As the autumn leaves begin to fall, Freeform is preparing to cast a long, shadow-filled spell over the television landscape. This Thursday, October 1, marks the highly anticipated series debut of Coven Academy, a project that blends the high-stakes drama of elite boarding school life with the unpredictable chaos of burgeoning witchcraft. While the plot promises a gripping narrative of forbidden romance and supernatural discovery, the series has already made waves in the industry for its ambitious and star-studded musical curation.
Billboard can exclusively confirm that the first season of Coven Academy will feature a massive 44-song soundtrack, creating a sonic landscape that bridges the gap between chart-topping pop anthems and the discovery of fresh, emerging talent.
The Magic of the Main Cast
At the heart of the series are three teenage protagonists—Briar (Malina Weissman), Sasha (Jordan Leftwich), and Tegan (Ora Duplass). As they navigate the halls of an elite magic boarding school, they are forced to balance the rigorous demands of their studies with the volatile nature of their emerging supernatural powers. The narrative trajectory promises an exploration of identity, friendship, and the consequences of wielding forbidden magic in a world that is not always prepared for it.
The casting choices extend beyond the young leads, providing a bridge between generations. For those who grew up in the 90s and 2000s, the inclusion of Tiffani Thiessen—a pop culture icon known for her roles in Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210—is a significant draw. Thiessen takes on the role of the enigmatic headmistress, Miss Graves, a character who embodies the authority and mystery required to lead an institution of such power. She is joined by Devon Sawa, whose career highlights include the cult classic Now and Then and the titular role in Casper. Sawa appears as Mr. Cole, a teacher whose presence suggests a darker connection to the school’s history.
A Sonic Spell: The Curated Soundtrack
The musical identity of Coven Academy is arguably as important as its script. By integrating tracks from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Tate McRae, the series positions itself as a zeitgeist-defining project.
The inclusion of Rodrigo’s “Brutal” and Chappell Roan’s “After Midnight” indicates a production team that is deeply in tune with the current emotional tenor of its target demographic. By layering these tracks over scenes of teenage angst and magical struggle, the show runners are crafting a viewing experience that feels immediate and authentic.
The soundtrack is not merely a background element; it is an active participant in the storytelling. As revealed in an exclusive clip provided to Billboard, Malachi Barton (known for his work in Camp Rock 3 and ZOMBIES 4) showcases his character Jake’s telekinetic abilities to the driving, ethereal rhythm of Barns Courtney’s “Supernatural.” This synergy between visual spectacle and modern alternative rock sets a precedent for how the show will handle its action sequences throughout the ten-episode season.
Chronology of the Production
The development of Coven Academy has been a closely guarded secret, marked by a rigorous filming schedule that prioritized practical effects and location shooting to ground the fantastical elements in a tangible reality.
- Development Phase: Initial concepts for the series were greenlit nearly two years ago, with a focus on creating a "darker, more mature" take on the boarding school trope.
- Production: Principal photography took place throughout the spring and summer of this year, with the production team utilizing various historic sites to represent the Coven Academy campus.
- Post-Production: The final months were dedicated to the meticulous integration of CGI with the extensive music licensing process, ensuring that every beat drop aligned with the narrative tension.
- The Premiere: With the October 1 launch on Freeform, followed by a next-day rollout on Disney+ and Hulu, the show is utilizing a hybrid distribution model designed to capture both traditional cable viewers and the streaming-first generation.
Data Points and Musical Depth
The soundtrack is defined by its diversity. With 44 songs slated for the first season, the production team has curated a mix that includes:
- Chart-Toppers: Tracks like Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” and Gracie Abrams’ “Us” (featuring Taylor Swift) provide instant recognition and emotional resonance.
- Nostalgia Hits: The inclusion of the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” serves as a cheeky nod to the millennial demographic, likely accompanying scenes that lean into the campier side of the supernatural genre.
- Discovery: A significant portion of the tracklist is dedicated to up-and-coming artists, fulfilling the show’s secondary role as a platform for new music.
This blend of established hits and underground gems is a deliberate strategy to keep the series relevant across multiple platforms, encouraging viewers to use platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to track the show’s "official" sound.
Official Perspectives: The Vision Behind the Veil
In discussions regarding the show’s tone, the production team has emphasized that Coven Academy is not just about the spectacle of magic. "We wanted to create a world where the music feels like a character itself," said one producer involved in the project. "When you watch these kids struggle with their powers, you need the score to reflect that internal pressure. Using artists like Chappell Roan or KATSEYE gives us that high-energy, modern tension we were craving."
The decision to cast Tiffani Thiessen and Devon Sawa was similarly intentional. By placing these veteran actors in roles of authority, the creators are establishing a clear hierarchy within the school, while simultaneously acknowledging the fans who grew up watching these actors on screen. It creates a "full-circle" moment for the audience, providing a sense of comfort amidst the show’s darker themes.
Implications for the Supernatural Genre
The success of Coven Academy will likely have significant implications for how networks approach "young adult" supernatural dramas. By prioritizing a heavy, curated music presence, the show is signaling a departure from the traditional orchestral scores that have dominated the genre for decades. Instead, it leans into the "playlist culture" of the modern viewer, where the music on screen is expected to end up on the viewer’s personal library by the end of the episode.
Furthermore, the simultaneous release on Disney+ and Hulu, alongside the linear Freeform debut, reflects the shifting power dynamics in television. It is a calculated move to ensure maximum reach, acknowledging that the audience for such content is fragmented across multiple platforms. If Coven Academy performs well, it may well provide a blueprint for how networks can leverage their existing libraries and cross-platform partnerships to create a cultural event rather than just a television show.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As the premiere date approaches, the excitement surrounding the series is palpable. The blend of high-fashion aesthetics, intense magical training sequences, and a soundtrack that reads like a “Best of the Year” list suggests that Coven Academy is poised to become a staple of the fall television season.
For those eager to dive into the music before the show even airs, the full tracklist offers a preview of the emotional journey that Briar, Sasha, and Tegan are about to embark upon. From the dark, brooding undertones of "Supernatural" to the pop-infused excitement of the featured singles, the series promises a sensory experience that challenges the limits of the genre.
Whether you are tuning in for the mystery of the Coven, the nostalgia of your favorite 90s stars, or simply to hear the latest from your favorite pop icons, Coven Academy invites you to take the ride. The broomstick is waiting—are you ready to enroll?
The Coven Academy Season 1 Soundtrack: A Sneak Peek
While the full list is extensive, viewers can expect a dynamic rotation of tracks across the 10-episode arc, designed to mirror the growth and trials of the students at the academy. Keep your ears open for:
- Olivia Rodrigo – "Brutal"
- Chappell Roan – "After Midnight"
- KATSEYE – "Debut"
- Tate McRae – "Greenlight"
- Lady Gaga – "Abracadabra"
- Gracie Abrams ft. Taylor Swift – "Us"
- Backstreet Boys – "Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)"
- Barns Courtney – "Supernatural"
Catch the series premiere of Coven Academy at 8 p.m. ET this Thursday on Freeform, and stream the debut episodes on Disney+ and Hulu starting Friday.
