Some TV shows become unforgettable not just for their gripping plots or iconic characters, but because of the music that frames their most powerful scenes. A great soundtrack can lift a moment, define a character, and live in your memory forever. As more shows rely on music to build atmosphere, tension, and emotion, audiences are increasingly discovering songs they love through streaming series.

From indie gems to iconic classics, the following shows have redefined how music can be integrated into visual storytelling. These soundtracks not only enhance the watching experience but are worth listening to on their own. Here are the best TV show soundtracks you need to hear and why they stand out.

Netflix's Stranger Things is a masterclass in using music to evoke nostalgia and elevate storytelling. Set in the 1980s, the show combines a synth-heavy original score with iconic tracks from the era, making its music just as important as its monsters and mysteries. The use of music in Stranger Things goes beyond background ambiance; it's deeply woven into the plot. Whether it’s Joyce Byers using The Clash's “Should I Stay or Should I Go” to communicate with her missing son or Max’s emotional scene with “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, each song is carefully chosen to reflect the characters’ emotional states.

The original score, composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, blends eerie synth tones with retro-futuristic vibes that immerse viewers in the show's supernatural atmosphere. Songs like “Master of Puppets” by Metallica and “Africa” by Toto are used not just for nostalgia, but to build tension, celebrate victory, or break hearts.

Stranger Things has even revived songs decades after their original release. For example, “Running Up That Hill” saw a massive resurgence in global charts after its use in season 4. The soundtrack resonates so well with audiences that entire Spotify playlists are dedicated to the show. It’s a prime example of how music can shape pop culture and drive emotional storytelling.

HBO’s Euphoria redefined the teen drama genre with its raw storytelling, stylized visuals, and an emotionally rich soundtrack. Curated and partially composed by Labrinth, the show’s music is both experimental and deeply personal. It moves beyond simply setting a mood — it becomes a language for characters to express what they can’t say in words.

The Euphoria soundtrack merges dreamy R&B, hip-hop, indie, and electronic influences to mirror the highs and lows of adolescence. Labrinth’s original tracks, like “Still Don’t Know My Name” and “All for Us,” co-performed with Zendaya, capture Rue’s emotional journey in haunting, melodic tones. These pieces often serve as a sonic diary, blending perfectly with the show’s visuals to make unforgettable scenes.

In addition to the original score, the show smartly incorporates well-known tracks across genres. Songs by Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean, and Arcade Fire appear throughout the episodes, each adding context to the characters’ inner turmoil or joy. Whether it's a party, a panic attack, or a quiet moment between friends, Euphoria’s music adds another emotional layer.

What truly sets Euphoria’s soundtrack apart is its seamless connection to character arcs. Every piece feels intentional. Even the most chaotic scenes are grounded by emotionally resonant music. For many fans, discovering music through Euphoria is as integral to the viewing experience as the story itself. It’s a show where the soundtrack is not just a feature — it’s a character.

FX’s The Bear is a high-intensity drama that chronicles the chaos inside a Chicago sandwich shop — but it’s also one of the most unexpectedly brilliant soundtracked shows in recent years. Music in The Bear doesn’t just support scenes; it drives them. With a mix of punk, indie, and classic rock, the soundtrack reflects the heart-pounding, often frantic pace of kitchen life, while also grounding characters in moments of vulnerability.

What makes The Bear’s soundtrack so powerful is its authenticity. The show uses songs you’d actually expect to hear in a dingy Chicago kitchen or coming through earbuds during a stressful prep session. Tracks like Radiohead’s “Let Down” and Wilco’s “Via Chicago” perfectly underline the show’s themes of pressure, grief, and redemption. The aggressive energy of songs like “New Noise” by Refused adds to the chaos, while softer selections balance the emotional weight.

The Bear also understands when silence works better than sound, making its song choices even more impactful when they do arrive. Each episode’s music feels like an extension of the main character Carmy’s psyche. Whether he's reflecting on his brother’s death or wrestling with his own demons, the soundtrack mirrors his inner world.

For anyone who’s ever worked in food service, The Bear’s music hits even harder. It’s raw, relatable, and deeply moving — proving that even the smallest show can deliver a soundtrack that sticks with you long after the final scene.

Few shows have had a bigger impact on indie music discovery than Grey’s Anatomy. Since its premiere in 2005, the medical drama has introduced audiences to a massive array of emotional, often heart-wrenching tracks that enhance its dramatic storytelling. The show’s music supervisors, led by Alexandra Patsavas, are known for selecting the perfect song for each moment — whether it's heartbreak, joy, or life-and-death intensity.

Songs like “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol and “How to Save a Life” by The Fray became anthems largely because of their placement on Grey’s Anatomy. These tracks weren’t just background music; they helped narrate the emotional journeys of characters like Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd. The soundtrack often leans on acoustic ballads, indie rock, and piano-driven pop, providing a steady emotional pulse throughout the series.

Other memorable tracks include “Breathe (2 AM)” by Anna Nalick, “Wait” by M83, “Keep Breathing” by Ingrid Michaelson, and “Into the Fire” by Thirteen Senses. These songs have been used in some of the show’s most pivotal scenes, making them inseparable from the narrative.

Even after 20 seasons, Grey’s Anatomy continues to highlight emerging artists, giving their music a global stage. For viewers, the music is more than a soundtrack — it’s part of the story’s heartbeat. Whether you're reliving a favorite moment or discovering a new artist, Grey’s Anatomy offers one of the richest musical experiences in TV history.

HBO’s Big Little Lies isn’t just a gripping drama about secrets, friendship, and trauma — it’s a masterclass in soundtrack storytelling. From its hypnotic opening theme, “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka, to the soulful closing credits of each episode, the music in Big Little Lies is rich, intentional, and emotionally resonant. The series uses music not just to underscore a moment but to tell its own story, often through the character of Chloe, Madeline’s young daughter, who curates her own playlist that reflects the adult drama around her.

The soundtrack blends genres — blues, soul, folk, and indie rock — creating a dreamy and moody tone that mirrors the coastal California setting. Tracks like “River” by Leon Bridges and “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young capture the intimacy and unspoken tension between characters. Meanwhile, Charles Bradley’s cover of “Changes” adds depth to scenes of vulnerability and transformation. The music becomes almost its own character, giving scenes emotional clarity without dialogue.

Other unforgettable songs featured include “September Song” by Agnes Obel, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Treat Me Right” by Roy Head, and “Don't” by Thee Oh Sees. Each track is chosen with precision, often starting a scene quietly before swelling into a crescendo as the tension builds. The balance of softness and intensity is exactly what makes the soundtrack so addictive.

Big Little Lies also popularized the use of playlists as extensions of TV shows, with its official soundtrack albums becoming hits on Spotify and Apple Music. For fans, the music keeps the story alive long after the finale. In a show full of secrets, betrayals, and emotional nuance, the soundtrack acts as the emotional truth beneath it all — and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

TV shows today don’t just tell stories through visuals and dialogue — they speak through music. A powerful soundtrack can elevate drama, underline emotion, and even define an entire era. Whether it’s the nostalgic 80s synths of Stranger Things, the raw experimentalism of Euphoria, or the indie heartbreak of Normal People, these shows prove that music isn’t background noise — it’s central to the storytelling experience.

Each series we’ve explored uses its soundtrack to deepen characters, heighten tension, or simply make moments unforgettable. From viral revivals like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” to the emotional punch of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” these songs don’t just enhance scenes — they live beyond the screen.

So next time you’re watching a show and a certain track hits just right, don’t be surprised if it stays with you. Great soundtracks don’t just accompany stories — they become part of them. And in some cases, they become the story themselves.