Julie and the Phantoms
Julie and the Phantoms
Now Showing

Julie and the Phantoms

"She'll change their afterlife."

8.4
Yr 2020
Rt 30m
Status Canceled
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Teenage Julie finds her passion for music and life while helping the Phantoms -- a trio of ghostly guys -- become the band they were never able to be.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 88 /100

Julie and the Phantoms is widely celebrated as a heartwarming and infectious musical comedy-drama. Critics largely praise the series for its emotional depth, catchy soundtrack, and strong performances, particularly that of newcomer Madison Reyes. Many reviewers noted that while the show draws comparisons to Disney Channel productions and Kenny Ortega’s previous musical work, it successfully elevates the genre through its supernatural premise and earnest storytelling.

While some critics felt the show maintained the breezy, occasionally trite flavor of a sitcom, the consensus is that it balances these elements with genuine charm and wholesome themes. The series is frequently highlighted as a source of feel-good entertainment that effectively bridges a generation gap through music and relatable characters, leaving audiences eager for more.

“The show is heartfelt, heartwarming, funny, emotionally honest, and very well delivered by its talented cast.”

“With catchy tunes and just the right amount of ghost jokes, Julie and the Phantoms is a fun, feel-good show that proves a perfect showcase for newcomer Madison Reyes.”

“Netflix’s attempt at a Disney Channel Original... with over-the-top performances, supernatural hijinks, and a surprisingly emotional core, it works.”

“The best thing about Julie and the Phantoms, though, is that this is a show about hope.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix
US • CA • UK
Netflix Standard with Ads
US • CA • UK
Why fans love it

High school dynamics usually involve cliques and exams, but this series reframes teenage growing pains through a lens of supernatural intervention. It leans into the whimsy of magical realism by placing a trio of spectral musicians in a suburban garage. Rather than focusing solely on the haunting, the narrative prioritizes the internal rhythms of adolescence. The music serves as a bridge for the characters to navigate grief, friendship, and the awkward arrival of first love.

Madison Reyes anchors the ensemble with a performance that grounds more fantastical elements in a recognizable reality. The tone remains light and comedic, yet it avoids the typical cynicism found in other depictions of youth culture. By exploring the connection between the living and the dead, the show creates space for conversations about personal identity and the quiet persistence of dreams. The inclusion of LGBTQ themes and collaborative spirit adds a modern texture to the classic setup of a struggling band trying to find its sound.

Production Board

Crew

Signal Match

Similarity

Where Julie and the Phantoms overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

musical friendship high school female protagonist first love lgbt ghost inspiring teenage protagonist growing pains heartfelt gal pals magical realism
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 10, 2020
Status
Canceled
Episode Runtime
30 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
620