Pilot (Glee)

Last updated

"Pilot"
Glee episode
Pilot Glee.PNG
New Directions performs "Don't Stop Believin' " on stage, convincing Will not to leave the school.
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 1
Directed by Ryan Murphy
Written byRyan Murphy
Brad Falchuk
Ian Brennan
Featured music"You Keep Me Hangin' On"
"Shining Star"
"Where Is Love?"
"Respect"
"Mr Cellophane"
"I Kissed a Girl"
"On My Own"
"Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat"
"Can't Fight This Feeling"
"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' "
"You're the One That I Want"
"Rehab"
"Leaving on a Jet Plane"
"Don't Stop Believin' "
Production code1ARC79
Original air dateMay 19, 2009 (2009-05-19)
Running time48 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
Next 
"Showmance"
Glee season 1
List of episodes

"Pilot" is the first episode of the American television series Glee . It premiered on the Fox network on May 19, 2009. [1] An extended director's cut version aired on September 2, 2009. The show focuses on a high school show choir, also known as a glee club, set within the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio. [2] The pilot episode covers the formation of the club and introduces the main characters. The episode was directed by series creator Ryan Murphy, and written by Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy selected the music featured in the episode, with the intention of maintaining a balance between showtunes and chart hits.

Contents

The episode achieved 9.619 million viewers on first broadcast, [3] and 4.2 million when the director's cut version aired. [4] Critical response was mixed, with The New York Times 's Alessandra Stanley highlighting the episode's unoriginality and stereotyped characters, but praising the showmanship and talent of the cast. The Daily News 's David Hinckley opined that the show was imperfect and implausible but "potentially heartwarming", while USA Today 's Robert Bianco noted casting and tone problems, but commented positively on the show's humor and musical performances. Mary McNamara for the Los Angeles Times wrote that the show had a wide audience appeal, calling it: "the first show in a long time that's just plain full-throttle, no-guilty-pleasure-rationalizations-necessary fun."

Plot

Spanish teacher Will Schuester learns that Sandy Ryserson, the head of William McKinley High School's Glee Club, has been fired for inappropriate sexual behavior towards a male student. The school principal, Figgins, gives Will permission to take over the club, which angers Sue Sylvester, the head of the school's successful cheerleading squad, Cheerios. Will also faces resistance from his wife, Terri Schuester, who urges Will to abandon teaching and pursue a more financially stable career to increase their income.

Undeterred, Will sets out to rejuvenate the glee club, renaming the group New Directions, which attracts the attention of the ambitious Rachel Berry, powerhouse vocalist Mercedes Jones, fashionable Kurt Hummel, paraplegic Artie Abrams, and shy Tina Cohen-Chang. When Will tries to convince the school's football players to join glee club, he overhears selfish, unkind football quarterback Finn Hudson singing in the locker room showers; he blackmails Finn by planting his marijuana in his locker as a way to help him change. Not wanting to upset his widowed mother, Finn agrees to join New Directions.

Will and school guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury take the group to witness a performance by Vocal Adrenaline, a rival glee club. They perform an impressive rendition of Amy Winehouse's " Rehab," which leaves the New Directions apprehensive about their own chances in the upcoming regional show choir competition. Following the performance, Terri reveals to Will that she is pregnant. Believing he needs to support his family, Will regretfully tells the club he is resigning, and applies for a job as an accountant.

Finn is attacked by the football team for his involvement with New Directions, and he initially decides to quit the club. When Finn watches the team trap Artie in a portable toilet, Finn refuses to take part and rescues Artie. He apologizes to the glee club members, and the group resolves to continue without Will. Meanwhile, Emma urges Will to reconsider his decision to leave by showing him a video of him performing in Glee Club when he was at McKinley High. Will then comes across the New Directions performing "Don't Stop Believin'" in the auditorium. Impressed by the performance, Will decides to stay at McKinley, telling the club he couldn't bear to see them win Nationals without him.

Production

Conception

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan created Glee. Murphy drew inspiration from his own childhood, which saw him play the lead role in all of his high school's musicals. Brennan and producer Mike Novick were also highly involved in their own schools' glee clubs. [5] Brennan originally wrote a script for a Glee movie, but Murphy believed the concept would work better as a TV series. [6] Fox picked up the series pilot within 15 hours of receiving the script, which Murphy attributes in part to the success of the network's American Idol , commenting: "It made sense for the network with the biggest hit in TV, which is a musical, to do something in that vein". [5] Murphy intended the show to be a form of escapism, explaining: "There's so much on the air right now about people with guns, or sci-fi, or lawyers running around. This is a different genre, there's nothing like it on the air at the networks and cable. Everything's so dark in the world right now, that's why 'Idol' worked. It's pure escapism." [5] With regards to Glee's audience, Murphy intended for it to be a family show that would appeal to adults as well as children, with adult characters starring equally alongside the teenage leads. [5] Glee is set in Lima, Ohio. Murphy chose a Midwest setting as he himself originates from Indiana, and recalls childhood visits to Ohio to the Kings Island theme park. [7] Although set in Lima, the show is actually filmed at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. [8]

Music

The episode features covers of numerous songs sung on-screen by the characters. Musical segments take the form of performances, as opposed to the characters singing spontaneously, as the intention is for the series to remain reality-based. [9] Murphy has commented that his interest lay in creating a "postmodern musical", rather than "doing a show where people burst into song", drawing on the format of Chicago . [10] Murphy is responsible for selecting all of the songs used, and strives to maintain a balance between show tunes and chart hits, as: "I want there to be something for everybody in every episode. That's a tricky mix, but that's very important – the balancing of that." [6]

Songs featured in the pilot include: "Where Is Love?" from Oliver! , Aretha Franklin's "Respect", "Mister Cellophane" from Chicago , Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl", "On My Own" from Les Misérables , "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" from Guys and Dolls , "You're the One That I Want" from Grease , REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling", Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" and "Don't Stop Believin' " and "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" by Journey. [11] The director's cut version also includes an acoustic rendition of John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane". [12] Murphy was surprised at the ease with which use of songs was approved by the record labels approached, and explained: "I think the key to it is they loved the tone of it. They loved that this show was about optimism and young kids, for the most part, reinterpreting their classics for a new audience." [9] The score of the episode features a cappella covers of instrumental songs provided by The Swingle Singers. [13] Dance routines were choreographed by Zach Woodlee. [14]

Four of the songs featured in the episode were released as singles, available for digital download. "On My Own" charted at number 42 in Ireland and 73 in the UK, [15] and "Can't Fight This Feeling" charted at number 117 in the UK. [16] "Rehab" charted at number 93 in Australia, [17] 38 in Ireland, 62 in the UK and 98 in America. [18] "Don't Stop Believin'" reached number 2 in the UK, 4 in America, 50 in Canada, 5 in Australia, 4 in Ireland and 16 in New Zealand. [19] It sold 177,000 copies in the US in its first week, [20] and went on to sell the most copies of any Glee single: it was certified gold with 500,000 sales in the US in October 2009, and reached one million in sales and platinum certification in March 2011; it has also been certified platinum in Australia. [21] [22]

Casting

Matthew Morrison was cast after Murphy spent three months observing actors on Broadway. Matthew Morrison Peabody 2010 (cropped).jpg
Matthew Morrison was cast after Murphy spent three months observing actors on Broadway.

In casting Glee, Murphy sought out actors who could identify with the rush of starring in theatrical roles. Instead of using traditional network casting calls, he spent three months on Broadway, where he found Morrison, who had previously starred on stage in Hairspray and The Light in the Piazza , Michele, who starred in Spring Awakening , and Ushkowitz, from the Broadway revival of The King and I . The role of Rachel was written specifically for Michele. [23] Colfer had no previous professional experience, but reminded Ryan of the character of Kurt from The Sound of Music , and was thus cast as Kurt Hummel. [24] He originally auditioned for Artie with the song "Mr. Cellophane", however Murphy was so impressed by his performance that the role of Kurt was created for him. [23] Colfer commented on his casting: "I'm so happy to be a part of something that is so new and different and so needed at this time. It's good to have something positive, especially for kids in small towns, like myself, who need a little pick-me-up. It's true: You can be famous – even if there's no money left in the world." [6]

Auditioning actors with no theatrical experience were required to prove they could sing and dance as well as act. Mays auditioned with the song "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me" from The Rocky Horror Show , while Monteith initially submitted a tape of himself acting only, and was requested to submit a second, musical tape, in which he sang "a cheesy, '80s music-video-style version" of REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling". [24] Monteith has deemed his casting "spot on" as: "I'm just like my character. I've never trained or had any lessons. I can just do it – with some adjustments, obviously." [25] McHale came from a boy-band background, having previously been part of the group Not Like Them. He auditioned with the song "Let It Be" and tested alongside Colfer and Ushkowitz. [23] He explained that the diversity of the cast's backgrounds reflects the range of different musical styles within the show itself: "It's a mix of everything: classic rock, current stuff, R&B. Even the musical theater stuff is switched up. You won't always recognize it." [24] Lynch was originally intended to be a guest star, but became a series regular when a Damon Wayans pilot she was working on for ABC fell through. [26]

Reception

Ratings

Over the hour of broadcast, the first airing of the episode drew an average of 9.619 million US viewers. [3] It began with 12.518 million, dropping after the first half-hour from first place in the ratings to third, retaining only 8.917 million viewers. [27] The episode ranked fourteenth in the weekly program ratings, [28] and was the fourth most viewed show on the Fox network for the week. [29] It received a 3.9/7 rating/share in the key adults 18–49 demographic. [28] The director's cut version of the episode attained 4.2 million viewers, and a 1.8/5 rating/share in the 18–49 demographic. [4] The episode was the nineteenth highest viewed show in Canada for the week of broadcast, with 1.04 million viewers. [30] It was watched by 278,000 viewers in the United Kingdom, a 1.3% audience share, and by a further 100,000 on timeshift, a 0.6% share. [31] The director's cut was aired on January 11, 2010, followed by Showmance, and was watched by 1.76 million viewers, becoming the most-watched show on E4 for the week, and the most-watched show on cable for the week. [32]

Awards and nominations

Following the first broadcast of the episode, Glee was nominated for three Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV: Breakout Series, Choice TV: Breakout Star Male (Cory Monteith) and Choice TV: Breakout Star Female (Lea Michele). [33] Murphy was nominated for the 2009 Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing of a Comedy Series for his work on the episode. [34] Robert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, Carol Kritzer and Jim Carnahan won an Artios Award for casting of a comedy series, [35] Mark Hutman was nominated for the "Single Camera Television Series" Art Directors Guild Award, [36] and David Klotz won a Golden Reel Award for "Best Sound Editing: Short Form Music in Television" for his work on the episode. [37] At the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards, Murphy, Falchuk and Brennan were nominated for the "Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series" award for their work on the episode. Murphy was additionally nominated for the "Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series" award, and Hutman, Christopher Brown and Barbara Munch were nominated for the "Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera Series" award. [38]

Critical reception

Variety's Brian Lowry believed that Mays as Emma offered "modest redemption" to an adult cast of "over-the-top buffoons". Jayma Mays 2009.jpg
Variety's Brian Lowry believed that Mays as Emma offered "modest redemption" to an adult cast of "over-the-top buffoons".

Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker gave the episode an A, posing the question: "Has there ever been a TV show more aptly named than Glee? It both embodies and inspires exactly that quality." [39] Glee was the top ranked topic on social networking site Twitter on the night of its initial airing. [40] Alessandra Stanley for The New York Times called the show "blissfully unoriginal in a witty, imaginative way", saying the characters are "high school archetypes" but noted "a strong satiric pulse that doesn’t diminish the characters’ identities or dim the showmanship of a talented cast". [41] The Daily News' David Hinckley wrote that the show "isn't close to perfect" but "has likable characters, a good sense of humor and a reasonably deft touch with music." [42] He called the pilot episode "not very plausible" but "potentially heartwarming", writing of the musical choices: "The duet of "You're the One That I Want" from Grease may be a little obvious, but setting a group dance routine to Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" shows some inspiration. Whether Glee can hold that note remains a very unanswered question. But it will at least be worth watching to see." [42] USA Today 's Robert Bianco assessed: "There's a lot to like here: the exuberance of the musical numbers, the bite to the comedy and the joy of seeing something different. It has casting and tone problems, but it has all summer to fix them." [43]

The Baltimore Sun 's David Zurawik was critical of the show's characterization and comedy, but was impressed by the staging of "Don't Stop Believin'", calling it "so elevating and inspirational that it almost redeems all the stereotypes and lame humor that come before. Grit my teeth as I did at how one-dimensionally empty-headed the writing could be, I will still be back for the start of this series in the fall because of its musical punch." [44] Tom Jicha for The Sun Sentinel similarly claimed of the episode that: "A lively score and appealing performers somewhat compensate for overly familiar characters and plotting", [45] while Rob Owen for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette agreed: "It's the music that makes Glee a gleeful delight. Without the song-and-dance production numbers, this Fox pilot would be just another high-school-set comedy-drama." [46]

The Chicago Tribune 's Maureen Ryan commented that: "the two biggest musical numbers are tremendously entertaining. They're shot and performed with verve, and they put to shame those medleys contestants often perform on the Wednesday edition of American Idol", [47] but again observed: "Whether it will work as a satirical dramedy about the cutthroat social environment of high school is another matter." [47] Of the principal cast, Ryan said: "Casting Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester [...] was a wise move; the actor not only has a sweet voice but a hangdog hopefulness that gives a needed anchor to the show's more satirical elements. Cory Monteith gives quarterback Finn Hudson a jock-ish authority mixed with an appealingly square naivete, and Lea Michele not only has an amazing voice but manages to make her character, spoiled diva Rachel Berry, more than a humorless stereotype." [47] She was critical, however, of Gilsig as Terri, calling her "the worst thing about Glee" and opining: "As written by Murphy and played by Gilsig, the character is screechy, unfunny and deeply unpleasant. It's as if Ryan didn't trust that the audience would get behind Will and the saga of his ragtag glee club and so saw fit to give the teacher the shrewish, nagging wife from hell." [47]

In contrast, Tom Shales for The Washington Post criticized Morrison as Will, writing: "Morrison is definitely not gleeful and doesn't seem particularly well equipped to be a high-school impresario; as pipers go, he's not even marginally pied." [48] Shales was more positive regarding Lynch's performance, and concluded that: "Dramatic tension isn't exactly plentiful, but pleasingly staged songs and a general aura of retro ingenuousness come through, and seem awfully if fitfully refreshing". [48] Variety 's Brian Lowry also highlighted acting and characterization issues with the show, writing that: "It's among the adults, alas – who are mostly over-the-top buffoons – where Glee nearly sails off the rails, from Jane Lynch's tyrannical cheer matron to the salivating football coach, a bit like the Rydell High gang in Grease." [49] Lowry felt that: "Modest redemption comes from the stammering Emma ( Heroes ' Jayma Mays), who has a clear crush on Will, even though he's married to his high-school sweetheart. Perhaps to foster a rooting interest (or at least sympathy) for a Will-Emma pairing, said wife (Jessalyn Gilsig) is initially presented as a ditsy shrew." [49] Mary McNamara for the Los Angeles Times has called Glee: "the first show in a long time that's just plain full-throttle, no-guilty-pleasure-rationalizations-necessary fun." [50] She praised Lynch as Sue, writing that "Lynch alone makes Glee worth watching", and claimed that overall: "The music, though by no means edgy, is energetic with a wide audience appeal, like the show itself. [50]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Stop Believin'</span> 1981 single by Journey

"Don't Stop Believin'" is a song by American rock band Journey. It was released in October 1981 as the second single from the group's seventh studio album, Escape (1981), released through Columbia Records. "Don't Stop Believin'" shares writing credits between the band's vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. A mid-tempo rock anthem and power ballad, "Don't Stop Believin'" is known for its iconic opening piano riff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cory Monteith</span> Canadian actor (1982–2013)

Cory Allan Michael Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician. He made his acting debut in the television series Stargate Atlantis (2004), and had other roles in shows including Smallville (2005), and Supernatural (2005). During his career, he starred in over eighteen dramas and seventeen films, with Monte Carlo (2011), Final Destination 3 (2006), and Sisters & Brothers (2011), all becoming commercially successful.

<i>Glee</i> (TV series) American television series (2009–2015)

Glee is an American jukebox musical comedy-drama television series that aired on Fox in the United States from May 19, 2009, to March 20, 2015. It focuses on the New Directions, a glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School, that is located in Ohio, USA. The club competes as a show choir while its disparate members deal with social issues, regarding sexuality, gender, race, family, teen relationships and teamwork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finn Hudson</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Finn Christopher Hudson is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character was portrayed by Cory Monteith and first appeared on television when Glee premiered its pilot episode on Fox on May 19, 2009. Finn was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. Glee follows the trials of the New Directions glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School in the town of Lima, Ohio. Finn is initially quarterback of his high school football team. A popular jock at the top of the school's social hierarchy, when he finds himself forced to join the school's glee club, he discovers that he loves it, although he risks alienation from his friends by remaining a member. His storylines see him struggle with his decision to stay in the club, which is at the bottom of the social ladder, while he maintains his popular reputation and the respect of the other jocks. The character has dealt with his attraction to both self-centered head cheerleader Quinn Fabray and ambitious yet kindhearted glee club star singer Rachel Berry, the series' female lead. Following Monteith's death on July 13, 2013, it was announced that Finn's own death would occur in the third episode of the fifth season, titled "The Quarterback".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Schuester</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

William Michael Schuester, often referred to as Mr. Schue, is a fictional teacher character and one of the two main protagonists from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee, alongside his student Rachel Berry. He appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Will was portrayed by Matthew Morrison, and was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. He is a Spanish teacher at the fictional William McKinley High School and the director of the show's titular glee club in Lima Ohio, where the show is set. He ultimately becomes the school's principal. His storylines have seen him revive the school's failing glee club, leave his wife Terri, win the love of school guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury, and marry her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sue Sylvester</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Susan "Sue" Rodham Sylvester is a fictional character of the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Jane Lynch, and appears in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009, through the show's final episode, first broadcast on March 20, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Berry</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Rachel Barbra Berry is a fictional character and one of the two main protagonists, alongside Mr. Schue in the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Lea Michele, and appears in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Rachel was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. She is the glee club star of the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, where the show is set. Her storylines have seen her suffer peer alienation due to her Broadway ambitions and over-eager personality, but she is very kind-hearted and willing to help even if people do not need it and develop romantic feelings for Jesse St. James, a member of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline, but primarily for quarterback and glee club co-captain Finn Hudson, to whom she eventually becomes engaged. Hudson later dies in season 5, with his cause of death not being revealed. This was due to his actor, Cory Monteith, passing away in real life, which led to his character being killed off. Jerry later reconciles with her ex boyfriend, Jesse St. James in season 6. In the series finale, it’s revealed that Berry married St. James, and became a Surrogate for friends Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tina Cohen-Chang</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Tina Cohen-Chang is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Jenna Ushkowitz and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Tina was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Initially, she is a shy and insecure performer with a fake stutter, and member of the glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, where the show is set. As the series progressed, she became more independent and confident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinn Fabray</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Quinn Fabray is a fictional character from the TV series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Dianna Agron, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. She is the cheerleading captain at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, as well as a member of the school's glee club. In the first episode, Quinn is introduced as an antagonistic queen bee stock character. She joins the school glee club to spy on her boyfriend Finn Hudson and becomes a spy for cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester ; she remains part of the club after she is removed from the cheerleading team, the "Cheerios", due to her pregnancy. Over the course of the first season, her character matures and builds friendships with the other outcasts who make up the glee club. Quinn gives birth at the end of the first season to a baby girl, Beth, whom she gives up for adoption. Quinn was 16 years old when she had her baby.

Showmance (<i>Glee</i>) 2nd episode of the 1st season of Glee

"Showmance" is the second episode of the American television series Glee. The episode premiered on the Fox network on September 9, 2009. It was written by series co-creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and directed by Murphy. The episode sees the glee club attempt to recruit new members by performing Salt-n-Pepa's "Push It" in a school assembly. It advances the love triangles between Rachel, Finn and Quinn and Emma, Will and Terri, and sees antagonist Sue Sylvester begin to conspire against the club.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rhodes Not Taken</span> 5th episode of the 1st season of Glee

"The Rhodes Not Taken" is the fifth episode of the American television series Glee. It premiered on the Fox network on September 30, 2009 and was written by series co-creator Ian Brennan and directed by John Scott. The episode features glee club director Will Schuester recruiting former star April Rhodes, hoping to improve the club's chances in the wake of Rachel’s defection to the school musical. Finn flirts with Rachel in an attempt to convince her to return, and although Rachel is angry when she discovers Finn's girlfriend is pregnant, she ultimately rejoins the club.

Vitamin D (<i>Glee</i>) 6th episode of the 1st season of Glee

"Vitamin D" is the sixth episode of the American television series Glee. The episode premiered on the Fox network on October 7, 2009. It was written by series creator Ryan Murphy and directed by Elodie Keene. In the episode, glee club director Will Schuester pits the male and female club members against each other for a mash-up competition. Will's wife Terri takes a job as the school nurse to stop him becoming closer to guidance counsellor Emma Pillsbury, and starts giving the students performance-enhancing pseudoephedrine tablets.

Sectionals (<i>Glee</i>) 13th episode of the 1st season of Glee

"Sectionals" is the thirteenth episode of the American television series Glee. It premiered on the Fox network on December 9, 2009. The episode was written and directed by series co-creator Brad Falchuk, and serves as the mid-season finale for the show's first season. "Sectionals" sees the glee club win the sectionals round of competition, advancing on to regionals. Glee club member Finn discovers he is not the father of his girlfriend Quinn's baby. Football coach Ken Tanaka plans his wedding with Emma on the same day as the sectionals competition. Will Schuester is unable to take the students to sectionals and Emma offers to take them. The episode sees the return of Eve and Michael Hitchcock as rival glee club directors Grace Hitchens and Dalton Rumba.

<i>Glee</i> season 1 2009–10 season of American musical comedy-drama

The first season of the musical comedy-drama television series Glee originally aired on Fox in the United States. The pilot episode was broadcast as an advanced preview of the series on May 19, 2009, with the remainder of the season airing between September 9, 2009, and June 8, 2010. The season consisted of 22 episodes; the first 13 aired on Wednesdays at 9 pm (ET) and the final 9 aired on Tuesdays at 9 pm (ET). The season was executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Dante Di Loreto; Murphy's production company helped co-produce the series alongside 20th Century Fox.

Hell-O (<i>Glee</i>) 14th episode of the 1st season of Glee

"Hell-O" is the fourteenth episode of the American television series Glee. The episode premiered on the Fox network on April 13, 2010. It was written by series creator Ian Brennan and directed by Brad Falchuk. In "Hell-O", cheer-leading coach Sue Sylvester attempts to sabotage the relationship between glee club members Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry. Glee club director Will Schuester attempts to begin a relationship with school guidance counsellor Emma Pillsbury, but several obstacles come between them, including the coach of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burt Hummel</span> Fictional character from the Fox series Glee

Burt Hummel is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Mike O'Malley, and first appeared on Glee in the fourth episode of the first season, "Preggers". Burt was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. He is the father of gay glee club member Kurt Hummel, and works as a mechanic in Lima, Ohio, where the series is set. He eventually begins a relationship with Carole Hudson, the mother of another glee club member, Finn Hudson, and the two marry in the second season episode "Furt". In the third season, Burt runs in a special congressional election and wins. O'Malley was a recurring cast member during the first season, and was upgraded to a series regular for the second season of the show, but returned to the recurring cast for the third season onward.

<i>Glee</i> season 2 2010–11 season of American musical comedy-drama

The second season of the musical comedy-drama television series Glee originally aired between September 21, 2010, and May 24, 2011, on Fox in the United States. The 22-episode season was produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Ryan Murphy Television, with executive producers Dante Di Loreto and series co-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with the other series co-creator, Ian Brennan, as co-executive producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Rocky Horror Glee Show</span> 5th episode of the 2nd season of Glee

"The Rocky Horror Glee Show" is the fifth episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the twenty-seventh episode overall. It was written by series creator Ryan Murphy, from a story by Murphy and Tim Wollaston, directed by Adam Shankman, and premiered on Fox on October 26, 2010. The episode features the glee club paying tribute to the 1973 musical The Rocky Horror Show, with elements of its 1975 film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show, by staging it as a school musical. While cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester attempts to sabotage the production, glee club director Will Schuester dwells on his feelings for guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury, and club members Finn and Sam deal with body image issues. Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf, who star in the original film, appear in cameo roles in this episode.

"Sweet Dreams" is the nineteenth episode of the fourth season of the American musical television series Glee, and the eighty-fifth episode overall. Written by Ross Maxwell and directed by Elodie Keene, it aired on Fox in the United States on April 18, 2013. Special guest star Idina Menzel returns as Rachel's biological mother, Shelby Corcoran. This is the last episode to feature Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson, who missed the remainder of the season because he entered drug rehabilitation the week after filming, then died of an overdose three months after the episode aired.

"2009" is the twelfth episode of the sixth season of the American musical television series Glee, its penultimate episode and the 120th episode overall. Written by the show's co-creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan and directed by Paris Barclay, it aired on Fox in the United States on March 20, 2015, along with the next episode, "Dreams Come True", as a special two-hour season and series finale. The episode features a flashback from the show's pilot episode that explores the reasons why the original five members of the New Directions glee club decided to join.

References

  1. "Fox Holds "Glee" Tryouts After "American Idol" Tuesday, May 19 – New One-Hour Musical Comedy Series to Preview Post-American Idol" (Press release). Fox Broadcasting Company. March 5, 2009. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  2. Kelly, Mike (May 17, 2009). "'Glee' series set in a Lima high school has Toledo connection too". The Blade . Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  3. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (May 20, 2009). "Top Fox Primetime Shows, May 18–24, 2009". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2009.
  4. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (September 3, 2009). "TV Ratings: Wipeout leads ABC to win, FOX previews its Wednesday". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Schneider, Michael (July 23, 2008). "Fox greenlights 'Glee' pilot". Variety . Retrieved May 31, 2009.
  6. 1 2 3 Fernandez, Maria Elena (April 26, 2009). "Will TV audiences watch with 'Glee'?". LA Times . Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  7. Heldenfels, Rich (May 6, 2009). "The Heldenfiles – Glee-ful Ohio". Akron Beacon Journal . Archived from the original on July 15, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  8. Simpson, Melody (March 17, 2009). "Meet Cory Monteith & Naya Rivera of Glee". Hoolywood The Write Way. Retrieved June 3, 2009.
  9. 1 2 Kinon, Cristina (May 18, 2009). "'Glee' puts edgy spin on Top 40 tunes". The Daily News . Retrieved May 31, 2009.
  10. Wyatt, Edward (May 15, 2009). "Not That High School Musical". The New York Times . Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  11. "Pilot". Fox Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on June 4, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  12. Stanhope, Kate; Martin, Denise (September 3, 2009). "'Glee': Director's cut reveals Matthew Morrison's singing chops". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved September 5, 2009.
  13. "New Hit Show "Glee" Goes A Cappella!". The Swingle Singers . May 22, 2009. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  14. Carter, Kelley L. (May 18, 2009). "Broadway star Morrison gets all keyed up for 'Glee'". USA Today . Gannett Company . Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  15. "Glee Cast – On My Own". aCharts.us. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  16. Paine, Andre (January 18, 2010). "'Glee' Makes Impact on U.K. Chart". Billboard . Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  17. "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 28 September 2009" (PDF) (1022). Australian Web Archive. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 4, 2009. Retrieved October 29, 2009.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  18. "Glee Cast – Rehab". aCharts.us. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  19. "Glee Cast – Don't Stop Believin'". aCharts.us. Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  20. Grein, Paul (November 17, 2010). "Week Ending Nov. 14, 2010: This Year's "Gift" Is Smaller". Chart Watch. Yahoo! Music. Yahoo!. Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
  21. "RIAA Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  22. "ARIA Charts Accreditations 2011 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. May 31, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2011.
  23. 1 2 3 Kuhn, Sarah (September 3, 2009). "Life Stages". Backstage . Retrieved September 5, 2009.
  24. 1 2 3 Martin, Denise (April 26, 2009). "Video: 'Glee' team rewrites the school musical". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  25. Wieselman, Jarett (May 19, 2009). "Meet The Cast of 'Glee,' I Did!". pp.  New York Post. Archived from the original on May 25, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  26. Itzkoff, David (May 18, 2009). "Jane Lynch Brings Her Inner Mean Girl to 'Glee'". The New York Times . Retrieved May 31, 2009.
  27. Gorman, Bill (May 20, 2009). "Fox Gleeful As Idol, Glee Top Dancing, NCIS, Mentalist Finales". TVbytheNumbers.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved May 20, 2009.
  28. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (May 27, 2009). "American Idol, Two and a Half Men and Dancing lead final week of season". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 30, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2009.
  29. Seidman, Robert (May 27, 2009). "Top Fox Primetime Shows, May 18–24, 2009". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2009.
  30. "Top Programs – Total Canada (English): August 31 – September 6, 2009" (PDF). BBM Canada. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 16, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  31. French, Dan (December 16, 2009). "'Jamie's Family Christmas' draws 3.3m". Digital Spy . Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  32. "BARB: Weekly Top 30 Programmes, w/e 31 Jan 2010". BARB . Retrieved February 11, 2010.
  33. "Grab your surfboards and catch the first wave of 'Teen Choice 2009' nominees" (Press release). Fox Broadcasting Company. June 15, 2009. Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2009.
  34. "Nominees for Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television/Mini-Series, Dramatic Series Night, Comedy Series, Musical Variety, Reality Programs, Daytime Serials, Children's Programs, Commercials" (Press release). Directors Guild of America. January 8, 2010. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  35. "2009 Artios Award Nominees and Winners". Casting Society of America . Retrieved December 23, 2009.
  36. "Art Directors Guild Announces Nominations for 2009 Film, TV, Commercial and Music Video Awars; Ceremony to Take Place February 13" (PDF) (Press release). Art Directors Guild. January 8, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  37. Engelbrektson, Lisa (February 20, 2010). "Golden Reels high on sci-fi". Variety . Reed Business Information . Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  38. "2010 Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations". Academy of Television Arts and Sciences . Retrieved July 8, 2010.
  39. Tucker, Ken (May 13, 2009). "TV Review Glee (2009)". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  40. Battaglio, Stephen (May 20, 2009). "Idol Viewers Flee Glee". TV Guide . Archived from the original on September 16, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  41. Stanley, Alessandra (May 18, 2009). "Motley Crew of School Misfits Sings, and Annoys the Cool Kids". The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2009.
  42. 1 2 Hinckley, David (May 19, 2009). "Singing fills these students with 'Glee'". The Daily News . Retrieved May 31, 2009.
  43. Bianco, Robert (May 26, 2009). "Where's the potential in fall TV?". USA Today . Gannett Company . Retrieved November 15, 2010.
  44. Zurawik, David (May 19, 2009). "Cornball 'Glee' can move". Baltimore Sun . Retrieved June 2, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  45. Jicha, Tome (May 19, 2009). "Fox offers preview of new musical-comedy 'Glee'". South Florida Sun-Sentinel . Retrieved June 2, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  46. Owen, Rob (May 19, 2009). "'Glee' is 'High School Musical' with an edge". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Archived from the original on September 8, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  47. 1 2 3 4 Ryan, Maureen (May 19, 2009). "'Glee' gets golden time slot, needs a better tune". Chicago Tribune . Archived from the original on May 23, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  48. 1 2 Shales, Tom (May 19, 2009). "Sharply, Fox Provides A Reason For 'Glee'". The Washington Post . Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  49. 1 2 Lowry, Brian (May 14, 2009). "Glee". Variety . Retrieved June 3, 2009.
  50. 1 2 McNamara, Mary (May 19, 2009). "'Glee' on Fox". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 1, 2009.