# Glee

> American musical comedy-drama television series

**Wikidata**: [Q152178](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152178)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glee_(TV_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/glee

## Summary
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, the show revolves around a high school glee club, blending cover songs with storylines addressing social issues. It spawned six seasons and became a cultural phenomenon, known for revitalizing the musical genre on television.

## Key Facts
- **Premiere**: May 19, 2009  
- **Finale**: March 20, 2015  
- **Creators**: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan  
- **Network**: Fox Broadcasting Company  
- **Production Companies**: 20th Century Studios, 20th Television  
- **Genres**: Musical, comedy-drama  
- **Seasons**: 6  
- **Notable Cast**: Lea Michele, Naya Rivera, Amber Riley, Melissa Benoist, Neil Patrick Harris  
- **Website**: http://www.fox.com/glee  
- **Sitelink Count**: 69  
- **Classifications**: Media franchise, television series  

## FAQs
- **What was Glee about?**  
  The series follows the New Directions glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and acceptance through musical performances.  

- **Why is Glee notable?**  
  It popularized the "jukebox musical" format, featuring cover versions of popular songs that often charted on Billboard. The show also addressed topics like LGBTQ+ rights, bullying, and teen pregnancy.  

- **Who created Glee?**  
  Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan developed the series, with Murphy serving as a key figure in its success.  

- **How long did Glee air?**  
  The show ran for six seasons, concluding in 2015 after 121 episodes.  

## Why It Matters
Glee played a significant role in redefining modern television musicals, demonstrating the genre’s commercial and critical viability. Its integration of music into storytelling influenced subsequent shows and launched the careers of actors like Lea Michele and Darren Criss. The series also provided a platform for discussing social issues, contributing to broader cultural conversations about inclusivity and representation.

## Notable For
- Revived the musical genre on television through its "jukebox" style.  
- Launched the careers of actors such as Lea Michele, Naya Rivera, and Melissa Benoist.  
- Tackled progressive social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and mental health.  
- Spawned a media franchise with soundtrack albums, live tours, and merchandise.  
- Featured iconic cover performances that topped music charts globally.  

## Body

### History  
Glee premiered on May 19, 2009, and concluded on March 20, 2015, spanning six seasons. The show aired on Fox Broadcasting Company, a major U.S. television network. Over its run, it aired 121 episodes, including special episodes like *The Power of Madonna* and *Britney/Brittany*, which paid tribute to pop icons.  

### Creation and Production  
Developed by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, Glee was produced by 20th Century Studios and 20th Television. Murphy, known for his work on *Nip/Tuck* and later *American Horror Story*, served as a showrunner. The series was filmed in Los Angeles, California, with a focus on ensemble cast dynamics and musical choreography.  

### Cast and Characters  
The show featured a diverse ensemble cast, including:  
- **Lea Michele** as Rachel Berry, an ambitious singer.  
- **Naya Rivera** as Santana Lopez, a cheerleader and LGBTQ+ icon.  
- **Amber Riley** as Mercedes Jones, a powerful vocalist.  
- **Melissa Benoist** as Marley Rose, introduced in later seasons.  
- **Neil Patrick Harris** in a guest role as Bryan Ryan, a rival show choir director.  
- **Heather Morris** as Brittany Pierce, known for her comedic timing and dancing.  

### Musical Style and Impact  
Glee’s soundtrack albums, released under Columbia Records, sold millions of copies worldwide. The cast’s covers of songs like *Don’t Stop Believin’* and *Teenage Dream* reached the Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for television-related music. The show’s musical arrangements often blended pop, rock, and Broadway styles, appealing to a wide audience.  

### Legacy  
Glee’s influence extended beyond television, inspiring a generation of musical series such as *Crazy Ex-Girlfriend* and *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series*. Its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, including Santana Lopez’s coming-out storyline, was praised for its representation. The show also faced criticism for inconsistent writing in later seasons, but its cultural footprint remained significant.  

### Related Media  
The Glee franchise expanded into multiple albums, including *Glee: The Music, The Complete Season One*, and live events like the *Glee Live! In Concert!* tour. The show’s success also led to the creation of behind-the-scenes books and video games, cementing its status as a multiplatform media franchise. Notable episodes, such as *Pilot* and *Journey to Regionals*, highlighted the characters’ growth and the ensemble’s chemistry.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. IMDb
3. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/glee)
4. [Source](https://www.famavision.com/Glee-Cory-fin.html)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. PORT.hu
7. Google Knowledge Graph
8. Kinopoisk
9. Online-Filmdatenbank
10. mymovies.it
11. The Movie Database
12. FilmVandaag.nl
13. Know Your Meme