Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is returning for its second season on October 21, and we couldn't be more excited. The show is groundbreaking in so many ways — its portrayals of mental illness and bisexuality are some of the most accurate we've seen on TV. The show frequently breaks down race- and gender-based stereotypes, too.
But aside from the writing and subject matter, what sets Crazy Ex-Girlfriend apart in the TV landscape is its musical format. Each episode features original songs, complete with costumes and choreography. The show takes inspiration from the current musical landscape, as well as classic songs and dances. And the musical numbers aren't fluff, either — one particularly moving song from the first season addresses anxiety in the form of a parody of Beyoncé's "Partition."
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend 's first season had plenty of hilarious and heartfelt songs, and it's safe to say there are plenty more to come. For starters, the show will have a brand new theme song.
Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna, the show's co-creators, have said in various interviews that the show's first season was focused on denial. For most of the season, Rebecca (Bloom) won't admit to anyone — especially not herself — that she moved to West Covina because of her feelings for Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III).
But that all changed in the finale, when Rebecca admits to Josh that he's the reason she moved to California. There aren't any more intonations of the original theme song — "but that's not why I'm here" — so it only makes sense for the new season to have a new theme, too.
"We always imagined the show in four sections: the first one was denial, the second one is certainty," Bloom told Entertainment Weekly. Expect Rebecca to be self-aware of her love for Josh — and unaware of his mixed signals in return.
Ahead of the season two premiere, we're ranking all of the songs from the first season, as well as the new theme song. (We're not including season two's "Love Kernels," a parody of Beyoncé's "Lemonade," because it's not on YouTube yet, but you can check out the preview over at EW.)
Season 1 Theme Song
It's not easy to condense a show's premise into a theme song, much less one with cartoon animations. But this did a stellar job, and also let skeptics about the show's title know the show is, indeed, very feminist.
Season 2 Theme Song
Rebecca has admitted her feelings for Josh, and this theme song makes it clear that she has no qualms about stating that she's in love.
"I Give Good Parent"
Anyone who's struggled to impress their partner's in-laws will relate to Valencia (Gabrielle Ruiz) after watching Rebecca's self-indulgent (but hilarious) ode to brown-nosing.
"I Love My Daughter"
This was Darryl's (Pete Gardner) first song on the show, and it's both accurate for his character and a hilarious takedown of "daddy-daughter" traditions. If you've ever been creeped out by the idea of a father "giving his daughter away" at a wedding, you'll relate to the sentiment of this song.
"Getting Bi"
Darryl may have described himself as "bothsexual," but this song perfectly takes down the most common criticisms of bisexuality. The fact that this song is '80s-inspired only adds to its greatness.
"What'll It Be"
Greg's (Santino Fontana) Billy Joel-inspired Thanksgiving ode is surprisingly moving. Here's hoping he gets out of West Covina one day.
"Settle For Me"
This was nominated for multiple Emmys, including Original Music and Lyrics and Choreography, and it's not hard to see why. Only Santino Fontana could make self-deprecation so utterly charming — and make us root for a "good guy" who's so clearly not one.
"I'm a Good Person"
Rebecca doesn't need to prove herself to Greg, but she definitely wants to. "Mother Teresa Luther King" is so funny, we're not even mad.
"I Gave You a UTI"
Only Greg would take pleasure in the fact that a woman has a UTI after sleeping with him, despite Rebecca's repeated attempts at explaining that it has nothing to do with his abilities. Combining UTIs with Elvis impressions is an unlikely pairing, but it works.
"His Status is Preferred"
Paula doesn't have a ton of songs that aren't about Rebecca, but the ones she's performed so far have always been memorable. The juxtaposition of jazz songs with something as trivial as frequent-flier status is subtly brilliant.
"Heavy Boobs"
The struggle is all too real.
"A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes"
Just try to tell us you don't tear up when current Rebecca hugs the younger Rebecca.
"Feeling Kinda Naughty"
If you've ever been jealous of a peer or coworker, you'll identify with this song. If not, you'll probably be creeped out.
"West Covina"
This is the song that started it all. Between the obsession with Josh and Rebecca's utter denial over West Covina's lack of appeal, the song set the stage for the show and hooked viewers in — which is no easy feat for a CW show with a questionable title.
"I'm The Villain"
In a rare moment of self-realization, Rebecca comes to see, if only for a minute, that Valencia probably doesn't deserve what she's doing to tear Josh away from her.
"Put Yourself First"
Whether or not you wear makeup is a personal decision, and there's no right answer. The wrong answer, however, is doing something you're not comfortable with because of societal pressure.
"Women Gotta Stick Together"
Valencia doesn't get to sing often enough, but this song proves her character has a lot to offer. Some have speculated that this song is a subtle dig at Taylor Swift's girl squad. But Swift aside, it's a not-so-subtle dig at the idea that women being competitive is always a bad thing. (And to be fair, Valencia has good reason to be suspicious of Rebecca.)
"You Stupid Bitch"
We don't get to see Rebecca's depression get the best of her in every episode, so this song is a delight. The insight into Rebecca's thought process helps explain some of her more ridiculous antics.
"The Sexy Getting Ready Song"
Getting ready can be fun, and the show isn't mocking that. What's on trial is the pressure society puts on women to look a certain way — and to act like it's effortless.
"Face Your Fears"
You wouldn't expect patently bad advice to be so funny, but it just is.
"I Have Friends"
So relatable. So depressingly, utterly relatable. It's the feeling you get when your coworkers ask what you did over the weekend, and you try to think of a response other than "Netflix."
"Sex with a Stranger"
Some critics have noticed that this song may allude to an anxiety attack for Rebecca. Instead of enjoying the sex, Rebecca bolts, saying she forgot to do the dishes. (Plus, this song is an excellent parody of the "Partition" video.)
"JAP Rap Battle"
Rebecca's nemesis, Audra Levine (Rachel Grate) has been mentioned since the pilot, so seeing her and Rebecca duke it out made for one of the first season's most memorable songs.
"Flooded with Justice"
It's only natural for a musical show to do a song inspired by Les Miserables. The water case was a natural fit. (Keep your eye out for the B.J. Novak cameo at 01:38.)
"Dream Ghost"
Thanks to her airplane hallucinations, we finally learn just why Rebecca sees her life as a series of musical numbers. Someone get the Dream Ghosts a dental insurance plan, stat.
"Oh My God I Think I Like You"
Rebecca is a self-realized, independent woman who can separate sex from love. But that doesn't stop her from developing feelings for Greg — and her exploration of those feelings is real and genuine.
"After Everything I Have Done For You"
Paula and Rebecca's relationship is one of the strongest parts of the show, and it's great to see Paula standing her own against Rebecca in this song. It also set the stage for the second season, when Rebecca won't be in denial of her feelings for Josh.
"Angry Mad"
Greg is usually the brooding leading man on the show, but Josh gives him a run for his money in this song.
"One Indescribable Instant"
Rebecca may not understand Paula's Twilight references, but she's still affected by the (fake) animated movie Slumbered. Her love of the movie's song "One Indescribable Instant" is fully realized when Lea Salonga performs it at Josh's sister's wedding.
"Having a Few People Over"
So simple. So Darryl. Any song where he dances is a win.
"Where's The Bathroom?"
Even overbearing mothers just might crack a smile at this song.
"Textmergency"
Sending a text message to the wrong person is relatable. Breaking and entering, on the other hand, not so much.
"Group Hang"
There's nothing worse than hoping you'll be able to get close to someone, but the group dynamic limits your interaction. Or, maybe that person is avoiding you in the first place, like when Josh invited his friends to his dinner with Rebecca.
"I Could If I Wanted To"
This song so perfectly captures Greg's essence. And your middle school self would have loved Greg's angst.
"California Christmastime"
We'll take chestnuts over Chet's nuts, please.
"Where is the Rock?"
Faking a break-in: probably not the best idea.
"Cold Shower"
It's hard to see the logic in Rebecca's point that cold water leads to crack addiction, but props to the Whitefeather & Associates crew for going the extra mile on a case.
"Good at Yoga"
This is the trickiest one on the list. Valencia's character is a yoga instructor, but she's not Indian, which makes this song (and her accent) a bit uncomfortable.
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