One of the best episodes of television ever premiered 17 years ago today. 'You think this is hard? Try being waterboarded, that's hard.' It is the utterly bonkers – and yet somehow pitch-perfect – opening line to the pilot episode of Ryan Murphy's magnum opus: Glee season one. Yes, even over American Horror Story – argue with the wall.
Jane Lynch's acerbic Sue Sylvester, megaphone in hand, declares this to her cheer squad, kicking off 50 minutes of television so absurd and compelling that it serves as a masterclass in how to open a TV show with a bang. If you were living under a rock in May 2009 and somehow missed the launch of this cultural phenomenon, let me catch you up.
A High School Fever Dream
Much like Marc Jacobs-clad teen Kurt (Chris Colfer) is unceremoniously chucked into a bin by high school jocks Finn (Corey Monteith) and Puck (Mark Salling) in the first minutes, viewers are plunged into the cutthroat world of American high school in the late 2000s. Enter Mr. Schue (Matthew Morrison), a Spanish teacher who cannot speak Spanish, with a passion for show choir and a hankering for his own high school glory days – where he no doubt peaked in life.
After the current choir teacher, Sandy, is kicked out over child predator accusations from the ambitious and slightly unhinged Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), Mr. Schue launches his bid to set up the brand new Glee Club. All this happens within the first four minutes.
Auditions That Define Characters
Then we get the auditions – the perfect vehicle to introduce us to our main players. There is Kurt with his bafflingly deadpan delivery of 'Mr. Cellophane,' the birth of Tina Cohen-Chang's (Jenna Ushkowitz) 'stutter,' and Mercedes's (Amber Riley) overlooked powerhouse vocals. Then we have Rachel, whose musically infused monologue about being a star holds up as some of the best character exposition in TV history. It includes the show's first slushee throw, her dramatic fake crying, and the revelation that she is not homophobic as she has 'two gay dads' – it is a fever dream.
Just when you think the show cannot possibly go even more leftfield, Mr. Schue threatens to expose high school heartthrob Finn's non-existent drug stash unless he agrees to join the club. What is perhaps most impressive is that Ryan Murphy manages to plant the seeds for so many wild dynamics: from Mr. Schue and Sue's ever-escalating rivalry to his wife Terri's 'pregnancy' and flirtation with fellow teacher Emma. That is not even mentioning the students' own plethora of problems. One thing is certain: there is trouble in paradise for the school's power couple, cheerleader Quinn and our plucky protagonist Finn.
You would think the episode would feel ridiculously overstuffed, but somehow every thread seamlessly merges into a glorious hotpot of high camp nonsense you cannot stop watching.
The Iconic Finale
This all culminates in the final number: Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing,' with Rachel and Finn leading the powerful cover that is now synonymous with the show. I am not afraid to admit that to this day, hearing those opening notes makes me misty-eyed with nostalgia – and remains a karaoke staple for my sister and I. And I am far from alone.
The splash this made at the time cannot be overstated. As one Reddit user, LiveFromNewYork95, put it: 'It's hard to explain just how much that pilot episode of Glee moved the needle.' This was the show to watch; it changed the game for LGBTQ+ TV in the years leading up to same-sex marriage being legalised in the US and reinvented the wheel when it came to meta coming-of-age shows that have not quite been replicated since.
Only Glee could get away with the storylines and whiplash-inducing dialogue it puts on screen. 'One of the best pieces of television ever aired,' Metro reporter Danni rightly declared. 'Somehow the most progressive yet the most offensive show at the same time. There'll never be another one like it,' Ana shared on X. 'Made me who I am and I'm so serious,' martymauser echoed. '17 years ago herstory was made,' Brooke agreed.
The bold humour, perfectly tempered satire, and genuine levels of musical talent exuding from this show created the perfect storm. Even 17 years on, it remains a standout pilot episode and showrunner Ryan Murphy at his very best.
Legacy and Reflection
Since that shining first episode, the show has taken a more sour turn, tainted by the real-life loss of cast members, behind-the-scenes controversy, and a truly terrible final three seasons. But none of what came after can take away from the brilliance of the pilot. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a Glee rewatch I have accidentally started.
Glee is available to stream on Disney Plus now.
