Try saying High School Musical: The Musical: The Series five times fast. I know y'all didn't think I wouldn't take the time to watch this gem. When Disney announced that it would be rebooting the iconic High School Musical back for its streaming service, I was a bit hesitant. Naturally, I couldn't resist revisiting my childhood. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series takes us back to a new school year at East High. Done in a fictionalized mockumentary style, the show follows Miss Jen, played by Kate Reinders, as the new drama teacher who wants to put on the first-ever East High production of High School Musical for the fall musical. After coming back from the summer and discovering his girlfriend Nini, played by Olivia Rodrigo, has a new boyfriend, Ricky, played by Joshua Bassett, decides to try out for the musical to try and win her back. Despite not having the musical theatre experience, Ricky is somehow cast as Troy to Nini's Gabriella. A unique cast of students is brought together for rehearsal but it isn't without its challenges - they must learn to find to be all in this together in time for the show. The original High School Musical was really influential in my childhood. I really had to wonder if the same magic could be rebooted as I started this series. I will say the premise of a reality where East High hasn't ever put on a production of the musical that put it on the map really intrigued me. Even if it was slightly unrealistic. The drama students were witty, had quirky personalities unique to themselves, and incredibly genuine - something I think was accurate to those who live the life dedicated to the arts. Also, if you ever want to humble yourself, knowing these kids are extremely talented in acting, singing, and dancing, this will do it. However, there were times when this show just didn't hit the right note. I think they tried so hard to not be the original HSM and be itself that it fell flat at times. A lot of the series was dedicated to the premise of Miss Jen's lack of experience teaching, the kids, and their personal lives outside rehearsals rather than the musical it's named after. Due to that specific focus, there wasn't much connection of the series to the iconic source material. I would say there wasn't one up until the end of the season when they were ready to put on their version of musical. Also, a lot of the humor and some editing decisions didn't connect with me, but that may just be the cranky millennial in me. Depending on whether you're looking for a legit scene-for-scene reboot, this may mean you'll feel a certain type of way by the end of episode one. Which may lead you to question if you should hit continue to the next episode. If you're okay with a new, modern take on the original High School Musical (I mean, can you believe it's been 14 years since it's aired?!), then you won't have a problem with it.
I will say I know this series has already been renewed and will feature a new musical in season 2. It will be interesting how Disney continues High School Musical: The Musical: The Series without... the High School Musical part. Either way, I guess this really could be the start of something new!
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