Glee (2009 — 2015)

Glee (2009–2015) is an American musical comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox in the United States from May 19, 2009, to March 20, 2015. Set in Ohio at William McKinley High School, the show follows the members of a glee club called New Directions. These diverse students navigate social issues surrounding sexuality, race, family, teen relationships, and teamwork as they compete in show choir competitions. When a former Glee Club member becomes their new coach, he guides them with humor and creates lasting friendships. Get ready for ‘New Directions’. Lima, Ohio’s McKinley High School is forever transformed when Will Schuester, a Spanish teacher, brings back the school’s show choir. As he recruits members for the dancing and singing Glee Club, Will sees potential in his unconventional bunch of high school misfits. The students who take a chance on Glee Club go on to form strong bonds as they face challenges like school humiliation, heartbreak, loneliness, and bullying. However, their success attracts the attention of Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach who sets out to ruin both the club and its members.

Season 1. In the inaugural season, we follow the mock high school vocal ensemble New Directions as they compete on the show choir circuit for the first time. Although they succeed at Sectionals, their loss at Regionals is a tough blow to swallow. Amidst this rollercoaster of events, the group and its staff tackle various topics including sex, relationships, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy, disabilities, and acceptance. The prominent figures in this tale include glee club leader Will Schuester, Sue Sylvester who coaches cheerleading, Will’s spouse Terri, Emma Pillsbury who serves as a counselor, and members Rachel, Finn, Artie, Kurt, Mercedes, Tina, Puck and Quinn.

Season 2. The club’s journey is documented in the second season, including victories at the Sectionals and Regionals competitions, followed by a loss at the Nationals competition in New York City. As they navigate through personal challenges such as relationships, religion, homophobia, bullying, rumors, teenage drinking, and death, the members and faculty also face various social issues. The main focus remains on the original Glee club members from the first season; however, Santana Lopez and Brittany S. Pierce are now part of the main cast, along with Kurt’s father Burt.

Season 3. The third season of the show follows the club as they triumph at Sectionals and Regionals, ultimately winning Nationals in Chicago. Throughout the season, the characters face a range of challenges relating to gender identity, adoption, domestic abuse, teenage suicide, bullying, disabilities, texting while driving, college, and other social issues. Notable additions to the main cast include Mike Chang and transfer student Blaine Anderson, while Jessalyn Gilsig’s character Terri Schuester is written out and Mike O’Malley’s Burt returns as a recurring character. The McKinley High class of 2012 graduates at the end of the season.

Season 4. The fourth season takes us back to Lima with a new group of students, while also following the journeys of some familiar faces from the previous season. This includes their time at the fictional New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts (NYADA) in New York City. Throughout the season, we see the club go through ups and downs, such as a loss at Sectionals and their reinstatement due to prohibited substances being used by the winning Dalton Academy Warblers. Eventually, they come out on top at Regionals, securing their spot at Nationals for the third year in a row. Meanwhile, Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel navigate life at NYADA and their relationships with Finn and Blaine. The season tackles important issues like sex, bulimia, gender identity, child molestation, dyslexia, school violence, and pregnancy scares.

Season 5. In contrast to earlier seasons, the fifth installment of the show continues to follow the school year that was already underway. We see the former champion glee club achieve second place at Nationals, before being forced to disband permanently by Sue Sylvester, now principal, due to budget constraints. From there on out, the focus shifts to graduation and we fast forward several months into the future. The remaining episodes center entirely on the lives of the alumni in New York City, with a particular focus on Rachel’s successful Broadway debut. Throughout this season, various themes are explored such as relationships, death and mourning, body image, gay bashing, and intimacy.

Season 6. The final season centers on Rachel Berry, who returns to McKinley following the cancellation of her TV show. With Kurt’s assistance, she revives the glee club with fresh faces from McKinley. Meanwhile, Will Schuester now leads rival group Vocal Adrenaline and Blaine coaches the Dalton Academy Warblers. Several familiar faces from previous seasons make guest appearances, including Naya Rivera as Santana and Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina. Amber Riley reclaims her spot as a main cast member, and Dot-Marie Jones joins for the first time as Coach Beiste. The characters tackle important social issues such as same-sex marriage and gender identity. Ultimately, the revived club triumphs at Nationals, leading to Sue’s dismissal as principal and Will’s new role as principal of an arts magnet school at McKinley High. Sam takes on the role of New Directions’ director.