Glee returns on Disney+ after a 15-year hiatus, with Lea Michele reprising her role as Rachel Berry, and its 2010s nostalgia resurging on TikTok.
Glee returns on Disney+
After weeks of speculation, the musical series Glee will return on Disney+ with new content. Lea Michele is expected to reprise her role as Rachel Berry, one of the show’s most iconic characters.TikTok revives Glee’s popularity
Glee, which originally aired from 2009 to 2015, has seen a resurgence in popularity on TikTok. Younger users are discovering its music and choreography through memes and humorous video edits.Nostalgia and new audiences
The show’s memorable scenes, such as a choreographed performance of I Say a Little Prayer by the character trio Quinn, Brittany, and Santana, have become a viral trend. These moments, once part of the original series, are now being rediscovered by a new generation.Disney+ and Hulu announce revival
Disney+ and Hulu (in the United States) officially announced the return of Glee in October 2023. The revival is produced by the original creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, with plans to continue the musical performances without new episodes.Glee’s music remains popular
The show’s soundtrack, featuring covers of songs by Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears, continues to be widely consumed. In 2024, a cover of Rose’s Turn from the musical Gypsy reached third place on the TikTok Billboard Top 50.New ways to engage with the series
Younger audiences now discover Glee through snippets on TikTok rather than watching full episodes. This has led to a new way of engaging with the show, focusing on its music and choreography rather than its narrative.Humor and nostalgia on social media
The show’s quirks, such as Sue Sylvester’s insults or Rachel’s dramatic moments, have become a source of humor on platforms like TikTok. Users create montages that highlight the absurdities and charm of the original series.Glee’s impact on LGBTQ+ representation
Glee was notable for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, including Kurt’s struggles with homophobia and Santana’s journey of self-discovery. These themes continue to spark discussions among younger viewers.Behind-the-scenes interest grows
The renewed interest in Glee has led to projects like the podcast And That's What You REALLY Missed, which explores the making of the show. Actor Kevin McHale noted that young fans are still connecting with the series.Future of Glee remains uncertain
While the revival focuses on musical performances, the possibility of a full reboot remains open. Creator Ryan Murphy hinted at the idea in an interview, but the direction of the project is still unclear.