While the viewing parties on the nights the show aired. Many fans were so obsessed with the show they began to petition their own schools to create their very own Glee clubs.
Sure, Glee wasn't always great but when it was, it was truly something special. Since Glee has left the air, several shows have tried to tap into the musical theater fanbase. Fans might even argue that Glee's successors are even better than Glee itself.
It Was Basically An Edgier And More Authentic High School Musical
Disney Channel beat Fox to the punch when they released the Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical three years before Glee hit the air. Some might say that HSM helped set Glee up for the success it had and it's hard to argue with that logic.
However, it's clear that Glee was a much more edgy and accurate portrayal of high school life in America. From teen pregnancies and characters questioning their sexualities to having characters crush on their teacher, Glee definitely pushed the envelope.
Alternative: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
It's almost like coming full circle. After all, High School Musical influenced Glee and now Glee is influencing an entirely new generation of musical-theater loving Wildcats with Disney+'s brand new series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
While the series isn't quite as edgy as Glee is, it is a bit different than the Disney Channel shows most audiences grew up on. Not only is the cast extremely talented but they're also incredibly diverse. In fact, the series even features several LGBTQ characters.
It Was One Of The First Shows To Feature Several LGBTQ Characters And Stories
One of the reasons Glee is so beloved and cherished by many is because of how inclusive the show was for queer actors, characters, and audiences. Adding to that is the fact that it was one of the few shows geared towards teens to include queer characters and stories into its narrative.
The characters were allowed to explore their sexualities and in the end, the show even featured a double same-sex wedding! The series included a trans choir in an episode, showcasing that Glee was inclusive for any and all of the LGBTQ community.
Alternative: Degrassi: The Next Generation
The only show that comes close to matching Glee's level of drama and LGBTQ inclusive factors is the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. The series ran for 14 seasons and during its tenure, introduced viewers to a diverse group of kids and teenage struggles.
From teen pregnancy and drug abuse to everyday bullying and mental disorders, there was nothing Degrassi: The Next Generation strayed away from. The show even featured a transgender storyline but they, unfortunately, did not cast a trans actor to play the role.
It Made The Arts Cool Again
To be honest, High School Musical may have tried to make the arts cool again but more people were interested in the East High Wildcat basketball team than they were in the drama department.
Thanks to Glee, however, students around the world started to see the arts for what they truly are; an amazing and fulfilling extracurricular activity and ion. Plus, the attractive and talented cast definitely transformed the "theater nerd" image. As said above, Glee led to the rise of show choir groups and classes around the country, even CNN reported on it!
Alternative: Riverdale
While there is no singing or glee club in the CW's teen drama characters of Archie Comics, there is a whole lot of drama. In fact, that's not the only thing these two shows have in common. Both shows feature popular couples with minor characters and both showcased two cheerleaders in relationships with each other.
That's not to mention that both shows have a ride-or-die fanbase that is extremely loyal to the show...or at least they were when Glee was at it's best.
'Glee' Taught Valuable Lessons To Its Loyal Fanbase
Much like Degrassi: The Next Generation, Glee often featured important and controversial storylines in its episodes. During season four, there was an episode that revolved around a school shooting. Thankfully, it was just a scare and no one got hurt though many people were not pleased with the installment.
Glee truly made a name for itself though by showcasing the very real struggles that many high school students face when they are questioning their sexual identities. For an hour a week, LGBTQ kids around the country were able to watch and see themselves represented. And it helped other fans understand that being gay doesn't make some scary or different.
Alternative: Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist
NBC's premiered its newest musical dramedy the show uses music to advance its plot and helps viewers understand its characters. It's not all rainbows and sunshine though, in fact, the protagonist Zoey is dealing with the harsh reality that her father is slowly dying due to a neurological disease.
As if that's not bad enough, Zoey believes she's starting to show symptoms of the disease that is threatening to take her father away from her.
It Had A Pretty Epic Soundtrack Season After Season
One of Glee's strongest attributes, at the time, was its killer soundtrack season after season. Sure, some might make fun of it now and are grateful that popular songs aren't getting Glee covers anymore but at the time, it was the greatest thing ever!
Of course, one of the most memorable and catchy has to be Rachel's cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" but the music magic didn't end there. Who could forget the epic Britney Spears tribute or the "Teenage Dream" cover by Blaine Anderson? Let's be honest, you weren't a true artist until your song was featured in Glee.
Alternative: Rise
If Glee aimed at making show choir cool, then NBC's teen drama Rise aimed at making drama cool. The series, which was inspired by a true story, centered on an underfunded high school drama department who was determined to put on the musical Spring Awakening despite its controversial plot.
While the show only lasted one season, it has just as much heart, drama, and talent as all six seasons of Glee. Plus, it also features Auli'i Cravalho who is best known for voicing Princess Moana in Disney's Moana.