Rihanna’s music has always had a significant impact on pop culture, and her songs provide an edgy and atmospheric backdrop perfect for television moments. Here are the 12 best needle drops of Rihanna’s tunes on TV, ranked for their impact, relevance and how memorably they were used in the scene.

1.”Desperado” – ‘The Punisher’ (2019)

The gritty vibe of “Desperado” matched perfectly with the dark themes of ‘The Punisher’, making it a memorable musical highlight in the series.

2.”Needed Me” – ‘Girls’ (2016)

A powerful moment in HBO’s ‘Girls’ where Hannah gains newfound empowerment is underscored by the raw emotion of “Needed Me”.

3.”Stay” ft. Mikky Ekko – ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2013)

This haunting ballad echoed throughout the halls of Seattle Grace as part of a touching scene, embedding itself into fans’ hearts.

4.”Diamonds” – ‘Gossip Girl’ (2012)

“Diamonds” played as Blair Waldorf fantasized about her perfect wedding, capturing her aspiration for a life as flawless as the song suggests.

5.”S&M” – ‘Glee’ (2011)

Glee’s rendition of “S&M” added an element of fun and cheek to the high school set musical show, blending well with its humorous take on sex and relationships.

6.”Consideration” ft. SZA – ‘Insecure’ (2018)

Used in a pivotal moment, “Consideration” underscored themes of self-identity and resilience that are central to HBO’s ‘Insecure’.

7.”Bitch Better Have My Money” – ‘The Bold Type’ (2017)

This anthem was empowering when it came blaring through the speakers as the ladies of The Bold Type embraced their ambitions.

8.”Umbrella” ft. Jay-Z – ‘Lip Sync Battle’ (2015)

Though more performance than narrative, Tom Holland’s lip sync performance of “Umbrella” is iconic and fits perfectly with Rihanna’s energy.

9.”Shut Up and Drive” – ‘Breaking Bad’ (2009)

This high-octane hit was an unforgettable accompaniment to one of Walter White’s early moments of breaking bad in his descent into Heisenberg.

10.“American Oxygen” – ‘Scandal’ (2015)

As Olivia Pope navigated complex political landscapes, “American Oxygen” provided an anthem for the pursuit of American dreams against a backdrop of political turmoil.

11.“Only Girl (In The World)” – ‘Gossip Girl’ (2010)

Gossip Girl uses this energetic track during one of its glamorous party scenes, perfectly capturing the show’s essence of high society escapism.

12.”Man Down” – ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2015)

Topping this list, “Man Down” played during one of Annalise Keating’s most dramatic moments—its dark undertones and haunting melody mirroring the show’s twisty plot.

These needle drops show that Rihanna’s music doesn’t just top charts; it also sets the tone for some of TV’s most striking scenes.