Disney+’s new High School Musical: The Series
On November 8, 2019, media and entertaining streaming service, Disney+, released a continuation of High School Musical, a romance and comedy drama movie trilogy first released in 2005. Actors featured in this new TV series include Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Sofie Wylie, and Olivia Rodrigo, rising songwriter and singer. This past May, season 2 was released and was loved by millions all over the world. 12 episodes were publicized, each lasting 30 minutes long.
Season 2 is narrated as, “the East High Wildcats, who are preparing to perform “Beauty and the Beast” as their spring musical, face off against rival school North High to win a prestigious and cutthroat student theatre competition.” On the Disney+ website, it states that several new characters have been added, along with new drama to spice up the storyline. Along with the release of season 2, a sing-along and special were added to Disney+.
HSM, the Series, has gotten a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb. Though the show is not a direct sequel or reboot of the original High School Musical Movies, it does slightly stem from the theatrical and romance humor. The show is more modern now and is filmed in the same high school as the original HSM. The actors are also set to have similar personality traits and interests as the old actors.
Variety further explains, “Where Zac Efron once played Troy, a frustrated basketball player with a secret musical talent, Joshua Bassett stars as Ricky, a frustrated skater with a secret musical talent.” Both Troy and Ricky are portrayed as the main male love interest. On the other hand, it is explained, “Where Vanessa Hudgens once played Gabriella, a sweet and determined singer, Olivia Rodrigo plays Nini, a sweet and determined singer.” Gabriella and Nini are set to be the main girl love interest for the other.
HSM, the series, has been and will continue to be enjoyed by millions streaming on Disney+. While there is not a direct nostalgic feel with the old cast, newer generations can experience this show and all of its new aspects it may bring.
