10 TV shows that mastered the use of needle drops

The best needle drops in movies constitute some epic moments, while TV shows continue long enough to master the needle drop through many amazing scenes. Television shows often establish a tone early on, where other artists’ songs will constantly be in use, meticulously chosen throughout the show to highlight powerful moments in the story. These songs are often used alongside the show’s original score, contrasting with shows that only use dramatic scores (like Game of Thrones).

Needle drops may be used to immerse the audience in a particular setting Or highlight a theme of youth with more recent hits. Some soundtrack supervisors regularly favor juxtaposition, where a lively song contrasts with a grim situation. Typically, there are some resonant moments in the lyrics of the song, which reflects what is happening in the show. However, when some of TV’s most intense, unforgettable moments are so because of silence, choosing how and when to use a needle drop is a delicate process.

10

The Bear (2022-present)

Best Needle Drops: “Chicago,” “Love Story,” and “If You Want Blood (You Got It)”

The bear Has some obvious needle drops – like the song named after the town where the show is set and no guitar riffing song for the chaos of the kitchen – but also some surprising choices. “Love Story” is an odd inclusion for such an intense show, but it was the perfect soundtrack for Richie celebrating his success at work by singing along while driving home. however, The bear Arguably does needle drops with some kind of tonal dissonance all the time.

AC/DC’s “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” has an upbeat melody, while the lyrics are absolutely perfect for the chefs’ usual attitude. Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Chicago’ is used for a more melancholic moment, ideal given the song’s title and lyrics. The bear Uses a powerful combination of songs that are electric, nostalgic or funny when taken out of context, But all effective in propping up the show’s award-winning narrative.

9

Grey’s Anatomy (2005 – present)

Best Needle Drops: “How to Save a Life” and “Where Does the Good Go”

Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” was probably the most impressive the first time it was used in Gray’s AnatomyBut has since become something of a pop-culture joke. However, a variety of other romantic and heartbreaking songs by artists including Ingrid Michaelson, Jill Andrews, Bon Iver, Taylor Swift and many more. Gray’s Anatomy To make all the best moments of the couples in pure magic. Snow Patrol contributes several other songs to the soundtrack, as the producers cannot ignore the group’s typically heart-rending and dramatic style.

however, Gray’s AnatomyHis best songs may actually be the ones that don’t highlight romantic relationships. Frey’s “How to Save a Life” is used multiple times in the show, which leverages the title ironically to show the doctors physically saving lives, while the lyrics are more about mental health. However, “How to save a life” encapsulates a lot about Gray’s Anatomys tone and emotional storylines. on the other hand, Tegan and Sara’s accompaniment to Meredith and Cristina’s farewell was nothing short of breathtaking, Capture all the bittersweet joy in the moment.

8

Stranger Things (2016-2025)

Best Needle Drops: “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” “Material Girl,” and “Lord of the Puppets”

stranger things’ Best Noel drops include Scorpions’ “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” Peter Gabriel’s “Heroes,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Kate Bush’s “Run Up That Hill (Make a Deal with God)” and countless others. The soundtrack showcases a variety of 1980s hits characteristic of the show’s setting and aesthetic. stranger things’ The tradition of needle drops goes back to the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” Morbidly used in season 1 in association with Will’s disappearance as the initial conflict.

some of stranger things’ Needle drops are used in more obvious contexts, such as “material girl” playing while Max takes Elf shopping, embracing normal teenage girl life. “You Don’t Mess With Jim” is also placed in a lighthearted scene, while alluding to Jim Hopper’s name. yet Stranger things Might as well take a classic Metallica song and use it for a character’s death scene, Embracing all the darkness and 80s nostalgia of the show all at once.

7

Reign (2013-2017)

Best Needle Drops: “Scotland” and “The Power of Love”

Rule Admittedly had some odd needle drops; It took the show a moment to truly master the soundtrack choices. Bastille’s “Pompeii” during a sparring scene takes the show completely out of its period setting, feeling like it was only included for the sake of a radio hit. RuleThe best needle drops are subtle and wasteful, usually in the overlapping alternative, indie and folk genres. This is probably the best song choice of the entire show: The Lumineers’ “Scotland,” Used in the opening credits.

The acoustic number is distant and lonely, setting the stage for Mary’s tragic tale. The songs used for both of Mary’s weddings three seasons apart are also perfectly chosen, With soprano vocals and piano notes conveying the romance or heartbreak of the events leading up to the wedding. Rule Blends romance with history, showcasing a fictionalized version of ​​the life of Mary, Queen of Scots and all she sacrificed, highlighted by its delicately beautiful soundtrack.

6

The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024)

The Umbrella Academy Also mixes up the times it uses needle drops for extremely serious moments, the times when the characters are just goofing off, and the times when the song is satisfying along with the action. The show demonstrates such a unique mix of comedy, drama and action that its soundtrack would be just as outstanding. most interesting, The Umbrella Academy Seems to be well versed in the art of using songs that have been used for needle drops too many times before And that they still come across well.

David Bowie’s “Major Tom” and Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” have been used many times before, but the instances in The Umbrella Academy are still well planned. Woodkid’s “Run Boy Run” has been the ultimate YA dystopia song for a while, but still breathes life into a good action sequence. On the other hand, “Footloose” is one of the craziest moments of the show, demonstrating the variety of how it uses needle drops for action.

5

Bridgerton (2020-present)

Best Needle Drops: “Wildest Dreams,” “Cheap Thrills,” “Jealous,” and “You Belong With Me”

Birdgertons (and Queen Charlottes) Orchestral covers of the biggest hits of the day are now famous in the cultural times. Sometimes the music is just a pleasant background accompaniment constituting a cultural Easter egg when the viewer pins down where they heard it before, and sometimes it results in a completely otherworldly moment of the whirlwind romance of the characters. This tends to be the case every time the show decides to give the Swifties what they want with another cover.

“Material Girl” comes back around to suggest the opening of the note, meanwhile Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” makes for a great confession of love (which wreaks havoc) and Gayle’s “ABCDEFU” suits Penelope’s grand entrance. Every modern song covered in the Bridgerton Season 3 soundtrack alone added to four seasons worth of songs that characterize the two shows. Bridgerton‘s song choices demonstrate the blend of modern and period elements that made it a hit.

4

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Best Needle Drop: “Full of Grace”

Almost universally regarded as The best needle fall in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the use of Sarah McLachlan’s “full of grace.” Buffy the Vampire Slayer is always showing the tension of being a slayer and how Buffy struggles to balance her regular life with her monster fighting. At the end of season 2, Buffy has had enough and leaves Sunnydale to attempt to start over in Los Angeles. Although it doesn’t last long, “Full of Grace” is enough to make anyone cry with how it highlights Buffy’s grief as she leaves her friends and family.

yet Buffy the Vampire Slayer Used other great songs in emotionally heightened moments To make them even more impressive. Cibo Matto’s “Sugar Water” is also a fan favorite moment, with Buffy acting more devious than usual and trying to make Angel jealous. Then the show also pulled some wasteful moments, like with the use of the Sundays’ “Wild Horses” during a prom scene. For all its devastating moments, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Still reminding his audience that the characters can occasionally enjoy a normally dreamy teenage moment.

3

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Best Needle Drop: “Baby Blue”

Breaking bad Also has a defining needle cap Which comes at the end of the series. There are a lot of ways to interpret how the lyrics of Badfinger’s “Baby Blue” relate to the events of the show, but this gives the moment a sense of regretful fondness as the landmark series comes to an end. Even if everything Walt and the others did was terrible, fans must have been a little sad that they no longer have new episodes of the show to look forward to.

some of Breaking badOther amazing needle drops include Tommy James and The Shandells’ “Crystal Blue Persuasion” and Messer Party’s “Bonfire.” Breaking bad Often turns to songs with more positive-sounding tunes To expose the morally corrupt actions of the characters. Upbeat rock and pop tunes convey Walt’s feelings of adrenaline or just going about business sparked by some of the worst things he ever does.

2

Our Flag Means Death (2022-2023)

Best Needle Drops: “Run From Me” and “Roads to Moscow”

Our flag means deathSimilar to RuleIncorporates a lot of mellow tunes that blend well with the period setting. Also like BridgertonThis setting is mostly with modern elements, mainly in the way the characters speak. Some amazing moments come in season 2, like the repeated use of Timber Timbre’s “Run from Me,” which makes a harrowing scene of sailing in a storm even more so. The show also includes a great cover of “La Vie en Rose,” performed by Con O’Neill.

Our flag means death Can be described as a band of characters who, when they are at their best, are just having a good time with the life of piracy. They drift through raids and relationships, only to be disrupted by internal conflict and a battle with British soldiers in each season finale. A large selection of Classic and alternative rock songs capture the feeling of Our flag means death A good time is had by all.

1

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

Best Needle Drops: “Skinny Love,” “Hypnotic,” “Never Let Me Go,” and “Wait”

The Vampire Diaries Best songs include a lot of modern hits that give life to Caroline’s rock star fantasies and much more. As another young adult-aimed romance and fantasy franchise, A lot of The Vampire Diaries Appeal is in key moments in the action and relationships that are backed by popular songs Younger audience members are familiar with. If the sheer amount of death that happens near the end of season 2 isn’t already overwhelming, the use of Birdy’s “skinny love” completes it.

Other slow songs like Ross Copperman’s “Never Let Me Go” and Florence + The Machine’s “Hunger” are vital for the romantic moments, while Dorothy’s Raise Hell and Zella Day’s “Hypnotic” are illustrative of the typical lifestyle of vampires. M-83’s “Wait” was also used in a lot of movies and TV shows around the same time, but was the perfect accompaniment that demonstrates Stefan and Damon’s love for each other despite everything else. TV shows that master needle drops understand how to put a well-known song in a new context For a never-before-seen effect.