With 13.66 million viewers tuning in after a mid-season break, Glee, the one-hour musical comedy, has become a cultural phenomenon in schools around the U.S. - including Ohio University.
Anyone who felt kind of out of place in high school ... it appeals to them
said Jordan Sommerlad, a freshman studying film.
Fox Broadcasting Company's Glee, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, is a television series that follows a high school glee club's transformation from a show choir to a nationally competitive group. Glee returned to the air April 13 after a four-month hiatus and the soundtrack from last week's episode is still number one on the overall iTunes album charts.
Unlike High School Musical (Glee) is about the underdogs. It's about the lowest of the low Sommerlad said. It's very identifiable.
The show, which features minority characters and students from stereotypical cliques, appeals to a broad audience, but seems to specifically target those who are interested in the arts, said Kira Brown, a sophomore studying dietetics.
I think to some extent
everyone can relate to the personalities
Brown said.
Though the show's characters are criticized for being over-the-top and corny, fans, referred to as 'gleeks,' say it is part of the show's charm.
There's just something about the show; they don't take themselves too seriously
said Hannah Brevoort, a freshman studying history. They're not afraid to be ridiculous.
Although Glee is not the only television show portraying high school, the show is different because it is the only musical as a television series, Sommerlad said.
Many cast members have performed on Broadway, such as Lea Michele, who plays Rachel Berry on Glee and was Wendla in Spring Awakening.
About six covers are performed per show, featuring songs from artists such as The Beatles and Madonna.
The show airs at 9 tonight, and every Tuesday, on Fox.
I watch it because it's happy
Brevoort said. There aren't enough happy shows on television.
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Culture
Jessica Cadle
