Radio on the TV: The most memorable bands from television (2024)

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When Jennifer Keaton (Tina Yothers) and some friends (including a pre-Married...with Children Christiana Applegate and Rain Phoenix, sister of River and Joaquin Phoenix) formed a pop band, The Permanent Waves, her brother Alex (Michael J. Fox) saw an opportunity to exploit the group for his own personal financial gain. However, he wants them to change their image to a more wholesome, '50s-style act dubbed the Swinging Corporate Raiders. In the end, the girls return to their pop tendencies, complete with jean jackets and catchy hooks.

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The first of two bands from the beloved ABC sitcom that we will highlight. And, the fact that Girl Talk was so bad, it's good fun to bring it up. In what should go down as one of the worst performances in network television sitcom history, Girl Talk's debut at the Smash Club was horrendous. Stephanie, Kimmy, and Gia cared more about the band's collective look than rehearsing for the gig. Their cover of "The Sign," from Ace of Base, was disjointed and a full-blown disaster. However, that was not the end of Girl Talk, which reformed for a mini-reunion— with D.J. on drums — during an episode of Netflix's Fuller House.

NBC Productions

From one of the more underrated Saturday morning NBC shows during the 1990s. Sure, it was easy for California Dreams to be considered aSaved by the Bellknockoff, but it certainly had its moments. This was essentially the same kind of show, but with the main characters playing in a pop band and truly soaking up the Southern California beach culture. The band, which managed to endure some lineup changes, usually played at their favorite hangout Sharkey's. Notable tracks included the title track "California Dreams," (with the classic line of "Surf dudes with attitudes.") and "Everybody's Got Someone."

Touchstone Pictures; ABC

Led by brothers Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) and Liam Pace, this Manchester, England four-piece enjoyed success with its self-titled debut release that featured the band's only notable hit, "You All Everybody." However, the band's follow-up, Oil Change, was nowhere near successful as its predecessor. Then came the crash of Flight 815, though it appears the band played at times after Charlie was presumed dead. Charlie and Liam's often volatile relationship resembled that of the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, which, perhaps, was the intention.

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Also known as B4N, this animated boy band had a real effect on Louise after seeing them in concert. So much so, that she and Tina get on to the band's tour bus. The band is led by Boo Boo, who eventually attempts to strike out on his own. Thus, leaving the band to march on without him as Boyz 3 Now, That proves to be a disaster, but Boo Boo eventually finds his way back into the group, which had an entertaining reoccurring presence on the popular show. Some of the band's hits include "I Love U So Much (It's Scary)."

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The first of two animated girl rock and roll bands that we will highlight. During the mid-to-late 1980s,Jem had a solid following for its television series about a record company owner (Jerrica "Jem" Benton) and her alter ego (thanks to a holographiccomputer that's a massive audio-visual companion), who fronts a female band that finds itself in various adventures and situations (usually involving rival bands The Misfits and The Stingers) that are funny and contain elements of action. Britta Phillips, perhaps best known for starring in the forgotten 1988 filmSatisfaction, provided the singing voice for Jem.

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From 2007-'09, The Naked Brothers Band had a home on Nickelodeon, following the success of the 2005 musical The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie. This kids' comedy follows real-life brothersNat and Alex Wolff (sons of show creator and Thirtysomething star Polly Draper), and their fictional band that is one of the most popular musical acts in the world. The series pokes fun at their real lives, while shot in an almost documentary format. The show earned plenty of credibility due to some of its marquee guest stars like Snoop Dogg, Phil Collins and Tony Hawk. Band favorites included"If That's Not Love"and All I Needed."

Playing With Time, Inc.

When it came to musical talent within the Degrassiuniverse, The Zit Remedy (then later known as The Zits), takes the cake. No offense to other Degrassibands like PMS, Hell Hath No Fury or Downtown Sasquatch. Joey Jeremiah(keyboards), Archie "Snake" Simpson on (guitar), andDerek "Wheels" Wheeler(bass) were all the rave in the first generation of Degrassigreatness. The trio, which apparently got by fine without a drummer, were responsible for the classic "Everybody Wants Something." Its biggest hit, that alsoincluded an acclaimed homemade music video.

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When it comes to fake bands of the 1980s and '90s, Jesse and The Rippers ranked pretty high on the list in terms of notoriety. Quite popular in the Bay Area, thanks to charismatic frontman Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos), the band enjoyed international success (especially in the Far East) with a cover of the Beach Boys' "Forever." The video even featured members of the famous band, and was severely overplayed on the Full House series going forward. Eventually family responsibilities got Jesse booted from the group, but there was a reunion on the recent Fuller House series.

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The focal point of the unheralded animated, black comedic Adult Swim series that ran from 2006-'13. Dethhklok was a death metal band that possessed a certain melodic flare that was enjoyable to the ears. Or, at least those of fans who appreciated this homage and parody of the heavy metal genre. The fictional lineup included William Murderface, Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Nathan Explosion, Pickles, and Toki Wartooth, who all lived in a castle. Comedian and co-creator Brendon Small provided lead vocals for a group that actually put out three studio albums, played live in human form and was known for such metal classics as "Awaken" and "Thunderhorse."

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Based on the popular comic that started in the 1960s. The animated series of the same name consisted of 16 original episodes that ran on CBS in 1970-71, and again the following television season. The show had a Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!vibe. In this case, showcasing an all-girl pop rock trio, led by talented and even-keeled singer, songwriter and guitarist Josie, that found itself amid various adventures and caperswhile playing concerts worldwide. The 2001 film version, starring Rachael Leigh Cook in the lead role, was generously below average.

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For those who have not experienced We Are Lady Parts, make a note to do so. In America, this British comedy series, which debuted in 2021, can be found on Peaco*ck, and word is that there will be a Season Two. The first season, six episodes worth, follows a British female punk band, made up of Muslim members. Lead guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan), a Ph.D. student in microbiology, is the newest member of the band, and finds a sense of inclusion and empowerment with her new bandmates. And away from her rather straight-laced and procedural life. Musically, Lady Parts can shred, whether playing covers or original material.

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The Zack Attack did have a regular presence in this popular teen comedy, but one of the most memorable episodes during the lengthy run of the show chronicled Zack Morris's dream of being a rock star. With the late, great Casey Kasem narrating the story of the Zack Attack, a pop group (Zack, Lisa, Slater, Kelly, Screech) that went from a garage band to one of the biggest musical acts in the world before all fell apart. That's OK, the group eventually got together for a reunion event at The Forum because they will also be "Friends Forever." Other classics from the band include "Did We Ever Have a Chance" and a cover of "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You."

Paramount Television

The Brady kids often showed off their vocal stylings during the popular sitcom's five-season run. However, from a musical standpoint, the best of those moments came when the kids tried to earn money to pay for a silver platter anniversary gift they got for their parents by competing for cash on The Pete Sterne Amateur Hour. Classics "Sunshine Day," which features a Bobby Brady solo grove, and the exceptional "Keep On," complete with those stylish blue and white outfits, are timeless memories from the show. And, it should be noted that Peter Brady's brilliant voice-changing performance on "Time to Change" was a close second.

The CW Television Network; The WB Television Network

Formed in Stars Hollow. It was always drummer Lane Kim's obsession to be in a band, and she finally had the guts to bring it all together. Complete with Zack (guitar) and Brian (bass), plus original guitarist Dave Rygalski, who eventually moved to California for college and was replaced by sandwich-shop owner (Sebastian Bach), Hep Alien had an indie/alternative vibe with a healthy punk influence. Though it almost played CBGB, Hep Alien's debut gig, at Kyle's house party, which was eventually broken up after Jess and Dean fought, it still might be their most memorable gig. Then again, who can forget its cover of TheGreatest American Hero theme song?

NBC

Fronted by the lovable, yet severely dim-witted Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt), Mouse Rat is arguably the greatest fictional rock band to ever come out of Pawnee, Ind,m -- and perhaps southern Indiana, all together. Though, Bobby Knight Ranger is pretty good, too. The group went by various names over the years, such as Alabaster Fart, Ninjadick, Scrotation Marks and Wet Dog Nightmare. And, is known for such memorable tunes like "Menace Ball" and, of course, its signature hit "5000 Candles in the Wind," the touching tribute to beloved fallen mini-horse Li'l Sebastian.

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Stars Jemaine Clementand Bret McKenzie are real-life musicians who thought their story would have an audience on screen. They were right. The men played fictionalized versions of their act in this renowned and highly celebrated comedy sitcom that debuted on HBO in 2007. A New Zealand band trying to make in America -- New York City, more specifically? Thanks to the uniqueness and creative approach to the project, complete with some folksy, catchy tunes in each episode, these shepherds-turned-musicians were responsible for Flight of the Conchords earning 10 Emmy Award nominations

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This beloved comic strip was created in the early 1940s, and various versions of the animated series followed the debut of The Archie Show in 1968. However, the music of The Archies proved to be the show's lasting legacy. It can be argued that The Archies (complete with Archie, Reggie, "Jughead," Betty and Veronica) produced the most memorable song of any fictional band in music history. In 1969, "Sugar, Sugar"reached No. 1 in roughly 15 countries. Session musicians, including Ron Dante on lead vocals, provided the sound of the band that released seven albums from 1968 through 2008.

Screen Gems Television

When it comes to musical families, the Partridge Family takes the crown. The reality was that only Shirley Jones, who played widowed mom Shirley Partridge, and eldest son Keith (David Cassidy) sang their parts. At least one musical number was featured per episode during the four-season run (1971-74) of the show, which then became even more popular via syndication. The show was goofy, but the multi-colored bus became a piece of pop culture iconography, and most Baby Boomers can recite the theme song "C'mon Get Happy." Not to mention, the Partridge Family had a No. 1 single with "I Think I Love You" and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist.

NBC

Reportedly inspired by the Beatles' A Hard Day's Night, The Monkees television series lasted just two seasons and 58 episodes in 1967 and '68. However, as a collective, Mike Nesmith, Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz, brought together for this fictional rock band, became a pop culture icon, complete with a legendary theme song. Thanks to syndication and the lasting presence of the music ("Daydream Believer," "Last Train to Clarksville," "I'm A Believer," just to name a few), generated from the innovative Emmy Award-winning comedy series, The Monkees' success spanned generations. The band toured the world, and the show has been credited as popularizing the music video format, eventually leading to the birth of MTV.