Season
Episode
Player server
Glee

Glee

20097
DramaComedy
Released
May 19, 2009
Country
United States
Productions
20th Century Fox TelevisionRyan Murphy TelevisionBrad Falchuk Teley-vision
In this musical comedy, optimistic high school teacher Will Schuester tries to refuel his own passion while reinventing the high school's glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential as they strive to outshine their singing competition while navigating the cruel halls of McKinley High.

About

Quick guide

Glee is a musical comedy set in a high‑school environment.

Glee follows Will Schuester, a dedicated English teacher who revives the McKinley High Glee Club. With an eclectic group of students—ranging from star‑hungry singers to outcasts—he guides them through school life, relationships, and the competitive world of high‑school musical performances. The series blends humor, heartfelt moments, and pop‑culture references as the club aims for regional and national success, all while navigating the complexities of teenage life.

What to know

  • 6 seasons, 121 episodes
  • Each episode is about 44 minutes long
  • The show features a mix of original songs and covers
  • It tackles themes of identity, friendship, and ambition
  • Romantic subplots run throughout the series
  • The cast includes a diverse range of characters
  • The glee club performs in various school competitions
  • The series blends comedy with heartfelt drama

Watch if

If you enjoy ensemble comedy with musical numbers, heartfelt coming‑of‑age stories, and a mix of humor and drama set in a high school, Glee offers energetic performances and relatable characters.

Skip if

If you prefer strictly realistic dramas or shows without musical interludes, Glee’s frequent pop covers and comedic tone may feel too light for you.

mature themesromance elementslanguage strongpolitical themesuplifting tonefamily friendly
Meet the Cast
The series boasts an ensemble cast featuring Lea Michele as Rachel Berry, Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel, Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen‑Chang, and many others. Their diverse backgrounds and personalities shape the club’s dynamic and the show’s narrative arc.
Season Overview
Across six seasons, Glee chronicles the club’s journey from struggling underdog to regional champion, while delving into personal stories of its members. Each season introduces new challenges, rivalries, and emotional milestones.
Musical Highlights
The show is known for its creative cover versions of contemporary and classic hits, choreographed performances, and original songs that reflect characters’ emotions and plot developments.
Cultural Impact
Glee sparked discussions on representation, LGBTQ+ issues, and the influence of music in media, becoming a cultural touchstone during its run.
Critical Reception
Critics praised Glee’s ambition and musical energy, though some noted uneven storytelling. The series earned numerous awards and nominations throughout its tenure.
Spin‑Offs and Legacy
While no full series spin‑offs were produced, Glee left a lasting legacy in musical television and influenced subsequent shows blending music and drama.

FAQ

48 Q&A
What challenges does the Glee club face?
The Glee club often struggles with low enrollment, lack of funding, and disapproval from school staff and students. They also face competition from other clubs and the pressure to win competitions.
Who is Brittany S. Pierce?
Brittany S. Pierce is a ditzy and kind-hearted cheerleader who joins the Glee club. She is best friends with Santana Lopez and is known for her quirky comments and dance skills.
What is the significance of Sectionals?
Sectionals is a Glee club competition that serves as a stepping stone to higher levels of competition. It is the first major competition of the season and a crucial event for the club's survival and reputation.
How many seasons of Glee are there?
There are six seasons of the television series Glee.
What is the significance of Regionals?
Regionals is a Glee club competition that follows Sectionals. Winning at Regionals allows the club to advance to Nationals, the ultimate competition in the Glee club circuit.
What is the Glee club?
The Glee club is a high school show choir at William McKinley High School. Its members sing and dance, performing a variety of musical numbers.
Who is Santana Lopez?
Santana Lopez is a sharp-tongued and ambitious cheerleader who joins the Glee club. She is initially a rival but becomes a key member, known for her powerful vocals and dance moves.
Who is Sue Sylvester?
Sue Sylvester is the ruthless and often comical director of the school's cheerleading squad, the Cheerios. She frequently opposes the Glee club and its director, Will Schuester, often trying to sabotage them.
Who is Mercedes Jones?
Mercedes Jones is a talented singer with a big personality who joins the Glee club. She is known for her powerful R&B voice and her desire to be a solo star.
What are some popular songs from Glee?
Glee featured many popular songs, including "Don't Stop Believin'," "Teenage Dream," "Defying Gravity," "Somebody to Love," and "Firework."
Who is Puck?
Puck, whose real name is Noah Puckerman, is a football player who joins the Glee club. He is known for his tough exterior but also has a sensitive side and a talent for singing.
Who are the main rivals of the Glee club?
The main rivals of the Glee club include the cheerleading squad, the Cheerios, led by Sue Sylvester, and other show choirs competing against them in Sectionals, Regionals, and Nationals.
When did Glee first air?
Glee first aired on May 19, 2009.
What is McKinley High School?
McKinley High School is the fictional public high school where the majority of Glee's story takes place. It is the setting for the Glee club, the Cheerios, and various student and faculty interactions.
Who are the main characters in Glee?
The main characters in Glee include Rachel Berry, Finn Hudson, Kurt Hummel, Mercedes Jones, Quinn Fabray, Santana Lopez, Brittany S. Pierce, Noah Puckerman (Puck), and Will Schuester.
Who is Quinn Fabray?
Quinn Fabray is a popular cheerleader who initially joins the Glee club to spy on them but becomes a dedicated member. She is known for her dramatic storylines and vocal performances.
Who is Kurt Hummel?
Kurt Hummel is a stylish and openly gay student who joins the Glee club. He is known for his fashion sense, countertenor voice, and his journey of self-acceptance.
What is Glee about?
Glee is a musical comedy-drama series that follows the members of a high school show choir called the Glee club. It explores their lives, relationships, challenges, and their passion for music and performance.
Who is Finn Hudson?
Finn Hudson is a popular football player who unexpectedly joins the Glee club. He is a kind-hearted leader and often finds himself navigating the social pressures of high school while pursuing his love for music.
Who is Rachel Berry?
Rachel Berry is an ambitious and talented singer who is the driving force behind the Glee club. She dreams of Broadway stardom and often clashes with others due to her intense focus on achieving her goals.
Who is Will Schuester?
Will Schuester is the Spanish teacher at McKinley High School and the faculty advisor for the Glee club. He is passionate about music and tries to inspire his students to embrace their talents.
What is Glee club's main goal?
The Glee club's main goal is to win show choir competitions, starting with Sectionals, then Regionals, and ultimately Nationals. They also aim to gain recognition and acceptance within the school.
What happens in the first episode of Glee?
In the first episode of Glee, a Spanish teacher named Will Schuester takes over the struggling Glee club. He recruits several students, including Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson, and they begin their journey to become a successful choir.
Did the Glee actors really sing?
Yes, the main actors on Glee performed their own vocals for the musical numbers.
Who created the show Glee?
The show Glee was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan.
What happens to Sue Sylvester?
Sue Sylvester eventually softens and becomes an ally to the Glee club. She helps them in their quest to win competitions and even becomes a mentor to some students. In the end, she is shown to have achieved her political goals and found happiness.
What happens to Rachel Berry?
Rachel Berry pursues her dream of becoming a Broadway star. She faces many ups and downs in her career but ultimately finds success. She also experiences romantic relationships, most notably with Finn Hudson and later Jesse St. James.
What is the general plot of Glee?
Glee is about a high school show choir called the New Directions. A Spanish teacher named Will Schuester tries to save the club from being shut down. He recruits misfits and talented students to join, helping them find their voices and pursue their dreams through music and performance.
How do the show's storylines change over time?
The storylines evolve as the characters grow. Initially, it focuses on the challenges of the Glee club and high school life. Later seasons explore the characters' lives after graduation, their career pursuits, and their personal growth, often with a more mature tone.
Where do the characters go after high school?
After high school, characters pursue various paths. Some go to college, others move to New York or Los Angeles to chase dreams in performing arts. Many continue their relationships and friendships, supporting each other through their post-graduation journeys.
Who wins the final competition in Glee?
In the final season, the New Directions win the Nationals competition, achieving their ultimate goal.
Does Rachel Berry become famous?
Yes, Rachel Berry achieves significant fame as a Broadway star and later as a TV actress, fulfilling her lifelong ambition.
How does Glee end?
The series finale brings back many beloved characters for a reunion at McKinley High. It shows the characters' futures, with most finding success and happiness in their chosen paths, and celebrates the lasting impact of the Glee club.
What happens to Will Schuester?
Will Schuester continues to be the Glee club director and eventually marries Emma Pillsbury. He remains dedicated to helping his students achieve their dreams and finds personal fulfillment in his teaching career and family life.
What happens to Finn Hudson?
Finn Hudson's storyline is tragically cut short when he passes away during the show's run. His death deeply impacts the characters and serves as a pivotal moment in the series, leading to a tribute episode.
What inspired the show Glee?
The show Glee was inspired by the creator Ryan Murphy's own experiences in high school show choir and his love for musical theater. He wanted to create a show that celebrated outcasts and the power of music to bring people together.
What is the last song performed in Glee?
The last song performed in Glee is 'I'm Always Here' by the entire cast, serving as a poignant farewell.
What is the meaning of the show's title, Glee?
The title 'Glee' refers to the feeling of happiness and joy that comes from singing and performing together. It also plays on the word 'glee club,' which is the central focus of the show.
What is the final fate of Sue Sylvester?
Sue Sylvester ultimately becomes a supportive figure and even wins a seat on the school board, demonstrating a significant change from her antagonistic beginnings.
What is the significance of Nationals?
Nationals is the ultimate competition for show choirs. Winning Nationals represents the pinnacle of success for the New Directions, validating their hard work and talent.
What happens to the Glee club in the final season?
In the final season, the Glee club, New Directions, is re-formed and competes again. They achieve great success, culminating in a victory at Nationals, and the club's legacy is honored.
How is Glee filmed?
Glee is filmed using a combination of traditional television production techniques and a significant amount of rehearsal time for the musical numbers. The cast often performs songs live during filming, which are then dubbed over in post-production.
What are some common themes in Glee?
Common themes in Glee include acceptance, friendship, individuality, overcoming adversity, the power of music, and the pursuit of dreams. It also touches on issues like bullying, identity, and social cliques.
Who choreographs the Glee dances?
The original choreographer for Glee was Zach Woodlee. He was responsible for creating many of the show's iconic dance routines.
Who takes over the Glee club after Will Schuester?
After Will Schuester leaves, various characters temporarily lead the Glee club, including Finn Hudson and later Blaine Anderson, before the club is re-established and led by new members in its final iteration.
Are there any real-life inspirations for Glee characters?
While not direct one-to-one copies, the characters and situations in Glee draw inspiration from common high school archetypes and the experiences of people involved in show choir and performing arts.
What are some memorable Glee moments?
Memorable moments include flash mob performances, dramatic solos, emotional group numbers, and surprising romantic pairings. The show is known for its over-the-top musical sequences and heartfelt character interactions.
What was the impact of Glee on music?
Glee had a significant impact on music by bringing a wide range of songs, from show tunes to pop hits, to a new audience. It boosted the popularity of cover songs and introduced many viewers to artists and genres they might not have otherwise discovered.

Actors

Lea Michele
Lea Michele
Rachel Berry
Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer
Kurt Hummel
Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison
Will Schuester
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch
Sue Sylvester
Dot-Marie Jones
Dot-Marie Jones
Sheldon Beiste
Chord Overstreet
Chord Overstreet
Sam Evans
Darren Criss
Darren Criss
Blaine Anderson
Amber Riley
Amber Riley
Mercedes Jones
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale
Artie Abrams