8 Years After ‘Glee’ Ended, It’s Time to Look Back and Remember the Best (and Worst) Seasons

It’s been eight years since the groundbreaking musical television series “Glee” wrapped up. The first episode of the series aired

Jun 10, 2023
Glee

It’s been eight years since the groundbreaking musical television series “Glee” wrapped up.

The first episode of the series aired May 19, 2009. And the last episode of the six-season series aired on March 20, 2015.

And in between? A whole lot of awesome, cringe, heartbreak, and best of all – the music.

While there isn’t exactly a bad season of Glee, some were better than others – and they deserve their moment in the sun, eight years after the show stopped filming.

So from best to worst, here’s how the seasons ranked:

Season 1: The Birth of a Musical Revolution:
The first season of “Glee” captured our hearts and launched a cultural phenomenon. As the ragtag group of high school misfits came together to form a show choir, their journey was filled with infectious musical numbers, vibrant characters, and a perfect blend of comedy and drama. This season laid the foundation for the series, introducing us to iconic characters like Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, and Mr. Schuester, while showcasing the exceptional talents of the cast. While the musical choices in the first season didn’t rival later seasons, there’s something to be said for setting the stage and stealing our hearts.

Season 3: Graduation and New Beginnings:
Season 3 of “Glee” marked a pivotal point as the original members faced graduation and the uncertain future that awaited them. The emotional depth of the storylines was matched by incredible performances, including standout renditions of songs like “We Are Young” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” This season delved into themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the bittersweet reality of growing up, leaving audiences captivated and yearning for more. After this season wrapped up, it wasn’t clear where they could take the series – but the answer was “to new and exciting places.”

Season 2: Powerhouse Performances and Unforgettable Drama:
Season 2 turned up the volume and took “Glee” to new heights. From the electrifying Super Bowl episode to the unforgettable tribute to Britney Spears, this season was a whirlwind of show-stopping musical numbers. Alongside the iconic Sue Sylvester, the addition of new characters like Blaine Anderson brought fresh dynamics to the cast. Season 2 was a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears, and jaw-dropping plot twists that had viewers hooked from start to finish. And this season introduced us to Blurt (Blaine + Kurt) – and let’s face it, they’re the best gift “Glee” gave us.

Season 6: A Final Encore:
As “Glee” bid farewell in its sixth and final season, it took us on a nostalgia-filled journey that reminded us why we fell in love with the series. With a focus on the original members and the closing of the chapter, Season 6 brought closure to long-standing storylines while introducing new faces and exploring new directions. The poignant finale left fans with a mix of joy, sorrow, and an overwhelming appreciation for the legacy of “Glee.” Who doesn’t still tear up a little when re-watching the last episode? It’s still a banger, years later.

Season 4: Fresh Faces and New Beginnings:
Season 4 marked a major transition as some of our beloved characters graduated and a new generation stepped into the spotlight. The introduction of fresh faces brought a youthful energy to the show, while the challenges of navigating college and the pursuit of dreams added an exciting layer of drama. Season 4 showcased the resilience of “Glee,” proving that the series could reinvent itself and continue to captivate audiences. Characters like Marley explored the dangers of eating disorders and intimacy among teenagers, and Rachel and Kurt navigated adult relationships out in the real world. Oh, and Santana moved in with the two of them – which was probably the best thing to come from season 4.

Season 5: Highs and Lows:
While Season 5 had its share of ups and downs, it still offered plenty of memorable moments. From the emotional tribute to Cory Monteith’s character, Finn Hudson, to the exhilarating Nationals competition, this season had its fair share of impactful storylines. The introduction of new characters and the return of familiar faces added intrigue and kept fans invested until the very end. Season 5 was a sign that the show was starting to wrap up though. They started repeating themes and the new main love interests – Marley and Jake – just didn’t steal hearts like Rachel and Finn did.

In the end, Glee was more than a television show, and more than a musical series.

It was a coming-of-age exploration of the challenges of surviving teenhood in a rapidly changing world, and dealing with the stressors of modern society.

Each character wormed their way into our hearts and our memories.

Cory Monteith died during production, and Naya Rivera and Mark Salling both died after the show wrapped. So it’s unlikely that there will ever be a reunion.

And that’s not even mentioning the tension between Lea Michele (Rachel) and the other cast members.

But reunion or no, we can still pick up the Disney + or Hulu app, turn on old episodes, and journey back in time to when things were simpler, music was banging, and TV shows knew how to tell a story from week to week.

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