For the second month running, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” dominates Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart, fueled by its continued presence in Netflix’s Stranger Things. This resurgence isn’t just a nostalgic blip; it’s a powerful illustration of how television soundtracks are reshaping music consumption and discovery.
The “Stranger Things” Effect: A New Era of Music Revivals
The story of “Running Up That Hill” is becoming a case study in the power of synch licensing. The song, originally released in 1985, experienced a massive revival, hitting No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022 – decades after its initial release. This demonstrates a potent formula: a compelling narrative in a popular show, combined with a well-chosen song, can introduce classic tracks to new generations and reignite interest among existing fans. It’s a far cry from the traditional model of radio play driving chart success.
Beyond Kate Bush: The Expanding Landscape of TV-Driven Hits
The December 2025 chart highlights this trend isn’t limited to one song or artist. Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” Prince’s “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry,” and tracks from t.A.T.u. and Wolf Parade all benefited from placements in Stranger Things and Heated Rivalry. This suggests a broader shift: television is becoming a primary driver of music discovery, even for songs with established histories. According to a recent report by Luminate, songs featured prominently in streaming series see an average increase of 700% in on-demand audio streams.
The Rise of the “Second Life” Chart Topper
We’re witnessing the emergence of a “second life” chart phenomenon. Songs that may have peaked years ago are experiencing renewed popularity, often surpassing their original success. This has significant implications for artists and rights holders. Catalog music is no longer simply a backlist; it’s a potential goldmine waiting to be unlocked by a strategic synch placement. This also challenges traditional notions of music marketing, requiring a focus on long-term value and adaptability.
The Data Behind the Trend: Streams, Sales, and Synch
The Top TV Songs chart, based on data from Tunefind and Luminate, provides a clear picture. In December 2025, “Running Up That Hill” garnered 21.3 million U.S. streams and 5,000 downloads. Crucially, these numbers also propelled the song back onto the Hot 100. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of different music consumption metrics. Synch licensing isn’t just about immediate revenue; it’s about driving broader engagement across all platforms.
Future Trends: What’s Next for TV Soundtracks?
Several trends are likely to shape the future of TV soundtracks and their impact on music.
- Increased Focus on Curated Soundtracks: Expect more shows to prioritize music as a core storytelling element, rather than simply background ambiance.
- The Power of Niche Streaming Series: Shows on platforms like Crave (with Heated Rivalry) demonstrate that success isn’t limited to mainstream giants like Netflix. Niche series with dedicated fanbases can still generate significant music buzz.
- AI-Powered Music Discovery: As AI algorithms become more sophisticated, they’ll play a larger role in matching songs to scenes, potentially leading to even more unexpected and impactful synch placements.
- Interactive Soundtracks: We may see more interactive soundtracks that allow viewers to explore the music featured in a show, purchase songs, or discover similar artists.
The Impact on Emerging Artists
This trend isn’t just beneficial for established artists. Television soundtracks can provide a crucial platform for emerging artists to gain exposure. A well-placed song can introduce a new artist to millions of potential fans, bypassing the traditional gatekeepers of the music industry. This democratization of music discovery is a welcome development for independent artists and labels.
Did you know?
The success of a song in a TV show isn’t always guaranteed. Factors like the scene it’s used in, the overall narrative of the show, and the target audience all play a role.
FAQ: TV Soundtracks and Music Discovery
- Q: What is synch licensing?
A: Synch licensing is the process of obtaining permission to use a song in a visual medium, such as a TV show, film, or advertisement. - Q: How does Tunefind contribute to the Top TV Songs chart?
A: Tunefind tracks song usage in TV shows and provides data that helps determine the chart rankings. - Q: Is this trend likely to continue?
A: Yes, with the continued growth of streaming services and the increasing importance of music in storytelling, TV soundtracks are expected to remain a significant driver of music discovery.
The resurgence of songs like “Running Up That Hill” is a testament to the evolving relationship between television and music. It’s a dynamic partnership that’s reshaping the industry and creating new opportunities for artists, rights holders, and fans alike.
What are your favorite TV soundtracks? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Explore more articles on music industry trends here. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.
