And That’s What You Missed
Everything we know about the Glee tell-alls.
by AVA LABORDE ★ NOVEMBER 29, 2022
Ryan Murphy's iconic 2009 television series, Glee, has become a cult classic and comfort show for devoted fans everywhere. Despite the show's upbeat content, the truths about the stars behind the scenes are far darker. The tragic deaths of Cory Monteith and Naya Rivera, Mark Salling's crimes, and Lea Michele's bullying allegations have garnered quite a bit of negative attention surrounding the show. Although fans have not let these scandals and tragedies get in the way of binge-watching reruns, there has been a constant demand for more information and transparency about what really happened on the set of Glee. Fortunately for Gleeks everywhere, we are finally getting some answers. The release of a new tell-all podcast, and a pending docu-series, have provided and promised never-before-seen comments, statements, and answers about the hit series. So, without further adieu, here's what you've missed about Glee.
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A new multi-episode docu-series releasing next year on Discovery+ promises to uncover and unpack some of the show's dark history. Though there have been other vain attempts at exposès, this one will likely have the juice the others lack, as it claims to feature personal testimonials from cast and crew members. Hearing the drama from the source will hopefully allow fans to put rumors and questions to rest, yet it certainly risks an uprising in the drama between the cast. Though the series is still unnamed, the promise of honesty has gathered fans' attention and excitement, hoping to finally get an unfiltered understanding of the rise and downfall of the show.
Credit: We Heart It
Although the docu-series has yet to release, the new podcast "And That's What You REALLY Missed" offers more insight into Glee than ever seen before. The podcast is hosted by Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale, who played Tina and Artie on the show. For the pilot episode, the two were joined by Ryan Murphy himself, as he uncovered some never heard before information about the show's development and execution. He revealed that the original script for Glee was much darker, having Mr. Schuester as a crystal meth addict; Sue wasn't even in the pilot's first draft and was only added because editors felt that the script lacked an antagonist, and Mr. Schu's character was written initially for Justin Timberlake. Further, Murphy discussed how the cast repaired some of its broken relationships following Naya's death. This comment and Murphy's willingness to join the former cast members for the podcast should leave fans feeling hopeful about future collaborations or, at the very least, some more honesty from the people involved in Glee.
Credit: iHeart
Speaking of future collaboration, in the second part of Ryan Murphy's guest appearance, he suggested that the cast come back together now that they were all on better terms. He even proposed a Broadway show inspired by Glee for the reboot, which would be a dream come true for us Gleeks (especially Rachel Berry stans) everywhere. He noted that he feels an appropriate amount of time has passed since the multiple tragedies occurred, and he wants to re-explore Glee, doing something to leave it with a positive legacy. Sadly, Kevin McHale told Ryan that he feels Artie would not have a place in future reboots, as the actor feels it is now inappropriate to play a disabled character despite being able-bodied.
Credit: Twitter
Further, the podcast also invited Chris Colfer, who played Kurt, to talk about the show. He explains the blatant homophobia he experienced in his hometown and the acting industry that made him fearful of pursuing Kurt's role. Chris himself was still closeted at the time and reveals that the show and Kurt's character encouraged him to be honest with himself about his sexuality. As a show that has been so influential for LGBT youth and media in general, hopefully, Glee will explore its positive influence on the community in future reboots.
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Hopefully, getting the most burning questions answered will help the cast and fans move on from the tragic past, paving the way for Glee to reinvent its legacy. In future reboots, we are optimistic that this show can return to its positive roots and reemerge with a more positive culture behind the scenes. Regardless, whether it's podcasts, plays, documentaries, or simply just rewatching reruns until the end of time, Glee will continue to live on in our hearts.
Cover Photo Credit: Pinterest