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Entertainment • TV Series

Glee

Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan for Fox.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan for Fox. Set at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, it follows the New Directions glee club as its members compete in show choir and deal with teenage and social issues. The series originally aired from 2009 to 2015 and became known for its jukebox performances and ensemble cast.

Premise

Glee follows the members of New Directions, a glee club at William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio. The series uses musical numbers to explore school life and a wide range of social and personal issues.

Broadcast history

The series premiered on Fox in 2009 and ended in 2015 after six seasons. It ran for 121 episodes according to multiple reference sources.

Cast and cultural impact

Glee introduced or expanded the visibility of several performers, including Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, and Jane Lynch. The series became a notable pop-culture hit and received recognition for its musical format and mainstream popularity.

Later reception and legacy

The show remained widely discussed for its music, teen-drama themes, and high-profile cast members. Later commentary also focused on the deaths of cast members Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera, which were widely reported and affected fan and media attention.

Key facts

  • Glee is a fictional musical comedy-drama set at William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio.
  • The series aired for six seasons from 2009 to 2015 on Fox.
  • It featured an ensemble cast including Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Jane Lynch, Chris Colfer, and Matthew Morrison.
  • The show combined musical performances with storylines about sexuality, gender, race, family, relationships, and teamwork.
  • Cast members Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera died in 2013 and 2020, respectively.
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Canadian context

Glee was broadcast in Canada alongside its U.S. run on Canadian television outlets, and Canadian viewers have also accessed it through major streaming and purchase platforms depending on licensing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Glee?
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama TV series about a high school glee club called New Directions at William McKinley High School in Ohio.
How many seasons of Glee are there?
Glee has 6 seasons.
Who died from Glee?
Among the best-known cast deaths are Cory Monteith, who died in 2013, and Naya Rivera, who died in 2020.
What happened to the cast of Glee?
After the series ended, cast members continued with acting, music, theatre, and other projects; some remained prominent in entertainment, while others stepped back from major television roles. The cast also experienced major public tragedies, including the deaths of Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera.
Is Glee based on a true story?
No. Glee is a fictional series created for television and set in an invented Ohio high school.
Where can I watch Glee?
Availability varies by region and platform, but current listings have shown Glee on Disney+, Hulu, and for purchase through digital stores in some markets.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glee_(TV_series)
    Supports: Series creators, setting, premise, and fictional nature
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Glee-American-television-program
    Supports: Series description, creators, and broadcast period
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/glee
    Supports: Premiere date, network, and cast
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/show/glee/umc.cmc.6w77kdw1rml5t946rdv9b9ym7
    Supports: Plot, cast, and episode content
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/glee
    Supports: Current streaming availability in listed markets
  6. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/glee/1000446182/
    Supports: Seasons, run dates, genre, and network
  7. Mental Floss — https://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/tv/glee-tv-show-facts
    Supports: Series run, cast, and Cory Monteith death context
  8. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naya_Rivera
    Supports: Naya Rivera death context