2020’s BEST TV SOUNDTRACKS

Euphoria, Shameless, High Fidelity +

Home page image: a scene from 'P-Valley'; image above: Zendaya in 'Euphoria'

BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Our favorite films and television shows would be nothing without stellar music accompanying the best scenes. This year, the tunes from several shows stood out.

Here are the ten programs with the best soundtracks of 2020:

Euphoria

After a long wait, HBO’s incredible Euphoria is finally back. No, it’s not the second season –– just two bonus episodes. But its music packs the same punches it did in season one. The first special episode, “Rue,” includes a mix of original Labrinth songs and a terrific selection of other tracks.

 

Peaky Blinders

BBC’s Peaky Blinders transports us to another time, but the soundtrack is full of contemporary favorites. Season 5 aired this year, and the soundtrack included rock legends, like Black Sabbath, Bob Dylan, and Radiohead.

 

Shameless

We sadly bid the Gallagher clan farewell as the final season of Shameless airs beginning in December. Somehow, the music producers know how to pick songs that perfectly match the show’s chaotic energy.

 

The Eddy

Damien Chazelle’s eight-episode miniseries is all about jazz, so naturally, a stellar soundtrack was necessary. The music-centered plot of the Netflix series The Eddy is flawless with new, original jazz and well-loved instrumental gems.

 

High Fidelity

Hulu’s High Fidelity is a romantic comedy. Its music includes your favorite songs, new and old, in the score. From Fleetwood Mac rock to Frank Ocean bops, each tune seems curated for each viewer’s taste.

 

The Last Dance

This Michael Jordan docuseries wasn’t just a TV show –– it was a phenomenon. The Last Dance’s soundtrack was equally phenomenal. Our favorite rappers from the 90s icons to present-day legends are part of the score. The project documents the life of one of the sports’ most renowned figures.

 

I May Destroy You

HBO’s I May Destroy You is compelling, devastating, and a must-watch. The featured artists  on its soundtrack include artists of color, such as Janelle Monae, Nicki Minaj, and Arlo Parks.

 

Normal People

This Irish drama about navigating adulthood was released initially on BBC and is now available on Hulu. The soundtrack to Normal People is full of upbeat pop tracks from artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Selena Gomez, and CHVRCHES.

 

P-Valley

This Starz adaptation of the play Pussy Valley dramatizes the secret lives of strippers. The P-Valley soundtrack highlights some of today’s hottest rappers and R&B stars, including Janelle Monae, NLE Choppa, Tierra Whack, and City Girls.

 

Pennyworth 

The second season of the comic-inspired crime drama Pennyworth airs beginning December 13. The first season featured stellar music, so we have high hopes for upcoming episodes.