Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faux-docu is a fun new take on the now-classic musical.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Parents say that while the show offers relatable themes and character growth, it has content that may not be suitable for younger viewers, including strong LGBTQ representation and romantic complexities that are more appropriate for teens. Some appreciate the show's fresh take on the original concept, but others feel it strays too far from the family-friendly essence of the original series, with concerns regarding the depictions of relationships and language.
- lgbtq representation
- not family-friendly
- relatable themes
- strong character growth
- mature content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 118 kid reviews
Kids say the show features good music and engaging stories about friendship and romance, though some viewers feel it diverges from the original films with added LGBTQ+ themes and strong language. While many appreciate its diverse representation and entertainment value, others criticize it as over-the-top or inappropriate for younger audiences due to its romantic content and political undertones.
- music quality
- friendship themes
- diverse representation
- strong language
- romantic content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES, a spin-off of the popular High School Musical franchise, follows the East High drama club as they put on their school's productions of High School Musical. In the beginning, Ricky (Joshua Bassett) returns from his time off to find girlfriend Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) back from theater camp and dating fellow camper E.J. (Matt Cornett). To win Nini back, Ricky auditions for the musical, with his loyal friend Big Red (Larry Saperstein) in tow. As Ricky joins Carlos (Frankie A. Rodriguez), the student choreographer, Nini, E.J., and other eclectic theater types, he gets closer to the love he's dreamed of, but finds a sense of belonging in the theater troupe. As the years progress, additional students join the theater class, lead by Miss Jenn (Kate Reinders), the new drama teacher, and branch off into their own adventures, always anchored by the annual musical
Is It Any Good?
This musical comedy is an edgy, documentary-style series that's inspired by the original movie and takes place at the same high school where the film originally took place. The result is a show that's nostalgic but makes room for a quirkier, contemporary world that's full of lots of on- and offstage theatrical drama, ranging from new friendships, budding romance, and, of course, some strong rivalries. But in between these antics is an obvious statement that strongly supports the performing arts at a time when art initiatives are losing funding. Fans of the original movies will find this venture quite different from what they remember, but High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is fun and entertaining for a new generation of tween viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about film adaptations. What are some of the specific ways that High School Musical: The Musical: The Series kept concepts and themes from the original films, but made space for new and relevant storylines?
Families can also talk about friendship. How do the characters maintain friendships, year after year? How is friendship enhanced by having friends from various cultural backgrounds?
Grown-ups: Did you participate in school plays or musicals when you were younger? Kids: Are there opportunities for you to participate in the performing arts at your school?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 12, 2019
- Cast : Joshua Bassett , Olivia Rodrigo , Kate Reinders
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : March 24, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate