If you’re anything like me, you’ve been jonesing for a fun, well-written, musical tv show since Galavant. One-off musical episodes on my favorite shows just aren’t enough. However, it seems the year of turmoil delivered with Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. The series follows a shy, overlooked programmer named Zoey (Jane Levy). She gains the power to hear everyone’s “heart song” after a mishap with an MRI machine and Pop Song playlist. On the surface, Zoey’s may sound like a fluffy nothing show, but it’s so much more than that. These characters deal with so much struggle through life, love, and loss you’ll be in tears by the end.

The Show Has Tremendous Heart

  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Distraction” Episode 202 — Pictured:(l-r) Mary Steenburgen as Maggie Clarke, Andrew Leeds as David Clarke, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, Alice Lee as Emily — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured:(l-r) Alex Newell as Mo, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke — (Photo by: Eric Milner/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured: Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

At the end of season 1, Zoey’s father (Peter Gallagher), passes away from a rare neurological disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). This disease rendered him unable to communicate with his family – except Zoey and only through song. Seriously, some of these moments are beautiful and truly heartbreaking. Season 2 opens with Zoey and her family struggling with their grief, but having to move on with their lives. 

  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured:(l-r) John Clarence Stewart as Simon, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, Michael Thomas Grant as Leif — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured:(l-r) John Clarence Stewart as Simon, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, Harvey Guillen as George, Michael Thomas Grant as Leif — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured:(l-r) Alex Newell as Mo, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke — (Photo by: Eric Milner/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured:(l-r) Skylar Astin as Max, John Clarence Stewart as Simon — (Photo by: Eric Milner/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured: (l-r) John Clarence Stewart as Simon, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke, Skylar Astin as Maa — (Photo by: Eric Milner/NBC/Lionsgate)

“Well, Hello Zoey!”

Zoey’s first day back at work is overwhelming, to say the least. We’re met with a giant musical number from “Hello, Dolly” that is just as oppressive for the viewer as it is for Zoey. She is still very much in a love triangle. If that wasn’t enough she is offered a promotion to be the Executive Director of SPRQ Point (which is struggling to stay afloat). Every musical number is jarring, overpowering, and an odd choice of music compared to the previous season. However, I feel it adds more to the viewing experience allowing you to feel like you’re more in Zoey’s shoes than any other character on the show at the moment.

Goodbye Lauren Graham

The added pressure of the promotion comes from Lauren Graham being cast on the upcoming The Mighty Ducks series for Disney+. This seems to be how the showrunners are dealing with her not being as available for filming and I love it! Zoey being pushed into a stronger position of power is just what she needs and I’m excited to see where this story leads her.

  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured: (l-r) Lauren Graham as Joan, Jane Levy as Zoey Clarke — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Lionsgate)
  • “Zoey’s Extraordinary Return” Episode 201 — Pictured: Harvey Guillen as George — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC/Lionsgate)

Even though we lose Lauren Graham we gain Harvey Guillen (What We Do In The Shadows) as newbie George – because every show now needs a Josh Gad character otherwise who with the jerks pick on, I guess. Whether George really adds anything to the show or not is yet to be seen, but I’m open to it.

If the rest of the season of Zoey’s is anything like its season opener we’re in for a treat. And hopefully a season 3! You can catch Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm.

So, what do you think of the show?

For more from NBC or any other general pop culture, make sure to check back to That Hashtag Show.