There is something special about a TV show that knows how to use music just right. When you hear the right song at the right time, it can stay with you long after the episode is over, sometimes longer than the plot itself. Series like “The Vampire Diaries,” “One Tree Hill” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” have proved that a great playlist can be just as powerful as the story on screen.
Here are the TV shows whose soundtracks are just as iconic as their characters, storyline and aesthetics.
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
“The Vampire Diaries” introduced a whole generation to indie and alternative artists, using brooding tracks like Chord Overstreet’s “Hold On” and The Fray’s “Never Say Never” to heighten the show’s supernatural romance.
Recommended tracks:
1. “Never Say Never” – The Fray
2. “Floating (Time Isn’t Working My Side)” – Portugal. The Man
3. “Teeth” – Lady Gaga
4. “Drop in the Ocean” – Ron Pope
5. “Skinny Love” – Birdy
6. “Take on the World” – You Me At Six
7. “Give Me Love” – Ed Sheeran
8. “Hunger” – Ross Copperman
9. “Wings” – Birdy
10. “Hold On” – Chord Overstreet
One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
“One Tree Hill” was practically a love letter to music, naming episodes after songs and weaving performances into the plot of the show. The popular early 2000s TV series championed artists like Gavin DeGraw, Jimmy Eat World and The Cure.
Recommended tracks:
1. “Dare You to Move” – Switchfoot
2. “Always Love” – Nada Surf
3. “The Good Kind” – The Wreckers
4. “23” – Jimmy Eat World
5. “Wedding Dress” – Matt Nathanson
6. “Times Like These” – Foo Fighters
7. “Dark Blue” – Jack’s Mannequin
8. “Here Comes a Regular” – The Replacements
9. “The Girl” – City and Colour
10. “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More ‘Touch Me'” – Fall Out Boy
Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
The “Gossip Girl” soundtrack made the music feel as stylish as its characters, reigning over the 2000s with its blend of indie rock and Upper East Side glam. Before fronting The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen portrayed the iconic Jenny Humphrey on the teen drama. Her band is currently on tour opening for rock royalty AC/DC.
Recommended tracks:
1. “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
2. “The Only Exception” – Paramore
3. “Whatcha Say” – Jason Derulo
4. “Shut Up And Drive” – Rihanna
5. “Video Games” – Lana Del Rey
6. “Paparazzi” – Lady Gaga
7. “Apologize” – One Republic
8. “Dancing On My Own” – Robyn
9. “With Me” – Sum41
10. “Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
The O.C. (2003-2007)
“The O.C.” introduced teenagers around the world to a mix of alternative and pop hits. The iconic soundtrack is a musical time capsule that still has you replaying scenes in your head whenever you hear a song.
Recommended tracks:
1. “California” – Phantom Planet
2. “Fix You” – Coldplay
3. “Someday” – The Strokes
4. “Speeding Cars” – Imogen Heap
5. “Running Up That Hill” – Placebo
6. “Smile Like You Mean It” – The Killers
7. “Soul Meets Body” – Death Cab for Cutie
8. “Champagne Supernova” – Oasis
9. “Hide and Seek” – Imogen Heap
10. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-2025)
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” has quickly become a Gen Z favorite, with a perfectly curated soundtrack containing some of the biggest hits in pop music from the past decade along with songs that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia.
Recommended tracks:
1. “invisible string” – Taylor Swift
2. “drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
3. “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” – Del Water Gap
4. “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” – Billie Eilish
5. “Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter
6. “Forever and a Day” – Benson Boone
7. “All The Small Things” – blink-182
8. “Heaven” – Niall Horan
9. “Steal My Girl” – One Direction
10. “Silver Springs” – Fleetwood Mac
Parenthood (2010-2015)
“Parenthood” used folk, indie and soul tracks to pull at the audience’s heartstrings, making every family milestone feel cinematic.
Recommended tracks:
1. “Forever Young” – Bob Dylan
2. “Kick Drum Heart” – The Avett Brothers
3. “River” – Joni Mitchell
4. “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron
5. ”Let It Go” – James Bay
6. “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
7. “Light On” – Maggie Rogers
8. “To Build A Home” – The Cinematic Orchestra
9. “Use Somebody” – Kings of Leon
10. “Cough Syrup” – Young the Giant
Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017)
The “Pretty Little Liars” soundtrack compliments the show’s mysterious and suspenseful vibe, making each episode feel more intense and addictive.
Recommended tracks:
1. “Back To Me” – The All-American Rejects
2. “Everything Is Lost” – Maggie Eckford
3. “I Won’t” – Colbie Caillat
4. “Glitter In the Air” – P!nk
5. “DONTTRUSTME” – 3OH!3
6. “Suggestions” – Orelia Has Orchestra
7. “Never Get To Heaven” – Sarah Blaine
8. “Hands of Time” – Rachel Diggs
9. “I Won’t Apologize” – Selena Gomez & The Scene
10. “jar of hearts” – Christina Perri
Grey’s Anatomy (2005-)
Shonda Rhimes knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to selecting music for “Grey’s Anatomy.” The soundtrack captures themes of love, loss and hope at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Recommended tracks:
1. “The Story” – Brandi Carlile
2. “Chasing Cars” – Snow Patrol
3. “Brighter Days” – Blessing Offor
4. “How to Save a Life” – The Fray
5. “Keep Breathing” – Ingrid Michaelson
6. “Where Does the Good Go” – Tegan and Sara
7. “Someone Like You” – Adele
8. “Stay” – Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)
9. “All I Want” – Kodaline
10. “Somewhere Only We Know” – Keane
Which TV show do you think has the best music?
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