GLEE Wows in the U.K.

Variety reports today that GLEE has made an impressive debut in the UK, achieving the highest rating for an acquired program since 2005's Lost on digital web E4 on Monday.

GLEE pulled in 1.3 million viewers on the network, an offspring of Channel 4 that historically breaks US television shows in the U.K.

Writes one UK critic, The Independent's Brian Viner, "I know we only get the best of American TV over here, but even so, most of the invention and originality currently seems to be travelling across the Atlantic from west to east."

As reported yesterday, FOX has officially ordered a second season of the Golden-Globe nominated comedy, GLEE, and additionally announced that it will soon be launching a nationwide search to cast three new roles on the show, which will be documented on the network in the multi-part special.  These newest additions will make their debut on the second season premiere. 

Said GLEE creator Ryan Murphy: "'Glee' has always been about finding new fresh exciting voices...Anybody and everybody now has a chance to be on a show about talented underdogs. No matter who you are -- a Broadway talent or a struggling singing waiter with a dream in the Midwest -- you now have an opportunity to make that dream come true by posting your talent video and showing us what you can do. All the roles will be chosen form the video audition process, which is exciting and unprecedented."  Information on how to submit audition tapes has yet to be released, however the process will begin in February and be open to amateurs and professionals ages 16 to 26.

Recent winner of the People's Choice Award for Best New Comedy, GLEE, the genre-defying new musical comedy series, follows an optimistic teacher who - against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach - attempts to save McKinley High's Glee Club from obscurity while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential. Starring Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays,Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison,Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz, GLEE is produced by Ryan Murphy Television in association with 20th Century FoxTelevision. Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan are co-creators of the series. Murphy, Falchuk and Dante di Loreto serve as executive producers, while Ian Brennan serves as co-executive producer.

The series will return to FOX on April 13 at 9pm on Tuesdays.

GLEE Season 1: Road To Sectionals debuted on DVD on December 29 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

 

Need more UK Regional Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...