A "Gleek" is a term for someone who is a huge fan of the show “Glee", and I proudly call myself a "gleek."
The first episode of "Glee" premiered on May 19, 2009. At the time of the premiere, the first episode had 9.6 million viewers. Glee's viewership hit its peak during the episode "Hell-O" guest starring Idina Menzel and Jonathan Groff, that episode alone had 13.66 million American viewers.
I love "Glee," and am not ashamed of loving it. It has produced some of the best covers of hit songs. Recently, people have coined the "Kelly Clarkson Effect," which is when the cover of the song is better than the original version. Before that existed, there was the "Glee effect." "Glee" has covered almost every song popular in the 2010s while also tackling older songs and show tunes.
"Glee" is forever in the Billboard Hot 100's history books. The show recorded the most entries on the list at 207. It was not until 2020 when Drake recorded the same number, that another artist reached the show's level. Currently, only two artists are ahead of the show with more entries on the Hot 100: Drake (now with 328 entries) and Taylor Swift (with 232 entries).
After the second season, the show went on tour in May 2010. The tour grossed $40.8 million with 485,852 tickets sold and 40 sold-out shows. It was followed up with a 3D concert movie that is among the top 20-grossing concert movies of all time.
While "Glee" has its downfalls at times (the entire character of Will Schuester), the show had a major impact on society at the time.
"Glee" has tackled topics such as teen pregnancy, eating disorders, gun control, domestic abuse and suicide. All these episodes and plotlines made lasting impressions on those who watched them. However, the show did most of its work within the LGBTQIA+ community. During season one, Kurt Hummel comes out to his dad, Burt Hummel.
Up until that point, it was believed that Burt was a stereotypical Midwest man; he did not agree with his son being gay. However, the show turns that on its head, and Burt accepts his son for who he is. He eventually learns how to embrace Kurt's sexuality.
The show goes on to have more diverse representation within the LGBTQIA+ community, with characters Santana Lopez being a Latina and a lesbian, Brittany S. Pierce being bisexual and Unique Adams and Coach Bieste both being transgender.
In 2017, the show's creator, Ryan Murphy, argued that shows like "Glee," "Modern Family," "Orange is the New Black" and "Transparent" paved the way for acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said Glee is "without a doubt, one of the most inclusive shows on Fox and on television in general."
"Glee" was a cultural reset and changed society at the time. I am a "gleek" and proud. "And that is what you've missed on Glee."
Cassie is a sophomore studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
