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Galavant
Genre
Created byDan Fogelman
Starring
Narrated byBen Presley
Theme music composerAlan Menken
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes18
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Marshall Boone
  • Helen Flint
Production locationUnited Kingdom
Cinematography
  • Chris Seager
  • Ashley Rowe
Editors
  • David L. Bertman
  • Lance Luckey
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time22 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseJanuary 4, 2015 (2015-01-04) –
January 31, 2016 (2016-01-31)

Galavant is an American musical fantasy comedy television series, created and written by Dan Fogelman, with music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. Fogelman, Menken and Slater also serve as executive producers alongside Chris Koch, Kat Likkel and John Hoberg.[1] Joshua Sasse stars as the titular character, and is joined by principal cast members Timothy Omundson, Vinnie Jones, Mallory Jansen, Karen David, and Luke Youngblood. Jansen described Galavant as "the bastard child of Monty Python and The Princess Bride."

The series premiered on January 4, 2015, with its first season consisting of eight episodes which aired over four weeks. The series was renewed for a second season of ten episodes on May 7, 2015, which premiered on January 3, 2016, following the same airing scheme as the first season. On May 12, 2016, the series was canceled after two seasons.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Galavant is a dashing knight, down on his luck, determined to reclaim his reputation and his "happily ever after" by going after the evil King Richard, who ruined it the moment he kidnapped the love of Galavant's life, Madalena, who then decided to stay with Richard for his money and power. Galavant is assisted by his faithful squire, Sid, and the lovely Princess Isabella, whose kingdom of Valencia has been conquered by Richard. Meanwhile, the malevolent but weak-willed Richard tries to win over the scheming Madalena and seeks help from his brawny henchman, Gareth, and his chef, Vincenzo. The episodes chronicle Galavant's journeys (and the twists and turns that go along with them) through musical numbers composed and written by Menken and Slater. They participate in a joust, visit Sid's hometown, are captured by shipwrecked pirates, and make a stop with a band of singing monks before finally being captured by Richard and Gareth as they try to infiltrate the castle to rescue Madalena, who, it turns out, doesn't want or need to be rescued as Isabella had told the group. Richard is knocked off the throne when his older brother, Kingsley, shows up and claims it, and everyone finds themselves locked in the dungeon together. Richard's brother orders the captives executed. Gareth refuses and sets them all free but Sid, but before the new king can retaliate he is stabbed in the back and Madalena puts Gareth on the throne of Valencia beside her. Isabella and crew seek shelter with her cousin Harry in Hortensia, where she is locked away until they can marry, and Richard and Galavant (who, it turns out, is more than a little fickle) set sail with the pirates to rescue her.

In the second season, Richard attempts to find a new role for himself in life, and he falls in love with Roberta Steinglass, a childhood friend. Galavant goes to great lengths to recruit an army to help him on his quest. Richard also adopts a lizard, believing it will grow into a dragon and draws a sword that he does not know can only be drawn by the "one true king to unite them all." At the same time, Chester Wormwood, an evil sorcerer who doubles as a wedding planner, has taken control of Isabella's mind so she is now accepting being married to her cousin. When his plan eventually backfires, Isabella exiles him, and he flees to Valencia, where he encourages Gareth and Madalena to start an unplanned war with Hortensia. Wormwood also offers to teach them his "Dark Dark Evil Way" (abbreviated as D'DEW) of sorcery, which Gareth rejects but Madalena secretly accepts. All the episodes lead up to the finale, a huge battle between three armies, including the Valencians, the Hortensians, and a swarm of zombies led by Galavant and Richard.

Cast and characters

[edit]

Main

[edit]

Recurring

[edit]
  • Ben Presley as Steve Mackenzie the Jester. Briefly Madalena's lover, who later becomes Isabella's confidant. He also serves as the series' occasional narrator.[3]
  • Darren Evans as Vincenzo,[4] the royal chef of Valencia and Gwynne's love interest.
  • Sophie McShera as Gwynne,[5] Madalena's maidservant and Chef Vincenzo's love interest.
  • Stanley Townsend as the King of Valencia,[3] Isabella's father.
  • Genevieve Allenbury as the Queen of Valencia,[6] Isabella's mother.
  • Hugh Bonneville as Peter Pillager, the Pirate King
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic as the Head Monk, leader of a group of monks who have taken a vow of singing.
  • Rutger Hauer as Kingsley (season 1),[7] Richard's older brother.
  • Kemaal Deen-Ellis as Prince Harry of Hortensia, Isabella's eleven-year-old cousin and fiancé.
  • Robert Lindsay as Chester Wormwood (season 2), an evil sorcerer and occasional wedding planner who follows the Dark Dark Evil Way (or "D'DEW").
  • Clare Foster as Roberta Steingass (season 2), Richard's childhood friend and eventual love interest.
  • Muzz Khan as Barry (season 2), Wormwood's assistant.
  • Alfie Simmons as Young Richard
  • Sonnyboy Skelton as Young Gareth
  • Anthony Head (season 1) and Greg Wise (season 2) as Arnold Galavant, Galavant's estranged father and a former knight who opened a home for troubled youth.
  • John Stamos as Sir Jean Hamm, a legendary jouster and Galavant's rival.

Cameos

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
18January 4, 2015 (2015-01-04)January 25, 2015 (2015-01-25)
210January 3, 2016 (2016-01-03)January 31, 2016 (2016-01-31)

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateUS viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Chris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 4, 2015 (2015-01-04)7.42[8]
Madalena, the love of famous knight Galavant, is kidnapped by King Richard. Galavant tries to get her back but she decided to marry Richard anyway for the fame and fortune, crushing him. During the next year, Richard conquers the kingdom of Valencia. Madalena has started a secret affair with the Jester, and demands the Jewel of Valencia from her husband, whom she keeps comparing to Galavant to his great anger. When Richard threatens to kill the King and Queen of Valencia, their daughter, Princess Isabella, offers the gem. But instead of giving it to his ungrateful wife, he makes Isabella lure Galavant to him under the false pretense of helping her save her people, so Richard can kill Galavant and prove himself superior to Madalena. She finds Galavant an out-of-shape drunk who gave up his heroic lifestyle after his heart was broken. Seeing that Galavant has not gotten over his lost love, Isabella convinces him that Madalena still has feelings for him. The two then prepare to embark on a quest to Valencia along with Galavant's squire, Sid.
22"Joust Friends"Chris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 4, 2015 (2015-01-04)7.42[8]
To win money for their journey, Galavant enters a jousting tournament. He is up against his old rival Sir Jean Hamm (John Stamos). When Isabella realizes that Galavant is in terrible shape, she trains him and sabotages Hamm, to make sure that Galavant wins. King Richard asks Gareth to show him how to become more manly for Madalena.
33"Two Balls"Chris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 11, 2015 (2015-01-11)4.11[9]
When the party stops at Sid's hometown for a rest, they are surprised to find he was raised in a Jewish community and that he has become a legendary hero through his exaggerated stories. Sid asks Galavant to play along as his squire and Isabella as his promised wife to impress his foster parents (Faith Prince and Michael Brandon) and the townspeople. This teaches Galavant a new perspective on Sid's role as his devoted helper. After King Richard has burned the crops and the people of Valencia are starving, he organizes a ball to force them to cheer up, during which the eunuch accidentally reveals the secret affair between Madalena and the Jester.
44"Comedy Gold"John FortenberryKat Likkel & John HobergJanuary 11, 2015 (2015-01-11)4.11[9]
The party is captured and robbed by a group of stranded pirates led by the pirate King Peter the Pillager (Hugh Bonneville),[10] an old acquaintance of Galavant. When finally everyone learns to work together, they can free their ship and sail towards Valencia. King Richard thinks he can win back Madalena by becoming as funny as the Jester, so he takes comedy lessons with him. When the Jester becomes too scared and asks Madalena to end their affair, she has him thrown into the dungeon.
55"Completely Mad...Alena"John FortenberryCasey Johnson & David WindsorJanuary 18, 2015 (2015-01-18)3.42[11]
Richard is excited for Galavant's arrival in Valencia and plans a feast for the execution. Madalena is impatient and promises Chef Vincenzo a date with her maiden Gwynne in exchange for Richard's secrets. She finds out about Galavant's arrival and sends a letter. Galavant, Sid, and Isabella stop at a monastery of monks that have all taken a "vow of singing". Riddled by remorse, Isabella takes a confession with the lead monk (Al Yankovic) and tries to negotiate with Richard, but he wants Galavant or he will kill her parents. When the group sneaks into the castle, Richard captures them and throws them into the dungeon. Galavant learns that Isabella betrayed him, and is saved by Madalena just before the hanging.
66"Dungeons and Dragon Lady"James GriffithsKirker ButlerJanuary 18, 2015 (2015-01-18)3.42[11]
Hoping that Madalena saved him to run away and spend their lives together, Galavant has to realize that she does not want to leave her castle and fortune for him. Instead, she offers to keep him on as the Queen's boytoy when her secret plan works out. Richard is furious about Madalena, so the Chef takes him to see the famous magician Xanax (Ricky Gervais),[12] who brings back memories of when his older brother Kingsley humiliated him. In the dungeon, Galavant and Isabella realize their love for one another. When Richard returns from Xanax, he wants to throw Madalena into the dungeon, but is stopped by Kingsley, who has returned on Madalena's request to reclaim the throne.
77"My Cousin Izzy"Chris KochScott WeingerJanuary 25, 2015 (2015-01-25)4.37[13]
Kingsley challenges Richard for a duel over the throne and Madalena, but with Gareth as Kingsley's champion. Thinking about his father's (Anthony Head) lessons on being a hero, Galavant offers to fight for Richard if his friends are released when he wins. Just as the duel starts, Isabella's much younger cousin and fiance Harry arrives, who was sent for by her parents to save them. In preparation for his welcome feast, Gwynne wants Vincenzo to poison the royals so they can be free, but he only serves them food which aggravate their allergies. The Jester, Sid, and Isabella break out of the dungeon. When seeing Isabella with Galavant, Harry leaves, and the duel is on again, but this time Richard for himself against Gareth.
88"It's All in the Executions"Chris KochKristin NewmanJanuary 25, 2015 (2015-01-25)4.37[13]
The night before the duel, Galavant and Richard bond over drinks and decide to kill Kingsley in his sleep, but they get caught and thrown into the dungeon. Gareth sneaks Galavant and Richard out of the castle to flee with the pirates. Galavant promises to take care of Richard, and in return Gareth helps the others escape, keeping Sid as a hostage. Kingsley is about to punish him, but is stabbed by Madalena, so she and Gareth seize control of Valencia. Isabella and her parents, the Jester, Vincenzo and Gwynne have fled to Hortensia where Harry locks Isabella in a giant dollhouse so he can always have an eye on her.

Season 2 (2016)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateUS viewers
(millions)
91"A New Season aka Suck It Cancellation Bear"John FortenberryDan FogelmanJanuary 3, 2016 (2016-01-03)3.20[14]
After everyone sings a song about how excited they are to have gotten another season for the show (with Sid accidentally spoiling the show's climax), Galavant and Richard crash land the pirate ship and make their way on foot back to Richard's kingdom. They accidentally find themselves in The Enchanted Forest, a gay bar where the Queen (Kylie Minogue) captures Galavant and forces him to tend the bar. Gareth gets no respect from Madalena but with Sid's help claims the title of king. Isabella repeatedly fails to escape from Harry and asks for help from Chef and Gwynne, and Chef agrees. Richard finds his long-lost Uncle Keith (Simon Williams) at the bar and Keith helps them to escape.
102"World's Best Kiss"John FortenberryKat Likkel & John HobergJanuary 3, 2016 (2016-01-03)3.20[14]
Isabella and Galavant share a memory of their kiss and begin to doubt it was very good. Galavant and Richard stop at a village where they meet a fortune teller (Simon Callow) who is able to communicate with Isabella via an amulet she wears. However, the amulet gets very bad reception, and it breaks up during a conversation leading Galavant to believe the kiss was wonderful, while Isabella believes that Galavant does not love her and she abandons her escape attempts. Chef also tells Richard that Gareth has betrayed him by becoming king. Gareth brings some of his possessions to be displayed, leading to an argument where Gareth and Madalena finally find mutual appreciation for each other. As Richard and Galavant leave the village, Richard unknowingly removes a magic sword from a tree stump. They then travel to his castle and find the entire building is gone.
113"Aw, Hell, the King"Declan LowneyKat Likkel & John HobergJanuary 10, 2016 (2016-01-10)2.41[15]
Richard discovers his former kingdom has been converted into a democracy while he was gone using the resources of his former castle. Gareth has nightmares about betraying Richard, and Madalena forces Sid to help him. Sid makes Gareth realize he is feeling guilty over his decision. Isabella mourns her breakup and wants nothing to do with her upcoming wedding to Harry, but wedding planner/evil sorcerer Chester Wormwood has plans to take over Hortensia and deceives Isabella into wearing an enchanted tiara, putting her under his control. Galavant asks the citizens to volunteer for his army to rescue Isabella, but the only volunteer is a lady named Roberta. Galavant, Richard, and Roberta set off to find more members for their army.
124"Bewitched, Bothered, and Belittled"John FortenberryMaggie BandurJanuary 10, 2016 (2016-01-10)2.41[15]
Richard realizes that Roberta is a former childhood playmate of his. Galavant wants to get rid of Richard, so he tries to set them up together with a romantic dinner, which works for Roberta but not for Richard. Chef and Gwynne celebrate their new status as upper lower class citizens, but Gwynne is unable to adjust to it, and she convinces Chef to leave with her and return to their former lifestyle of abject poverty. Madalena is invited to a party by two snobby sisters (Sarah Hadland and Sally Phillips) who used to shun her when she was poor, but it really turns out to be a roast of her and she is humiliated again. On her return to Valencia, she realizes that she is feeling hurt for the first time. But when Gareth takes revenge on the sisters, she kisses him and notices another new feeling.
135"Giants vs. Dwarves"Declan LowneyDan KopelmanJanuary 17, 2016 (2016-01-17)2.32[16]
Richard trades the Jewel of Valencia for a lizard he believes is a baby dragon, whom he names "Tad Cooper". Since he was planning on selling the Jewel to buy an army and rescue Isabella, a disgusted Galavant abandons Richard. The pair later wind up on opposite sides in a war between "very short giants" (led by Nick Frost) and "very tall dwarves", who are actually all normal-sized people, before Roberta makes peace. Isabella, who has imprisoned her own parents under Wormwood's control, visits wild Princess Jubilee (Sheridan Smith) who accidentally knocks her tiara off and frees her. Sid advises a love-sick Gareth that Madalena is a dangerous choice for a partner, but Gareth betrays his insults to Madalena, and Sid is forced to flee.
146"About Last Knight"Paul MurphyScott WeingerJanuary 17, 2016 (2016-01-17)2.32[16]
Isabella kicks Wormwood out of Hortensia and breaks her engagement with her cousin. Madelena tries to get Gareth what he most wants for his birthday, a bar brawl, but everyone is too afraid to fight him as he is now a king. Wormwood, who has been banished from Hortensia, arrives in Valencia and convinces the royals to go to war. Galavant seeks shelter with his estranged father, Arnold (Greg Wise) and is shocked to find his emotionally distant father now runs a home for at-risk youth. When Sid reunites with Galavant, he throws him his lost sword, but accidentally impales Galavant's chest.
157"Love and Death"Paul MurphyRobin ShorrJanuary 24, 2016 (2016-01-24)2.10[17]
Richard, Sid, and Roberta bring the severely wounded Galavant to a healer, Neo of Sporin (Reece Shearsmith). Galavant dies, but Neo makes a potion allowing Galvant to defeat Death (Eddie Marsan) and return to life. Neo then provides Galavant with an army of zombies. Wormwood plans for war with Madalena and Gareth, who realize they may be falling in love. Isabella readies Hortensia for war but finds they have no weapons. Richard and Roberta admit they have feelings for each other.
168"Do the D'DEW"Chris KochJeremy HallJanuary 24, 2016 (2016-01-24)2.10[17]
Roberta and Richard finally make love, and Richard loses his virginity. Isabella meets with Gareth and Madalena to discuss terms of surrender but Isabella leaves more determined to defeat them. Wormwood offers to teach them his "dark dark evil way" (abbreviated as D'DEW) of magic, which Gareth refuses but Madalena secretly accepts. Galavant has troubles controlling the zombies until he realizes they respond positively to his idea of fighting for love. Sid leaves to redeem himself since he feels guilty for briefly killing Galavant, and Roberta, believing Richard will be killed in battle, refuses to watch him die and breaks things off. All three armies prepare for battle.
179"Battle of the Three Armies"John FortenberryRick Wiener & Kenny SchwartzJanuary 31, 2016 (2016-01-31)2.15[18]
The armies of Valencia, Hortensia, and the undead clash, right on top of Chef and Gwynne's hovel. Gareth, angry at Madelena's use of the dark arts, defects and makes peace with Richard. Galavant and Isabella reunite on the battlefield and plan to marry if they survive. Wormwood uses his magic to turn the zombies against everyone. The heroes retreat into the castle. Madelena tries to persuade Gareth to leave with her. When he refuses, she releases the undead army.
1810"The One True King (To Unite Them All)"John FortenberryRick Wiener & Kenny SchwartzJanuary 31, 2016 (2016-01-31)2.15[18]
Richard reflects on his unhappy childhood. Sid returns with an army consisting of minor characters, turning the tide of the battle. Isabella and Madelena fight face to face, with Isabella emerging victorious. Richard faces Wormwood, who seems to kill Tad Cooper, the lizard Richard believes is a dragon. Enraged, Richard strikes down Wormwood with his magical sword, revealing himself to be the true king of the Seven Realms. Gareth tries to make up with Madelena, but she has tasted the ultimate power and wants more; she magically vanishes. Richard catches up with Roberta before she leaves the kingdom and confesses his love. In the final song, everyone is seen getting their happy ending: Galavant and Isabella marry in a ceremony backed by the Singing Monks (once again led by "Weird Al" Yankovic) and retire to a house by the sea. Isabella's parents return to Valencia and reclaim the throne. Chef and Gwynne rebuild their house. Gareth invites Sid on a quest to "save Madelena from herself", finally giving Sid an adventure of his own. Madelena arrives at a spooky castle to meet with the Dark Evil Lord (abbreviated as DEL) to master her powers of D'DEW. Richard, who has settled down with Roberta, feeds Tad Cooper, who has grown into an actual fire-breathing dragon.

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The series reunites screenwriter Dan Fogelman, composer Alan Menken, and lyricist Glenn Slater, who had worked together on the 2010 animated film Tangled (produced by ABC's corporate sibling Walt Disney Animation Studios).[19] The pilot was ordered by ABC in October 2013,[20] and picked up to series in May 2014.[21]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography took place in the Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, United Kingdom.[22][23] Peter the Pillager's pirate ship in season one is filmed on the life-size reproduction of The Matthew which lives in Bristol's Floating Harbour.[24]

Other filming locations include Caldicot Castle and Caerphilly Castle in Wales, Southern Down on the Bristol Channel, Berkeley Castle,[25] Cosmeston Medieval Village,[26] and Wells Cathedral.[27]

Release

[edit]

The series premiered on January 4, 2015, taking over the timeslot of fellow ABC series Once Upon a Time for the mid-season period. It was billed as a four-week "comedy extravaganza".[28]

On May 7, 2015, the series was renewed for a 10-episode second season.[29] The title of the second-season premiere, "A New Season aka Suck It Cancellation Bear", mocks the predicted cancellation by the ratings website TV by the Numbers after the first season.[30]

The series was cancelled on May 12, 2016.[2] Upon cancellation, composer Menken expressed interest in continuing the series on stage.[31]

Music

[edit]

Galavant is a comedy musical.[32] The incidental music is composed by Menken and Christopher Lennertz. The songs are composed by Menken with lyrics by Slater, and have been described as "self-knowing parodies",[33] both on Menken and Slater's previous work, as well as on classic musicals such as West Side Story.[34] According to Fogelman, the lyrics of the opening song of the second season makes fun of the "eventization" of every limited-run series. They also comment on the shows' broadcast time slot and the missed Emmy nomination.[35]

The following songs featured on Galavant are performed by the Galavant cast.[36]

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]

An official soundtrack for the first season was released on January 19, 2015.[37]

No.TitlePerformersLength
1."Galavant"Ben Presley and the Cast of Galavant2:21
2."She'll Be Mine"Timothy Omundson, Vinnie Jones, and the Cast of Galavant2:11
3."Maybe You're Not the Worst Thing Ever"Timothy Omundson, Mallory Jansen, Karen David, and Joshua Sasse1:42
4."Oy! What a Knight"Faith Prince, Michael Brandon, Luke Youngblood, Karen David, and the Cast of Galavant1:52
5."Jackass in a Can"Joshua Sasse and the Cast of Galavant1:44
6."Togetherness"Joshua Sasse, Luke Youngblood, and Karen David2:23
7."Comedy Gold"Ben Presley and Timothy Omundson2:21
8."Lords of the Sea (feat.Hugh Bonneville)"Cast of Galavant1:46
9."No One But You"Mallory Jansen2:00
10."Hey, Hey, We're the Monks (feat. "Weird Al" Yankovic)"Cast of Galavant1:16
11."If I Could Share My Life With You"Darren Evans and Sophie McShera2:20
12."A Day in Richard's Life (feat. Ricky Gervais)"Cast of Galavant2:47
13."Love Is Strange"Karen David and Joshua Sasse1:43
14."Goodnight My Friend"Timothy Omundson2:20

Season 2 (2016)

[edit]

An official soundtrack for the second season was released on January 29, 2016.[38]

No.TitlePerformersLength
1."A New Season"Joshua Sasse, Hugh Bonneville, Timothy Omundson, Ben Presley, Darren Evans, Sophie McShera, Karen David, Mallory Jansen, Vinnie Jones, Luke Youngblood, and the Cast of Galavant4:14
2."Off with His Shirt (feat. Kylie Minogue)"Cast of Galavant2:18
3."World's Best Kiss"Karen David, and Joshua Sasse1:45
4."Let's Agree to Disagree"Vinnie Jones and Mallory Jansen1:41
5."Build a New Tomorrow (feat. Matt Lucas)"Timothy Omundson and the Cast of Galavant1:50
6."The Happiest Day of Your Life (feat. Robert Lindsay)"Karen David and the Cast of Galavant2:25
7."If I Were a Jolly Blacksmith"Timothy Omundson2:14
8."As Good As It Gets"Darren Evans and Sophie McShera2:05
9."Serenade"Joshua Sasse, Timothy Omundson, and Clare Foster2:08
10."What Am I Feeling"Mallory Jansen2:14
11."My Dragon Pal and Me"Timothy Omundson and the Cast of Galavant1:42
12."Different Kind of Princess (feat. Sheridan Smith)"Cast of Galavant1:51
13."Dwarves vs. Giants"Timothy Omundson, Joshua Sasse, Clare Foster and the Cast of Galavant1:52
14."Today We Rise"Luke Youngblood and the Cast of Galavant2:10
15."He Was There"Joshua Sasse and the Cast of Galavant1:29
16."Time Is of the Essence (feat. Reece Shearsmith)"Luke Youngblood1:30
17."Goodbye (feat. Eddie Marsan)"Joshua Sasse, Luke Youngblood, Mallory Jansen, Timothy Omundson, Clare Foster Karen David, and the Cast of Galavant2:40
18."Love Makes the World Brand New"Vinnie Jones1:32
19."I Don't Like You"Mallory Jansen and Karen David1:36
20."Finally"Timothy Omundson, Clare Foster and the Cast of Galavant2:04
21."A Dark Season"Karen David, Vinnie Jones, Mallory Jansen, Luke Youngblood, Clare Foster, Timothy Omundson, and Joshua Sasse1:09
22."Galavant Recap"Ben Presley2:04
23."A Good Day to Die"Vinnie Jones, Karen David, Ben Presley, Darren Evans, Sophie McShera, and the Cast of Galavant3:13
24."Do the D'Dew"Robert Lindsay and Mallory Jansen1:48
25."Will My Day Ever Come (feat. Alfie Simmons)"Timothy Omundson2:10
26."A Real Life, Happily Ever After"Joshua Sasse and Karen David2:23
27."A Good Day to Die (Reprise)"Joshua Sasse, Karen David, Vinnie Jones, Ben Presley and the Cast of Galavant1:12
28."Season 2 Finale (feat. "Weird Al" Yankovic)"Joshua Sasse, Karen David, Ben Presley, Vinnie Jones, Luke Youngblood, Mallory Jansen and the Cast of Galavant3:51

Home media

[edit]

Galavant – The Complete Collection was released on DVD as a set consisting of both seasons in Region 1 on November 10, 2017. The series was made available to stream on Netflix.[39] Galavant was later released on Hulu.[40]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, for the first season, 78% of 40 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.60/10. The website's consensus reads: "While the jokes in Galavant ride the line of predictability, their execution, along with campy themes and silly musical numbers, make it memorably entertaining."[41] On Metacritic, it has a score of 64 out of 100, based on reviews from 30 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[42]

Brian Lowry of Variety praised Galavant for its spirited and cheeky take on the TV musical genre, observing that the show addresses the typical challenges of TV musicals by utilizing a half-hour format, which, as stated, condenses the "need to create songs into a manageable task." Lowry highlighted the influences of the show, saying that Galavant "draws a strong debt to Monty Python and a lesser one to spoofs like When Things Were Rotten," and commended the series, featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, for its "rambunctious energy" and "cheeky lyrics". The show's blend of serialized storytelling and comedic elements, such as landlocked pirates and anachronistic jokes, also earned Lowry's approval.[43] Matt Mitovich of TVLine said they were initially approaching Galavant with some hesitation but were unexpectedly drawn into the show, even binge-watching the six episodes available. They acknowledged that the plot progression can feel slow due to the inclusion of song-and-dance numbers and the antics of the more colorful characters, such as the king. Mitovich remarked, "ABC is smart to double-pump episodes," suggesting that viewers will feel more satisfied watching two episodes at a time. Mitovich likened Galavant to Robin Hood: Men in Tights, noting its musical elements and higher production values, with a hint of The Princess Bride in its tone. They found the title track catchy, though they mentioned that while the other tunes might not be as memorable, the lyrics are often clever. Mitovich also highlighted some humorous lines, and praised Timothy Omundson for his portrayal of the clueless monarch.[44]

Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times said Galavant is a playful yet inconsistent attempt at blending musical theater with television, stating that while the series, featuring Joshua Sasse as the titular hero, aims for a whimsical tone reminiscent of The Princess Bride and Monty Python's Spamalot, it often feels labored and doesn't fully capture the magic of live theater, though it earns points for trying something different. Nevertheless, it was recognized by Genzlinger for its inventive approach to the genre.[45] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix, however, was more negative, writing, "...the whole is less than the sum of its comic and musical parts."[46]

The second season was met with equally positive critical response: On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 100% rating, based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 7.80/10. The consensus reads: "The surprise second season of Galavant sends its cast in many directions, but keeps the fun and music that made it a hit firmly at its center."[47] On Metacritic, it has a score of 77 out of 100, based on reviews from 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[48]

Ratings

[edit]

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]

The first season averaged 4.83 million live viewers, and 6.52 million including DVR-playback.[49]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Galavant
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "Pilot" January 4, 2015 2.0/5 7.42[8] 0.9 2.53 2.9 9.95[50]
2 "Joust Friends" January 4, 2015 2.0/5 7.42[8] 0.9 2.53 2.9 9.95[50]
3 "Two Balls" January 11, 2015 1.3/3 4.11[9] — — — —
4 "Comedy Gold" January 11, 2015 1.3/3 4.11[9] — — — —
5 "Completely Mad...Alena" January 18, 2015 0.9/2 3.42[11] 0.6 — 1.5[51] —
6 "Dungeons and Dragon Lady" January 18, 2015 0.9/2 3.42[11] 0.6 — 1.5[51] —
7 "My Cousin Izzy" January 25, 2015 1.1/3 4.37[13] — — — —
8 "It's All in the Executions" January 25, 2015 1.1/3 4.37[13] — — — —

Season 2 (2016)

[edit]
Viewership and ratings per episode of Galavant
No. Title Air date Rating/share
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "A New Season aka Suck It
Cancellation Bear" 		January 3, 2016 0.9/3 3.20[14] — — — —
2 "World's Best Kiss" January 3, 2016 0.9/3 3.20[14] — — — —
3 "Aw, Hell, the King" January 10, 2016 0.6/2 2.41[15] 0.3 0.75 0.9 3.16[52]
4 "Bewitched, Bothered, and Belittled" January 10, 2016 0.6/2 2.41[15] 0.3 0.75 0.9 3.16[52]
5 "Giants vs. Dwarves" January 17, 2016 0.6/2 2.32[16] — 0.71 — 3.03[53]
6 "About Last Knight" January 17, 2016 0.6/2 2.32[16] — 0.71 — 3.03[53]
7 "Love and Death" January 24, 2016 0.5/2 2.10[17] — — — —
8 "Do the D'DEW" January 24, 2016 0.5/2 2.10[17] — — — —
9 "Battle of the Three Armies" January 31, 2016 0.6/2 2.15[18] — — — —
10 "The One True King (To Unite Them All)" January 31, 2016 0.6/2 2.15[18] — — — —
Galavant : U.S. viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode number
12345678910
17.427.424.114.113.423.424.374.37–
23.203.202.412.412.322.322.102.102.152.15
Audience measurement performed by Nielsen Media Research[citation needed]

Accolades

[edit]

Galavant was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Music Score and Musical for Episodic Short Form Broadcast Media at the 2015 Golden Reel Awards.[54][55] It was also nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics at the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards.[56][57]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Galavant

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Galavant is an American musical fantasy comedy television series created by , featuring original music by and lyrics by . The show follows the titular knight, Sir Galavant (played by ), a once-heroic figure who loses his fiancée Madalena () to the tyrannical King Richard () and embarks on a series of adventures to reclaim his honor, love, and "happily ever after" in a satirical medieval world. Aired on ABC, the series premiered on January 4, 2015, with its first season consisting of eight episodes broadcast over four weeks in pairs, followed by a second season of ten episodes that concluded on January 31, 2016. The principal cast includes as the petulant King Richard, as his loyal guard Gareth, as Princess Isabella, and as Galavant's squire Sid. Known for its self-aware humor, catchy musical numbers, and of tropes, Galavant blends swashbuckling action with Broadway-style songs, earning critical acclaim for its wit and performances, including a 77% approval rating on for the first season. The series features notable guest appearances from celebrities such as Weird Al Yankovic, who composed additional songs, and incorporates meta-commentary on and heroism throughout its run. Despite its short lifespan, Galavant has developed a for its innovative format and memorable ensemble.

Overview

Premise

Galavant is a musical fantasy-comedy series centered on Sir , a once-renowned whose life unravels when his fiancée Madalena betrays him on their day by choosing the tyrannical Richard, leaving Galavant disgraced and seeking both revenge and redemption. Joined by the earnest Isabella of the kingdom of , Galavant embarks on a perilous quest to confront Richard and reclaim his lost love, only to discover deeper complexities in loyalty and desire along the way. Meanwhile, Madalena navigates her new role as queen, grappling with power and ambition, while Isabella's arc highlights her growth from a sheltered royal to a determined leader fighting to save her homeland from invasion. Set in a whimsical medieval world filled with enchanted forests, besieged castles, and quirky inhabitants, the series parodies classic fairy-tale tropes through its blend of sword-and-sorcery adventure and contemporary wit, incorporating original songs to advance the plot and reveal character emotions. Core themes revolve around the redefinition of heroism beyond chivalric ideals, the turbulence of romantic entanglements, and personal evolution amid betrayal and unforeseen alliances, unfolding across two seasons that trace Galavant's transformation from a self-absorbed to a more empathetic figure. The narrative culminates in resolutions for the main arcs in the second season, but the series was abruptly concluded after two seasons when ABC canceled it in May 2016 due to insufficient viewership despite critical acclaim.

Format and style

Galavant is structured as a half-hour musical series, with each episode running approximately 22 minutes and functioning as a complete mini-musical containing three to four original songs that advance the narrative. The episodes were aired in pairs on consecutive Sunday nights over four weeks, creating a serialized presentation that emphasized theatrical pacing. Within this format, each installment is divided into two roughly 11-minute acts, bookended by musical numbers and featuring breaks at the act transitions to evoke the tension of traditional stage serials. The show's musical elements draw heavily from Broadway traditions, incorporating elaborate production numbers composed by with lyrics by , performed live on set without lip-syncing and enhanced by a 40-piece live recorded in . These songs blend humor and storytelling, often breaking the through direct addresses to the audience or self-referential commentary on the medium itself. The comedic style relies on anachronistic humor, such as modern slang and inventions like zippers in a medieval world, alongside pop culture references that subvert fairy-tale tropes. Visually, Galavant employs a vibrant aesthetic with colorful, detailed costumes that mix historical accuracy with fantastical exaggeration, complemented by sets filmed in picturesque Welsh locations to capture a whimsical medieval landscape inspired by Monty Python's absurdism and classic fairy tales. This lively design, directed by , supports the show's playful tone, using dynamic framing and gags storyboarded to fit the musical rhythm while managing production constraints. The overall format thus merges television's episodic structure with theatrical flair, enhancing the fantasy premise through rhythmic, song-driven storytelling.

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of Galavant features six lead performers who anchor the series' central narrative across its two seasons. Joshua Sasse portrays Sir Gary Galavant, the heroic yet flawed knight and titular protagonist, depicted as a tall (6 feet), dark-haired figure with a roguish charm. Born in 1987, Sasse was 27 to 28 years old during filming from 2014 to 2016. Galavant's arc begins in season 1 with him as a jaded, ale-soaked wanderer reeling from romantic betrayal, motivated by Princess Isabella to embark on a quest to reclaim his honor and her kingdom; by season 2, he confronts his estranged family, deepens his bond with Isabella amid comedic perils, and evolves into a more self-aware leader while grappling with lingering affections for his past love. Mallory Jansen plays Queen Madalena, the ambitious and manipulative royal who transitions from captive to scheming power-seeker. An Australian actress born in 1989, Jansen was 25 to 27 years old during production. Madalena's journey starts in season 1 as Galavant's former fiancée, willingly aligning with King Richard for status before revealing her ruthless side through betrayals and alliances; in season 2, she seizes the throne with , delving further into villainy with magical temptations and political machinations that highlight her unyielding desire for dominance. Timothy Omundson embodies King Richard, the insecure and tyrannical ruler whose blustery exterior masks deep loneliness. Born in 1969, Omundson was 45 to 47 years old while filming. Richard's development unfolds from a season 1 kidnapping Madalena and waging on , driven by petty jealousies, to a season 2 anti-hero who forms an unlikely with Galavant, attempts personal growth through therapy-like confessions, and ultimately seeks redemption amid his kingdom's upheavals. Vinnie Jones plays Gareth, King Richard's tough and loyal guard who provides brute force and unexpected depth. Born in 1965, Jones was 49 to 50 years old during production. Gareth's arc starts in season 1 as Richard's enforcer, participating in conquests and duels with gruff humor; in season 2, he becomes king alongside Madalena, navigates ruling challenges, and develops a softer side through friendships and personal reflections. Karen David depicts Princess Isabella Maria Lucia Elisabetta, the determined royal from the conquered . Born in 1979, David was 35 to 37 years old during the series' production. Isabella's arc progresses from a season 1 enlisting Galavant's aid with wide-eyed optimism and budding romance, facing trials that test her resolve, to a season 2 empowered figure leading rebellions, navigating royal duties, and balancing her affections for Galavant against her kingdom's fate. Luke Youngblood serves as , Galavant's loyal and primary source of through his earnest bungling and quips. Born in 1986, Youngblood was 28 to 30 years old at the time of filming. Sid remains steadfast across both seasons as Galavant's sidekick, evolving from a wide-eyed apprentice seeking knighthood in season 1—complete with village antics—to a more confident companion in season 2 who handles romantic subplots and battlefield hijinks while providing unwavering support amid the group's escalating quests.

Recurring and guest cast

portrayed Gwynne, the loyal handmaiden to Queen Madalena, who provides comic relief through her sassy demeanor and evolves into a key figure in a romantic subplot with the royal , highlighting class differences and forbidden love among the castle staff. Gwynne appears in three episodes of season 1 ("Completely Mad...Alena," "My Cousin Izzy," and "It's All in the Executions") and multiple episodes across season 2, including the premiere and finale, where her relationship with the drives humorous and heartfelt s. Darren Evans played , the bumbling yet endearing royal chef of , whose kitchen mishaps and poetic declarations offer comic relief while anchoring the show's secondary romance with Gwynne, often exploring themes of and passion amid royal chaos. Vincenzo recurs throughout season 1, appearing in at least seven episodes such as the pilot, "Joust Friends," and the finale, and continues in season 2 with prominent roles in episodes like "A New Season" and "Battle of the Three Armies," where his culinary disasters intersect with larger plotlines. Genevieve Allenbury depicted the Queen of , Isabella's sharp-witted and imperious mother, whose overbearing family dynamics and biting commentary serve as in scenes involving royal negotiations and personal ambitions. She appears in 13 episodes across both seasons, including season 1's "Completely Mad...Alena" and season 2's "Battle of the Three Armies," frequently clashing with her daughter over alliances and suitors. Among notable guest stars, "Weird Al" Yankovic performed in multiple musical roles, including the Confessional Monk in season 1's "Completely Mad...Alena," where his absurdly tuneful confessions add satirical humor to Isabella's dilemmas, and the Head Monk leading a vow-of-singing order in season 2's finale "The One True King (To Unite Them All)," enhancing the show's parody of medieval tropes. guest-starred as the Queen of the in season 2's premiere "A New Season," portraying a glamorous, manipulative ruler whose flirtatious encounters with Galavant provide romantic tension and comedic seduction in a forest tavern setting. Rutger Hauer appeared as Kingsley, the ruthless older brother of King Richard, functioning as a menacing who schemes for power and offers dark through his exaggerated villainy and family rivalries. He features in three episodes of season 1, starting with "Dungeons and Dragon Lady" and culminating in the finale, where his plot to usurp the throne heightens the stakes for Richard's arc.

Episodes

Season 1 (2015)

The first season of Galavant consists of eight half-hour episodes, structured as four pairs aired weekly on ABC, introducing the titular knight's redemption arc amid musical antics in a medieval fantasy setting. The narrative centers on Sir Galavant's reluctant quest to rescue Princess Isabella from King Richard, blending humor, songs, and character-driven subplots involving squire Sid, chef , and the royal court's dysfunction. The episodes are as follows:
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateSynopsis
11PilotChris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 4, 2015Once a celebrated hero, Sir Galavant has fallen into drunken despair after King Richard stole his fiancée Madalena on their wedding day; Princess Isabella arrives with a proposition to reclaim his valor by rescuing her from the same king.
22Joust FriendsChris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 4, 2015Galavant competes in a jousting tournament to fund his journey, recruiting reluctant squire Sid, while King Richard consults his guard Gareth on how to appear more masculine to woo Madalena.
33Two BallsChris KochDan FogelmanJanuary 11, 2015Galavant and Isabella visit Sid's hometown, exposing the squire's fabricated backstory, as King Richard hosts dual balls to entertain Valencia's citizens and impress his queen.
44Comedy GoldJohn FortenberryKat Likkel & John HobergJanuary 11, 2015Captured by pirates led by Peter the Pillager, Galavant, Isabella, and Sid must bond to escape, while King Richard turns to his jester for guidance on entertaining Madalena.
55Completely Mad...AlenaJohn FortenberryCasey Johnson & David WindsorJanuary 18, 2015The trio arrives at Valencia to confront King Richard, but Isabella grapples with guilt over her deception; meanwhile, Madalena uncovers the king's hidden vulnerabilities.
66Dungeons and Dragon LadyJames GriffithsKirker ButlerJanuary 18, 2015Imprisoned in the castle dungeons, Galavant confronts his past heroism; King Richard seeks wisdom from the eccentric wizard Xanax, and Madalena advances her own schemes for power.
77My Cousin IzzyChris KochScott WeingerJanuary 25, 2015Isabella urges Galavant to charm her visiting royal parents through polite conversation; as tensions rise, Galavant plots a daring escape during a high-stakes duel involving the king.
88It's All in the ExecutionsChris KochKristen NewmanJanuary 25, 2015To avert disaster, Galavant teams up with an unlikely ally—King Richard—to assassinate the invading King Kingsley before a climactic duel, leading to unexpected twists in loyalties.
Throughout the season, Galavant's arc evolves from self-pitying inertia to renewed purpose, forged through his alliance with Isabella and direct clashes with King Richard's tyranny, ultimately highlighting his internal growth amid the kingdom's brewing social and political unrest that foreshadows further conflict. Production for Season 1 began with the pilot, which was filmed primarily in London, England, in early 2014, marking it as one of the first U.S. broadcast pilots shot abroad to leverage tax incentives. Principal photography for the full season occurred during the summer of 2014 at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, England, utilizing purpose-built sets in a converted Victorian warehouse for interior scenes, while exteriors were captured at locations including Wells Cathedral and Berkeley Castle.

Season 2 (2016)

The second season of Galavant premiered on ABC on January 3, 2016, and consisted of ten episodes aired in pairs over five consecutive Sundays, concluding on January 31, 2016. Picking up from the first season's , the narrative centers on Galavant's determined journey to Hortensia to rescue Princess Isabella from her scheming cousin Prince Harry, while he and the deposed King forge an unlikely partnership amid various perils, including encounters with giants, dwarves, and the dark sorcerer Wormwood. The season expands subplots, such as the evolving romance between Richard and the fierce warrior , Gareth and Madalena's tumultuous co-rule of , and Sid's comedic side quests, while infusing meta-humor about the show's renewal and potential cancellation. It resolves key threads from Season 1 by reuniting Galavant with Isabella, affirming Richard's transformation into a compassionate leader, and delivering a whimsical, song-filled finale that ties up the fairy-tale arcs without loose ends. The episodes are:
  • "A New Season (aka Suck It Cancellation Bear)" (January 3, 2016), directed by , written by . Shipwrecked after poor navigational advice, Galavant, Richard, and their companions trek on foot toward Richard's former kingdom, pausing at a rowdy bar in West Hollow-wood and seeking guidance from a fortune teller; meanwhile, Isabella finds herself trapped in a jewel box by the ambitious Prince Harry of Hortensia.
  • "World's Best Kiss" (January 3, 2016), directed by , written by Kat Likkel and John Hoberg. Galavant contacts Isabella through the fortune teller's to plot her escape, but the connection cuts out mid-message; discovers his has vanished, heightening his desperation to reclaim his throne.
  • "Aw, Hell, the King" (January 10, 2016), directed by , written by Kat Likkel, John Hoberg, and Jeremy Hall. Upon arriving in 's former domain, Galavant and find the villagers prospering under a democratic system, prompting to confront his obsolescence; Isabella suffers poisoning from Wormwood's enchanted tiara, which amplifies her obedience to Harry.
  • "Bewitched, Bothered, and Belittled" (January 10, 2016), directed by , written by Maggie Bandur. bonds with the battle-hardened during recruitment efforts; Madalena attends a lavish Hortensian party and grapples with unfamiliar emotions; Isabella, under the tiara's spell, prepares for her forced wedding to Harry.
  • "Giants vs. Dwarves" (January 17, 2016), directed by , written by Don Kopelman. Galavant ventures alone to rally giants as allies after impulsively trades the Jewelman's jewel for peace between warring factions; confesses his deepening affection to Madalena amid their strained partnership.
  • "About Last Knight" (January 17, 2016), directed by , written by . Galavant reunites with his estranged father, Sir Arnold, at a training ; Madalena organizes Gareth's birthday celebration to mend their rift; Isabella defies the spell by banishing Wormwood from Hortensia.
  • "Love and Death" (January 24, 2016), directed by , written by Robin Shorr. Gravely wounded in a skirmish, Galavant is rushed to a healer for emergency care; and share a near-romantic moment; Madalena opens up to about her vulnerabilities.
  • "Do the D'Dew" (January 24, 2016), directed by , written by Jeremy Hall. The climactic battle between Hortensia and erupts, with Isabella rallying her kingdom's forces; Madalena secretly studies forbidden dark magic under Wormwood's tutelage.
  • "Battle of the Three Armies" (January 31, 2016), directed by , written by Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz. Galavant's ragtag army unexpectedly intervenes to defend Hortensia from Valencia's assault; , disillusioned, abandons Madalena in her hour of need.
  • "The One True King (To Unite Them All)" (January 31, 2016), directed by John Fortenberry, written by Rick Wiener, Kenny Schwartz, and Jeremy Hall. The zombie horde turns against their masters under Madalena and Wormwood's spell, forcing Richard to chase down the wizard; Gareth appeals to Madalena's better nature, leading to the restoration of peace and the heroes' triumphant resolutions.

Production

Development

Galavant was created by Dan Fogelman in 2013, drawing inspiration from an opening sequence he had written years earlier for a potential pilot, as well as his prior collaborations with composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater on the 2010 Disney film Tangled and a musical episode of Fogelman's series The Neighbors. Fogelman envisioned the project as a musical comedy blending fairy-tale elements with humor, initially unsure whether it would suit film, television, or stage formats. Menken and Slater were brought on board from the project's inception to compose original songs, leveraging their experience in Broadway and Disney musicals to infuse the series with a theatrical style. ABC issued an off-cycle pilot order for Galavant on October 1, 2013, with Fogelman writing and executive producing alongside Menken, Slater, and director Chris Koch. The network greenlit the series for an eight-episode first season on , 2014, positioning it as a limited event series to air over consecutive Sundays in January 2015. Despite modest viewership ratings during its debut run, ABC renewed Galavant for a second season of ten episodes on May 7, 2015, allowing the creative team to expand the narrative arcs while maintaining the musical format. The renewal reflected confidence in the show's cult appeal and critical praise, though the series was ultimately canceled on May 12, 2016, after two seasons. Following the cancellation, a stage adaptation was announced in 2016 but did not materialize. The writing process was collaborative, led by Fogelman and executive producer Kat Likkel, with contributions from writers John Hoberg, Kenny Schwartz, and Rick Wiener, who together outlined the full season's episodes in group sessions to ensure cohesive storytelling and song integration. This team structure emphasized breaking down arcs for main characters like Galavant and King Richard early on, incorporating Menken and Slater's input to align plot points with musical numbers from the planning stage. The development phase prioritized the series' musical focus, shaping the premise around parodying medieval tropes through song-driven comedy.

Filming

Principal photography for Galavant took place primarily at in , , where purpose-built sets were constructed in the facility's Tank House 3 for both seasons. The studio served as the main hub for interior scenes, allowing the production to create medieval environments efficiently while minimizing reliance on extensive in favor of practical constructions. On-location shooting occurred across to capture exteriors, including castles such as in , , and in , as well as forested areas in . These sites provided authentic backdrops for outdoor sequences, enhancing the series' fairy-tale aesthetic with real-world historical and natural elements. Filming for season 1 began in summer 2014, running from July through October to align with the series' January 2015 premiere. Season 2 production started on August 17, 2015, and continued for 16 weeks until December, accommodating the cast's return after the first season's airing. A key logistical challenge was the integration of musical sequences, which required full-day shoots for just a few minutes of footage due to live singing on set without lip-synching, complicating coordination with action-oriented scenes that demanded precise choreography and stunts. The production emphasized practical sets and locations to ground the fantastical elements, reducing CGI needs but increasing on-set complexity for ensemble musical-action hybrids. The cinematography was led by Chris Seager for season 1, who captured the vibrant, theatrical visuals blending musical energy with medieval realism. John Pardue handled key episodes in season 2, maintaining consistent lighting across studio and location work. Production designer Jeff Tessler oversaw the creation of immersive sets, from interiors to village exteriors, ensuring a cohesive built primarily through physical craftsmanship.

Music

The music for Galavant was composed by , with lyrics by , resulting in over 60 original songs across the two seasons that integrate musical theater elements into the narrative. These songs serve to advance the plot, develop characters, and provide comic relief through self-aware parodies of Broadway styles, drawing on Menken and Slater's prior Disney collaborations while poking fun at musical tropes. The recording process began with Menken and Slater composing in New York, where Menken created demos before sending them to Michael Kosarin, who arranged vocal parts and harmonies. Actors then recorded their vocals in studios in and under Kosarin's supervision, often with coaching to accommodate varying levels of singing experience among the cast. These vocal tracks were subsequently sent to for live recording, followed by final mixing to blend the elements. The underscore, which supported non-musical scenes, was co-composed by Menken and , adding atmospheric depth to the medieval fantasy setting. Notable songs from the first season include the opening number "Galavant," which establishes the protagonist's heroic yet heartbroken persona through an upbeat, swashbuckling ensemble piece parodying classic hero anthems. In the , "Togetherness" highlights themes of unity and redemption among the ensemble, blending heartfelt balladry with humorous resolutions to ongoing conflicts. Season two features tracks like "A New Season," which satirizes renewal and fresh starts in a lively opener reminiscent of Broadway overtures, underscoring the characters' evolving quests. Soundtrack albums were released by , a label. The Season 1 album, featuring 18 tracks, debuted digitally on January 19, 2015, with a CD version following on February 17, 2015. The Season 2 soundtrack, containing 28 songs, was released digitally on January 29, 2016. A complete collection compiling both seasons, including some unreleased tracks, appeared in 2017.

Broadcast and distribution

Airing and release

Galavant premiered on ABC in the United States on January 4, 2015, with the first season airing Sundays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, featuring back-to-back episodes over four consecutive weeks to accommodate its eight-episode order, concluding on January 25, 2015. The second season debuted on January 3, 2016, in the same Sunday 8:00 p.m. ET/PT time slot, delivering its ten episodes across five weeks with two episodes per night, and wrapping up with the series finale on January 31, 2016. The finale included meta-references to the show's impending cancellation, reflecting awareness of its uncertain future following the season's production. Following the conclusion of its ABC run in 2016, Galavant became available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. As of November 2025, the series streams on , with access also available through Disney+ bundles for U.S. subscribers, and on Disney+ in select international markets such as . Availability in regions like the is limited to digital purchase. ABC promoted the series through trailers that spotlighted its musical comedy format, showcasing elaborate song-and-dance numbers composed by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater to emphasize the show's fairy-tale parody style.

Home media

The complete series of Galavant, encompassing both seasons and all 18 episodes, was released on DVD in Region 1 on November 10, 2017, by Visual Entertainment Inc. This two-disc set presents the episodes in standard definition with a runtime of 396 minutes but lacks bonus materials such as commentaries or deleted scenes, making it a bare-bones release. No official Blu-ray edition of the series has been produced or distributed. Following its initial broadcast, Galavant became available for digital purchase and download on platforms including and . The series streams on , with access also integrated into Disney+ bundles for subscribers in the United States. It was previously offered on until its removal in 2020. International distribution includes Region 2 DVD editions available in through select retailers. Similar physical releases have been noted in via import options compatible with regional players.

Reception

Critical response

Galavant received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly for its innovative blend of musical theater and comedy. On , the first season holds a 77% approval rating based on reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10; the site's consensus reads, " may stumble in narrative cohesion from time to time, but its infectious energy and irresistible musical numbers make for a worth revisiting." On , the first season has a score of 61 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." The second season achieved a perfect 100% score from 11 reviews, with an average rating of 8.3/10. On , it scored 77 out of 100 based on 4 critics, also "generally favorable." Critics frequently highlighted the show's witty scripts and sharp of medieval tropes, as seen in Variety's commendation of its rambunctious energy and cheeky lyrics that overcome traditional pitfalls of TV musicals. The musical execution drew particular acclaim, with lauding composer and lyricist for their irreverent, naughty songs reminiscent of their work on animated features like . Ensemble chemistry was another strength, with reviewers noting the charismatic interplay among leads , , and , which amplified the comedic timing and heartfelt moments. Despite the praise, some criticisms focused on uneven pacing in non-musical segments, where narrative detours occasionally disrupted the momentum, as observed in reviews pointing to an anarchic but sometimes scattered structure. The show's niche appeal as a bold, genre-bending musical was also cited as a factor limiting broader accessibility, contributing to its low viewership despite critical favor. Variety reported the series' cancellation after two seasons, underscoring how its acclaim failed to translate into sufficient audience numbers. Reviewers often viewed the second season as an evolution, bolder in its storytelling and more cohesive overall, building on the first's foundation with revitalized energy and deeper character arcs while maintaining the infectious musical flair.

Viewership

The first season of Galavant premiered on January 4, 2015, attracting 7.4 million viewers and a 2.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic in live-plus-same-day measurements. The season averaged 4.83 million live viewers and a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demo. Including DVR playback, the average rose to 6.5 million viewers and a 1.8 rating in the 18-49 demo. The pilot episode marked the series high in viewership, while later episodes trended downward, with the season finale drawing 4.3 million viewers after promotional tie-ins boosted interest. Season 2, which aired starting January 3, 2016, saw a notable decline, averaging 3.5 million live viewers and a 1.0 rating in the 18-49 demo. The pulled in 3.25 million viewers, down 26% from the season 1 finale, and episodes generally hovered in the low 3 million range, with the finale benefiting from cross-promotion but still underperforming relative to season 1 benchmarks. This drop was attributed to intensified competition from playoff games on , which dominated Sunday evenings, as well as the post-holiday airing schedule that fragmented audiences returning to work routines. DVR viewership provided some uplift to live numbers, but it did not fully compensate for the live declines. Internationally, Galavant received limited linear broadcast exposure, though specific viewership estimates are unavailable due to its niche appeal and delayed rollout outside the U.S.

Accolades

Emmy Awards

Galavant received a single nomination at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2016 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, for the song "A New Season" (also titled "Suck It Cancellation Bear") from the second season premiere. The nomination was awarded to composer Alan Menken for the music and lyricist Glenn Slater for the lyrics. The entry did not win, with the award going to "'Til It Happens to You" from . This recognition underscored the contributions of Menken and Slater, who crafted over 60 original songs for the series across its two seasons. The nomination came shortly after ABC canceled Galavant in 2016, spotlighting the show's musical achievements despite its short run.

Other awards

Galavant received recognition from several industry and critics' organizations beyond the Primetime Emmys, highlighting its musical and comedic elements. The series earned a nomination at the 2016 Golden Reel Awards, presented by the , for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Music Score and Musical for Episodic Short Form Broadcast Media. The nomination was for the episode "Comedy Gold," with supervising music editor Christopher Brooks credited for the work. The Online Film & Television Association (OFTA) also honored guest performances from the show's first season in its 19th Annual TV Awards in 2015. was nominated for Best Guest Actor in a Series for his role as the Chef, while received a separate in the same category for portraying Xanax. These nods underscored the series' appeal through its and celebrity cameos. Overall, Galavant garnered a handful of nominations in sound and acting categories from specialized groups, reflecting its niche acclaim in musical comedy production despite its short run. No wins were secured in these honors.

References

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  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3305096/fullcredits/
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  10. https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/tv-review-galavant-1201389023/
  11. https://variety.com/2015/music/features/primetime-musical-galavant-reps-bold-venture-for-abc-1201393148/
  12. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3173770/
  13. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/Galavant
  14. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5220517/
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  17. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1314042/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1009350/
  19. https://galavant.fandom.com/wiki/Sid
  20. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/93237/galavant-gwynne
  21. https://galavant.fandom.com/wiki/Gwynne
  22. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/92676/galavant-chef
  23. https://galavant.fandom.com/wiki/Vincenzo
  24. https://talktvwithtiffany.com/2016/06/08/galavant-interview-an-audience-with-the-queen-of-valencia/
  25. https://www.weirdal.com/news/galavant/
  26. https://galavant.fandom.com/wiki/Confessional_Monk
  27. https://www.etonline.com/tv/178950_kylie_minogue_strips_joshua_sasse_down_galavant
  28. https://deadline.com/2014/09/rutger-hauer-cast-galavant-abc-842069/
  29. https://galavant.fandom.com/wiki/Kingsley
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3305096/episodes/?season=1
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3823842/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4192922/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4192928/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4192930/
  35. https://deadline.com/2014/03/tv-pilot-locations-2014-new-york-los-angeles-analysis-693146/
  36. https://www.thebottleyard.com/portfolio-items/galavant/
  37. https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/galavant-season-2-review-abc-musical-comedy-1201668360/
  38. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/galavant/s02/e01
  39. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/galavant/s02/e02
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5150806/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5270974/
  42. https://www.assignmentx.com/2015/galavant-creatorexecutive-producer-dan-fogelman-exclusive-interview/
  43. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/abc-orders-musical-fairy-tale-640015/
  44. https://deadline.com/2014/05/abc-picks-up-shonda-rhimes-how-to-get-away-with-murder-anthony-anderson-american-crime-727191/
  45. https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/galavant-cancelled-season-3-abc-1201722299/
  46. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/184838/odds-ends-galavant-stage-adaptation-in-development-amber-rileys-dreamgirls-alternates-set-more/
  47. https://lifeshehas.com/galavant-season-2-interview-with-omundson-fogelman-likkel/
  48. https://www.playbill.com/article/abc-picks-up-alan-menken-and-glenn-slaters-musical-comedy-galavant-plus-series-starring-viola-davis-com-218217
  49. https://deadline.com/2014/06/global-showbiz-briefs-galavant-to-film-at-uks-bottle-yard-sam-worthington-mini-deadline-gallipoli-adds-cast-the-golden-era-to-close-venice-more-792387/
  50. https://filmbristol.co.uk/galavant-bristol-filming-locations-2/
  51. https://www.thebottleyard.com/abc-studios-galavant-returns-to-the-bottle-yard-for-series-two/
  52. http://www.mckinneymacartney.com/directors-of-photography/chris-seager-bsc/
  53. https://www.littleislandproductions.com/production/galavant-season-1
  54. https://variety.com/2015/tv/spotlight/alan-menken-glenn-slater-galavant-songs-1201516110/
  55. https://d23.com/galavant-on-abc/
  56. https://www.disneymusiccredits.com/album/galavant/
  57. https://stay2uned.com/2016/01/29/a-real-ear-worm-behind-the-music-of-galavant/
  58. https://scoringsessions.com/2015/01/26/alan-menken-scores-galavant-with-christopher-lennertz
  59. https://genius.com/albums/Cast-of-galavant/Galavant-original-soundtrack
  60. https://genius.com/albums/Cast-of-galavant/Galavant-season-2-original-soundtrack
  61. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2015/01/19/galavant-soundtrack-released/
  62. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/01/29/galavant-season-2-soundtrack-album-released/
  63. https://music.apple.com/us/album/galavant-the-complete-collection-original-television/1440890221
  64. https://deadline.com/2014/11/galavant-agent-carter-premiere-date-once-shield-scandal-murder-greys-anatomy-return-abc-1201274818/
  65. https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/abc-sets-midseason-premiere-dates-1201641659/
  66. https://www.hulu.com/series/galavant-110b031f-28ac-4ac9-90a2-84a7a037f3b2
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  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re5TuVwtYJE
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  76. https://www.dvdplanetstore.pk/shop/musical/galavant/
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