So, I was extremely late to the party and just finished watching the first season of High School Musical The Musical The Series on Disney +. TBH, I was against it when it first came out because the HSM films are my CHILDHOOD but after becoming an Olivia Rodrigo fan, hearing about all the tea between her and her co-star, Joshua Bassett earlier this year, and needing a “start of something new” on my binge watching, I decided to give it a chance.
However, now I am all caught up for season 2 when it launches on May 14!
Anyway, I thought I would break down the two’s differences, similarities, and what makes them both “fabulous”
- The Series is definitely more progressive and with the times vs. the movie. There is a lot more diversity in the areas of race, sexuality, and gender. It is more “WOKE” if you will.
- In my opinion, the movie is more simple and easier to follow. Since the show is a series and has more time, there is sort of a lot going on. You follow the characters’ personal lives along with their portrayal of High School Musical, you really have to “getcha head in the game” to understand what is going on.
- Miss Darbus has a solo in the series. I would have KILLED for that scene in the film.
- THERE WAS NO KELSEY OR ZEKE IN THE SERIES! I was SO UPSET by that. Troy literally gives Kelsey the game ball at the end of the movie and tells her she’s the “play maker.” She is such an important character to the film series and to leave her out is just RUDE. ALSO, HOW COULD THEY NOT HAVE A ZEKE? WHO MAKES THEIR CREME BRULEE? High School Musical without Zeke is a world I don’t want to know.
- Cellphones play a huge role in the series where in the film they were the answer to the beloved question of “What the heck are those two doing in a tree?” (aka why Troy and Chad were in detention).
Some Similarities:
- Both were filmed at the same place
- I won’t give away who but both do feature some of the same faces
- Both feature a very extra but entertaining drama teacher
- Both have moments when characters break into song randomly (classic)
- Both have that lovable but goofy Disney charm
- Both are stories of love, friendship, and high schoolers.
- Both are on Disney +!
All in all, I was more impressed with HSMTMTS more than I expected to be and ended up really enjoying it. I am HYPE for Season 2 and am dying to know what happens (IYKYK). However, you can “bet on it,” that the films will always have my heart. They’re just my childhood and SO ICONIC. And I’m sure others feel the same about the series. Also, I am glad that the series is introducing the greatness of HSM to a new generation.
So, whether you favor the films or the series, I think it is safe to say we are all on one team. WHAT TEAM? WILDCATS!