TV Show review
Review basis: 2 seasons, 12 episodes · through May 2, 2023
July 16, 2021 · TV-14 · Canceled
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Schmigadoon! follows two New York doctors who get trapped in a magical town where everyone sings and dances like they are in a classic Broadway musical and cannot leave until they find true love. The second season moves them to a darker city version based on 1960s and 1970s musicals. The show uses a visibly diverse cast and includes queer characters along with jokes that poke at old musical stereotypes from a modern point of view.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Schmigadoon!.
Woke representation / casting
Visible diverse casting in leads and ensemble with color-blind choices; Telsey office involvement; prominent roles for actors of color and openly gay performers.
Woke political dialogue
Occasional modern characters note outdated gender roles or closeted life as part of the musical parody; no activist speeches or heavy messaging.
Identity-driven story themes
Core story follows a couple fixing their relationship through musical worlds; only light updates to classic tropes with no focus on identity politics. Visible trans characters.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Affectionate satire on sexism and social norms from old musicals seen through modern eyes; no systemic critiques of current institutions or culture.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No significant anti-woke or right-leaning complaints found accusing the show of pushing woke, DEI, or identity politics messaging.
Creator track record context
Main creators Paul and Daurio have clean comedy records; writers include Bowen Yang with strong queer focus and Julie Klausner from edgy comedy work.
