession (2018)

Succession - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Succession - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Succession is a TV show about an ultra-wealthy family fighting over control of their media empire. Nicholas Britell wrote the classical modern score, which features piano and strings.

On August 9, 2019, Milan Records released the Season 1 soundtrack for this television show. On May 22, 2020, WaterTower Music released the Season 2 soundtrack. In 2019, Nicholas Britell, who composed the entire soundtrack for the series, told Vanity Fair that,

"The score for ‘Succession’ has a similar duality that the show has, which is this combination of elements of absurdity and also a deep gravitas......focused in the media industry."

The score excellently captures the series' dramatic and frightening atmosphere. The music is a blend of sophistication and energy that makes your living room appear like a concert hall in high society, full of passion and energy.


6. The O.C. (2003)

The O.C. - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via HBO Max
The O.C. - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via HBO Max

The O.C. is a TV show about adolescents in an affluent coastal city in California, undergoing issues with family and friendship. The soundtrack features records from the early 2000s indie and alternative rock scene from artists like Death Cab for Cutie and Phantom Planet.

Furthermore, the theme song of the TV show is titled, California by Phantom Planet. The score of this TV show was composed by Christopher Tyng. The soundtrack brings excitement and nostalgia to your family room just as classic rock performances do, and it makes the story unforgettable.


5. Atlanta (2016)

Atlanta - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Atlanta - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Atlanta is a comedy-drama television series about two cousins who attempt to break into the Atlanta music scene. This series was created by Donald Glover and is made of rap and soul music by Atlanta rappers such as Childish Gambino, Young Thug, and Outkast.

Two records titled, Sweet Little Girl, and Evil, by Stevie Wonder appeared in Season 2, Episode 6. Darius and Teddy Perkins engage in a discussion about Wonder's album, Music of My Mind. The encounter is awkward, and the progression from Sweet Little Girl in the title sequence to Evil in the credits holds a symbolic meaning in the progression of the story within the narrative.

The series features modern-day beats, classic funk, and soul tunes as well. This soundtrack's potent blend of style and passion brings a variety of rich and lively live concert energy to one's home setting.


4. Big Little Lies (2017)

Big Little Lies - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Big Little Lies - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Big Little Lies is a drama set in one of California's rich suburbs, and it revolves around five seemingly flawless ladies who have an appearance of beauty that hides their dark sides. The series narrates tales about their nervous friendships, family issues, and dark pasts.

The playlist includes passionate and peaceful music by Michael Kiwanuka, Sade, and Florence and the Machine. Some of the original score was done by Thomas Newman. The variety of musical styles will make your living room a live performance of musical drama and style.


3. Euphoria (2019)

Euphoria - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Euphoria - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Euphoria is a television show that traces the chaotic lives of young teenagers in the real world as they grapple with love, addiction, and finding their identity. Music played at the show consists of Labrinth's original tracks, as well as modern pop and hip-hop hits. The score done by Labrinth is passionate and moody, and always serves the plot.

Labrinth's song I’m Tired appears during a quiet moment with Rue. Viewers saw her walking through a church in her mind while feeling lost and broken. The strongest tracks in Euphoria inject energy and feeling into each scene. The soundtrack's distinctive and immersive quality transforms your room into an energetic music festival of passion and drama.


2. Twin Peaks (1990)

Twin Peaks - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video
Twin Peaks - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Prime Video

Twin Peaks is a strange series that is based on the case of uncovering the murder of a young woman in a small town. It was haunted with an unforgettable soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti. His bizarre and surreal score plays a major role in the show's weird and tense atmosphere.

Angelo Badalamenti's song Laura Palmer's Theme appears in the first episode of the first season of Twin Peaks. The music is slow and sad, depicting the anguish of the town. People cry and feel shocked. There is a sense of silence and sadness in the scene.

The finest tracks in Twin Peaks by Badalamenti are accompanied by the screenwriting and spectacular filmmaking of Lynch, transforming the episodes with a surreal and magical touch. Listening to the soundtrack will mirror an experience of witnessing an amazing symphony in your living room, full of mystery and emotion.


1. Breaking Bad (2008)

Breaking Bad - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Netflix
Breaking Bad - A TV show with the best soundtracks | Image via Netflix

Breaking Bad features a chemistry teacher who resorts to producing drugs to provide for his family after he's diagnosed with cancer. In addition to Dave Porter's original composition, the soundtrack includes songs from the rock, blues, and hip-hop genres. Porter's scores create tension and drama during the series.

Los Cuates de Sinaloa performs all-male blues, "Negro y Azul: The Ballad of Heisenberg," as the opening song in Breaking Bad's Season 2, Episode 7. The music video portrays the perception of Heisenberg. The song is fun but dark. It depicts how the risk of Walter's drug operation has grown.

The best Breaking Bad soundtracks can keep you attentive and on your toes. These captivating melodies ignite an exhilarating concert-like atmosphere, turning an ordinary space into a breathtaking, suspense-filled live performance.


The article lists 10 TV Shows with a spectacular soundtrack and score, which continue to make a tremendous impression on the audience. Memorable moments are created within these narratives that tend to stay with you, combining melodies and stories.

Several records featured in these TV shows have catapulted their popularity. Moreover, a great soundtrack not only grants a memorable listening experience but also contributes to the effective narration of the story.

Edited by IRMA