‘Glee’ to return with reboot on Disney+, Hulu

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - The Emmy-winning US musical comedy-drama “Glee,” revolving around a high school choir, is returning with a reboot for Disney+ and Hulu, more than a decade after the original series ended.

The streaming services announced the revival Wednesday through the show’s social media accounts. The new production comes from 20th Television, the studio behind the original series. A premiere date was not announced.

Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, “Glee” premiered on Fox in 2009 and ran for six seasons until 2015.

Murphy recently told Entertainment Tonight that he and his fellow co-creators had written a reboot script and that he had contacted around 10 original cast members. All the actors who once played high school students have aged past those roles and would likely play teachers or other adult figures.

“It’s very sweet, they all had a lot of questions but they all were very enthusiastic about the idea,” said Murphy, adding that none had read the script at that point.

Actress Lea Michele, who played ambitious singer Rachel Berry, has expressed interest in returning, telling E! News that the series holds a special place in her heart.

“I will always love Glee,” she said. “I love Ryan Murphy.”

Chris Colfer, who portrayed Kurt Hummel, offered a more cautious response, saying a revival would be difficult following the death of co-star Naya Rivera.

“It was a really tough show to do, and it would be really hard to do it now that Naya is gone,” he told Bustle.

Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, died in an accidental drowning in 2020 at age 33. Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson, died in 2013 at age 31.

Max George, the Wanted singer who appeared in the sixth season, told BBC Scotland on Wednesday that working on the series had been “an amazing experience” and that he would “love to do it again.”

Set at the fictional William McKinley High School in Ohio, the original series followed the New Directions choir as its students navigated friendships, relationships, bullying, and musical competitions.

Matthew Morrison played teacher and choir director Will Schuester, while Jane Lynch portrayed his adversary, cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. Other cast members included Amber Riley and Darren Criss.

The series combined elaborate musical performances with storylines addressing race, disability, and mental health. Its covers introduced younger audiences to songs including “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Smooth Criminal.”

“Glee” won six Primetime Emmy Awards and expanded beyond television into concert tours and a concert film.