‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ Review: NBC’s Obsession with Musicals Continues

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist aims to please fans of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The show attempts to balance jukebox musical with family dramedy.

The pilot episode introduces Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy), a coder who gained the ability to hear other people’s internal dialogues as song. Initially, she thinks she’s losing her mind, but eventually gains an appreciation for her newfound ability because it enables her to connect with people on a different level. Zoey can use the power to help people through a rough time, comfort herself, and find out what people are really thinking when they wish her well.

The execution of the concept is a mixed bag. For Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist to be enjoyable, the writers must find a better balance between plot and musical numbers. Because the show recycles popular songs, there are times when it feels like someone threw the last 60 years of pop music into a badly curated Spotify playlist. On some level, that’s probably the point. We all have different internal soundtracks. However, reality doesn’t translate well into a whimsical musical. 

When Zoey isn’t listening to her acquaintances, family members, and friends’ private thoughts, she’s struggling with her father’s illness, which leaves him (Peter Gallagher) paralyzed and unable to speak. She also vies for a promotion at work, but has trouble conveying why she deserves a managerial position.

The mishmash of genres and intentions makes the 45-minute show feel dragged out. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist gets so bogged down in its own quirkiness that it fails to focus on one storyline for more than three minutes. By the time you get invested in the scene, the show has already moved on to Zoey’s next earth-shattering discovery or cast dance number. 

Will Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist join the long line of failed TV musical dramas or succeed and revive a genre? Only time will tell.

Rating: 5 out of 10

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist airs every Wednesday night, and you can view the entire premiere episode here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F20gEs_qUE