This Stellar 2-Part Apple TV Fantasy Series Has No Bad Episodes

Some genres, like crime and thriller, lead to many surefire TV hits, while others, like musicals, tend to be harder to crack. When it comes to musical television, for every Glee, there is a Viva Laughlin. While Smash did scratch the theater itch, it wasn’t a smash hit. Thankfully, Apple TV took a big swing with 2021’s Schmigadoon.

With a 93% overall Rotten Tomatoes score, Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio‘s series was a critical success. Starring sketch comedy icons Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, and with a smart script and soundtrack, exceptional acting, and a unique premise, Schmigadoon is the perfect binge-watch.

What Is Apple TV’s Fantasy ‘Schmigadoon’ About?

Schmigadoon revolves around a couple of doctors, Josh Skinner (Key) and Melissa Gimble (Strong), who are struggling in their lives and marriage. During their hiking trip, they stumble upon a mysterious bridge that leads them to the titular town, where they become trapped in a magical 1940s-style musical. As they navigate the town’s cheerful, singing residents, surreal tropes, and musical theater references at every corner, Melissa and Josh must find true love before they can leave.

This wonderfully unique and innovative series borrowed from classic musical tropes and beloved characters and stories to pay homage to musical theater. Simply put: The brightly crafted and whimsical world in Schmigadoon captured the spirit of the Great White Way for the small screen.

Apple TV’s ‘Schmigadoon’ Has Many Strengths

Schmigadoon didn’t lampoon Broadway. Instead, it reverently poked fun at common themes and archetypes, drawing on their success and expanding upon them. With Season 1, Schmigadoon‘s ability to effortlessly showcase how so many Broadway shows borrow from each other made the character and musical mashups work.

A major factor in its success was Paul’s soundtrack. In Season 1, his songs paid homage to many Golden Age classics, like Carousel, The King and I, and Guys and Dolls, while Season 2, subtitled Schmicago moved into the gritty landscape of ’60s and ’70s hits, like Chicago, Sweeney Todd, and Pippin. Then, add in the larger-than-life production design, costumes, and choreography by Christopher Gattelli, and the musical theater world was represented to perfection.

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One of the most fun parts of Schmigadoon were the Easter eggs. In Season 1, the series began with an opening number that mashed up Brigadoon with the title track from Oklahoma. Perhaps you’re a Bob Fosse fan? In Season 2, then look no further than a number like “Talk to Daddy,” a send-up of “Rhythm of Life” from Sweet Charity. Hints of Fosse’s original choreography from “Rich Man’s Frug” from that musical are also dropped in to great effect.

‘Schmigadoon’ Benefits From Having a Number of Broadway Icons

Image via Apple TV

Along with top-notch writing and sensational design, Schmigadoon succeeded thanks to an outstanding ensemble of Broadway stars, including Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming, Aaron Tveit, Ariana DeBose, and Jane Krakowski. The core cast, in addition to Key and Strong, brought the spirit of summer stock to life. In Season 1, Chenoweth took on Mildred Layton, the conservative preacher’s wife, bringing a more villainous side of herself to the screen. By Season 2, she channeled Mrs. Lovett and Miss Hannigan to create a completely exuberant character mashup you’d never expect her to play.

Chenoweth was just one of many incredible guest stars to buoy the series that was brilliantly led by Key and Strong, two performers with an impressive career in sketch comedy. Their chemistry as a couple, through their ups and downs, became the heart of the show. Though Schmigadoon had its closing performance after 12 episodes, each episode was practically perfect. This spring, a stage production based on the Season 1 story will open on Broadway. Hit numbers from the series, like “Corn Puddin” and “He’s a Queer One, That Man o’ Mine,” are included. Even better, Ann Harada, who played Florence Menlove, is reprising her role. Schmigadoon is the perfect comfort watch. Like a Broadway show, you’ll want to applaud at every song and give a standing ovation when the proverbial curtain drops.