Summary (tl;dr)

A "Glee" reboot has been officially greenlit by Disney+ and Hulu, prompting a surge in interest for the show and its original cast members like Harry Shum Jr., as fans anticipate the return of the popular musical series.

Essential Background

"Glee" was a highly popular musical comedy-drama television series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, which aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015. The show followed the New Directions glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, as they navigated high school life, social issues, and show choir competitions, becoming a significant pop culture phenomenon. It was known for its musical performances, covering popular songs and show tunes, and launched many cast members into the spotlight.

The Full Story

On October 21, 2026, Disney+ and Hulu officially announced they have greenlit a reboot of the beloved musical series "Glee." This announcement follows earlier hints from co-creator Ryan Murphy, who revealed in recent months that he had completed a script for the reboot and had been in contact with approximately ten original cast members, all of whom expressed enthusiasm for the idea. While specific casting details are still largely under wraps, original cast member Lea Michele is reportedly set to return. The news has sparked significant discussion, including interest in actors like Harry Shum Jr., an original cast member, who in late September 2026, reacted to the reboot news and expressed hopes that it would bring joy to fans, although he had not yet been formally contacted by Ryan Murphy about his involvement. The new series will be produced by 20th Television.

Why It Matters

The return of "Glee" is highly significant for its dedicated fanbase, known as "Gleeks," who have shown renewed interest in the series in recent years, particularly on social media. The original show was a cultural juggernaut, impacting television and music with its unique format and diverse storytelling, and the reboot aims to recapture that magic for a new generation while potentially bringing back beloved characters and actors. Its success could also mark a notable win for Disney+ and Hulu in the competitive streaming landscape, especially given the original series' commercial success with music sales and viewership. For the original cast members, it offers a chance to revisit roles that defined early parts of their careers, though it also brings challenges, given the passing of several prominent original cast members like Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera, and Mark Salling.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Original "Glee" series production and setting of discussions with cast members)
• Virtual/Online (Official announcement of the "Glee" reboot by Disney+ and Hulu, accessible globally)