The whole issue of singing is controversial, whether it is with musical accompaniment or not. All scholars have unanimous view on the prohibition of all forms of singing and music that incites debauchery, indecency, or sin. According to Islam, good songs that do not contain words or concepts that are shameful are permissible and they are actually encouraged. There is no harm in their being accompanied by music, which is not exciting. Only music containing sensual, pagan, or unethical themes or subliminal messages as being categorically forbidden.
To say that all music is forbidden in Islam does not seem to agree with the balanced approach of Islam to issues of human life and experience. What is commonly known as Western music is associated with sensuality, lust, and greed, all of which are diseases of the soul, so we cannot approve of listening to music with such an association. But if we’re able to single out and isolate music or songs with noble and pure messages and themes that ennoble the soul and spirit, we may listen to them as an occasional outlet provided that this does not distract us from the remembrance of Allah or performing our obligatory duties.
With the above in mind, music in itself is merely a tool that can be those of good or bad and we can judge so by our heart and what we are listening to or watching if it contains noble and pure messages and themes that ennoble the soul and spirit or it contains sensual, pagan, or unethical themes or subliminal messages.
As for the issue of watching TV comedies, action movies, and other TV programs, we cannot qualify them as good or evil, lawful or unlawful. It depends on the way they are presented and what they contain and call for. If they do not contain nudity and call for noble message, there is nothing wrong in watching them as long as they do not distract you from the remembrance of Allah or performing your obligatory duties.
Having stated the above, it becomes clear that the whole issue depends on what one’s listening to or watching whether they comply with the Islamic ethics and morals or Islam or not. We ourselves can judge them whether they are Islamic or not and if we could not judge ourselves, we can seek the help of the Imam of a nearby Islamic Center to give us the answer regarding what we are listening to or watching. Finally, we ask Allah Almighty to guide us all to the Straight path and to grant us happiness in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.