Compared to the last few years, this television season has been fairly lackluster. Can't really say I'm surprised. With revenues down, most broadcast networks aren't really willing to take big gambles with their programming. Instead we get more CSI on CBS, more sitcoms on ABC and more Jay Leno on NBC.This kind of "inside the box thinking" has lead to very few watercooler-worthy shows. Sure everyone's talking about how Leno is taking down NBC (the network's weeknight 10PM slot is down 30%), but I don't think that's the kind of buzz they were looking for. So it begs the question, where's this year's LOST, Amazing Race or Big Bang Theory?
Surprisingly, its on FOX in the unlikely form of the high school musical called Glee. Speaking of High School Musical, I just bet Disney-owned ABC is wondering why they didn't move their hit franchise into a network series first (I know I am).
There's really nothing new about the concept of Glee. High school jock and brainy girl make beautiful music together. It's been a motion picture staple since Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney first said, "Let's put on a show!" It continued through the 60s with Frankie and Annette's beach party movies and came back in full force with the High School Musical trilogy. But those were movies. For some reason musicals have never worked in series television (Viva Laughlin being the most recent example). That is, until now.
Glee is not only pulling in a solid 8 million viewers a week, they've also sold 1.7 million downloads on iTunes since the series started (and we're only on episode seven)! Even better for FOX, the viewers are those young viewers the Internet told us had stopped watching TV. So, how did they manage to pull this off? Good talent, good timing and no shortage of good luck.
For starters, they centered the show around the Glee club. For some reason modern audiences have a hard time with people singing about their feelings unless its part of (or near) a show. For instance, as long as Chicago or Moulin Rouge's action was set in a theater, people are okay with people singing offstage. Unlike, say, Cop Rock.
Secondly, they borrow from a catalogue of hit songs. From Heart to Journey to Beyonce, the music is fast, infectious and fun. I'll admit, I've got a few on my iPod.
And speaking of fun, they made the show primarily a comedy. Glee is the show people feel good watching because it makes them feel good. And let's face it, there aren't many shows these days that pull that off.
And lastly, they give us characters we can root for. Like a page out of American idol, Glee has a cast of talented outcasts, wackos and heartthrobs that we can identify with and want to see succeed.
Now I'll admit, I predicted months ago that a show this fun, entertaining and whimsical was destined to be canceled by FOX after just a few episodes. But they've already ordered 22 more. I know, no one is more surprised than me! I looks like maybe Glee has finally found the right formula to keep a musical on the air.
Now all we can do is wait to see if the inevitable knock-offs will have learned the same lesson (I'm not holding my breath).
