Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cast performances bring holiday cheer to series fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special
What's the Story?
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL is a collection of holiday musical performances and unscripted reflections on the season by the cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Cast members -- including Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, and Olivia Rodrigo -- tell stories about family traditions from their childhoods, most memorable holidays from the past, and hopes for this year's festivities. Musical performances include solos, duets, and a quartet with Christmas classics, a Hanukkah medley, and an original holiday song from one of the cast members.
Is It Any Good?
Even with no prior knowledge of these talented actors and actresses, this music-filled seasonal special has appeal if you're just looking to hear some great musical performances. With an eclectic mix of songs and performance styles, the cast puts on a top-notch music show that may just make them some new fans along the way. They're certainly gifted enough to inspire viewers' wanting to hear more from them.
For fans of the series, though, the real magic happens. The Holiday Special provides one of those treasured glimpses at the cast's private lives, including comical photos from their childhoods, heartfelt sentiments about family, and seasonal memories that remind us that their celebrity status isn't all there is to them. Add to that an original new song from a cast member and a sneak peek at the upcoming second season of the series, and this special will be on every High School Musical: The Musical: The Series fan's wish list.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this show aims to accomplish. Is it geared toward existing fans of the series, potential new fans, or both? Were you encouraged to watch it because you know the series? How does what we see on TV or hear from our favorite celebrities influence our desires?
Did this show do well representing different holidays and seasonal traditions? Does it reflect well society at large with regard to the holidays? What kinds of traditions cross cultural or religious boundaries?
How do the cast members' various paths to success compare? How does their status now suggest they've had to persevere through challenges to get where they are?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 11, 2020
- Cast : Joshua Bassett , Olivia Rodrigo , Sofia Wylie
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : School ( High School ) , Holidays , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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