NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is a musical-comedy-drama that makes music central to the characters' thoughts and actions. Zoey can hear the thoughts of those around her through song, and often acts on her empathy and superpower to help guide them through whatever they may be struggling with.
There were 71 musical numbers performed in Season 2 of the series, with every main character getting their own chance to shine and express themselves. While it's hard to pick which ones were the best, there are quite a few that stand out from the rest and progressed the season forward in a way that others didn't.
"Unwritten" (2.5)
As if the Max/Zoey/Simon love triangle wasn't enough, this season of Zoey's introduced a third potential heartthrob in Felix Mallard's Aiden.
Aiden was Zoey's childhood neighbor who blossomed into a handsome young adult, living life comfortably and flying by the seat of his pants. He attempted to show Zoey the sweeter side of life when he sang "Unwritten" to her, which doubled as a great introduction for his character and an eye-opening moment for Zoey.
"Carry On" (2.1)
In the first episode of Season 2, the Clarke family is still processing the death of Mitch. David and Emily have just welcomed their son, Miles and Maggie are trying to hold it all together for her kids.
While preparing family dinner, Maggie, Emily, and David sing "Carry On" by fun., letting Zoey know that their hearts are in the same place as hers. They're all just trying to grieve, and it's easier done together as a family. It was a beautiful way to open the season on a sad, yet optimistic note.
"Don't Stop Me Now" (2.11)
In episode 11, Zoey reluctantly participates in a San Francisco race to please her boyfriend, Simon, who is clearly having the time of his life given his heartfelt Queen performance. Max's girlfriend Rose joins in with the rest of the runners, while Zoey and Max look on, confused.
The song is a brilliant way to capture the differences between Simon and Rose and their partners. It's the first song in which everyone around Zoey partakes except one person, in this case Max, which gives Zoey insight into how he is feeling within his relationship with Rose.
"Numb" (2.5)
Much of Mo and Max's storylines this season involved their new business venture. They created the restaurant MaxiMo, but not without the help of an investor or two.
When Max's father visits in episode 5, he lets his disappointment be known that his son didn't follow in his footsteps and pursue the family dentistry business. While pitching the restaurant to his dad, Max loses control and passionately sings "Numb", letting Zoey and viewers know that his daddy issues are far from resolved.
"Kiss Me" (2.7)
Zoey's 30th birthday is a bit of a disaster. All of her friends have seemingly found love, except for her, as she is still torn between Max and Simon.
At her party, the guests all have a very late '90s romantic comedy moment when they sing "Kiss Me", leaving Zoey feeling more lonely than ever. The musical number shows everyone's true feelings, like how Mo and Perry are crushing on one another, David and Emily are still madly in love, and Tobin and Mackenzie have a thing for each other.
"I Lived" (2.13)
Zoey's father Mitch (played by Peter Gallagher) made an appearance in the flashback episode depicting Zoey's first day at SPRQ Point, but Gallagher surprised fans when he showed up in the season finale.
Mitch helped Zoey figure out what she wanted in her dream by encouraging her to live her life to the fullest just as he did. The father-daughter duo danced around an empty SPRQ Point to "I Lived", leading Zoey to realize that she needed to be brave like her father was and face her feelings for Max.
"Black Man In A White World" (2.6)
Zoey's tackled systemic racism in Season 2's sixth episode, "Zoey's Extraordinary Reckoning". SPRQ Point is a company that is lacking diverse voices and employees, and John Clarence Stewart's Simon doesn't shy away from calling it out.
Zoey holds a town hall meeting so that BIPOC employees can voice their concerns and let their voices be heard, but the whole thing goes awry when white people are the only ones speaking. Because of her powers, Zoey can tell that her plan isn't working when Simon sings "Black Man In A White World", explaining his internal struggle and the racism he deals with daily.
"A Moment Like This" (2.2)
Zoey decided to pursue a romantic relationship with Max at the end of Season 2's premiere, but their desire to be intimate with one another didn't come without plenty of power-induced challenges.
Max is unable to conceal his heart songs from Zoey even in the most private of moments, leading both of them to be distracted and frustrated. To make Max feel less alone, Zoey sings a duet heart song with her boyfriend, putting him at ease and allowing them to connect. The performances by Jane Levy and Skylar Astin are outstanding, and make an awkward moment truly beautiful.
"Anyone" (2.9)
Zoey's powers are glitchy one again in "Zoey's Extraordinary Mystery", and she can't figure out who is supposed to be singing what. When Max assures her that he and Rose have never been happier, Zoey wants to believe him, but then he belts Demi Lovato's "Anyone" and leaves her confused and concerned.
Once she finally connects the dots, Zoey realizes it's actually her sister-in-law Emily pleading for help through song, and goes to be by her side instantly. Alice Lee and Skylar Astin both sing the song live, making each of their renditions 10 times more special and impactful.
"I Melt With You" (2.13)
In the season finale, Zoey finally realizes that she wants to be with Max and lets it be known -- surprisingly -- through song.
As she confesses her feelings for him and explains that she is ready for a real relationship, time suddenly stops and a heart song is born. It's unclear whether her powers transferred to Max or they now share the ability to musically mind-read, but one thing's for sure: Zoey's rendition of "I Melt With You" is incredibly beautiful, and leaves the season with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.