Fox has high expectations for Glee - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Mr. Television · 08-16-2009, 05:33 PM

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...w_of_note.html

With 'Glee,' Fox network hears a show of note that passes quirky test
By Cristina Kinon
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Friday, August 7th 2009, 2:06 AM

PASADENA, Calif. - A a test by Fox of the quirky comedy "Glee" in May paid off, say network executives, and the result is one of its most-anticipated fall shows.

"'Glee' performed in line with our expectations" in the spring preview, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly told TV writers here Thursday.

"Showing it then was really largely a marketing stunt to let people know what it was," said Reilly, "a show with music that's not a musical, a show with humor that's not a comedy. We wanted to get people to talk about it ... and that happened."

"Glee" was developed by Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck") and is about a high school show choir full of misfits. Fox ran one episode last season, after an episode of "Idol," to drum up anticipation for the fall debut, a move that generated buzz. The network will reair the pilot a week before the official premiere, Sept. 9 at 9 p.m.

While the concept of a show set in a high school where characters sing and dance is not groundbreaking, "Glee" executive producer Brad Falchuk insists that the series isn't Fox's version of "High School Musical."

"'High School Musical' is great, but this is something edgier and a little more adult," he said, "though you can watch it with your kids."

Additionally, the characters in "Glee," which stars Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith and Lea Michele, don't spontaneously burst into song.

The musical numbers are worked into the choir's story lines.

"This is not a true musical," Falchuk said, noting that he really isn't a fan of musicals. "It's a comedy with music."

It's not likely "High School Musical 4" will feature a wheelchair dance number, either, which the "Glee" folks have planned for an episode called "Wheels."

Columbia Records will launch a "Glee" CD in November, and a second disk is expected in December. They've already recorded more than 60 songs.

While critical anticipation of "Glee" remains high, some have raised concerns that the series won't find a big audience because of its high-concept structure.

Falchuk said he and his team are aware of the pitfalls with wacky characters and twisted story lines, but say that in the end, they'll be able to boil down each episode to a universal concept.

"We are for a broad audience," he said. "Our intent always is to make something [everyone can enjoy]."

Because the show was picked up last year, the first season of "Glee" has already been shot. Now the cast and creators must sit back and see how viewers react. In the meantime, Falchuk has already started to think about a second season.

"You always have to plan for the best," he said. "We have a lot of stories in mind."

PrettyinPink55 · 08-17-2009, 03:06 AM

I'm super excited about this show (as you can see lol!!!) I LOVED LOVED LOVED the pilot, and can't wait to see more!!! I really hope that this show makes it, it is unique and unlike anything on TV today!!!
I also downloaded both songs currently available on iTunes

I'll probably be buying those CDs!!!

08-16-2009, 05:33 PM	#1
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Fox has high expectations for Glee http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...w_of_note.html With 'Glee,' Fox network hears a show of note that passes quirky test By Cristina Kinon DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Friday, August 7th 2009, 2:06 AM PASADENA, Calif. - A a test by Fox of the quirky comedy "Glee" in May paid off, say network executives, and the result is one of its most-anticipated fall shows. "'Glee' performed in line with our expectations" in the spring preview, Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly told TV writers here Thursday. "Showing it then was really largely a marketing stunt to let people know what it was," said Reilly, "a show with music that's not a musical, a show with humor that's not a comedy. We wanted to get people to talk about it ... and that happened." "Glee" was developed by Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck") and is about a high school show choir full of misfits. Fox ran one episode last season, after an episode of "Idol," to drum up anticipation for the fall debut, a move that generated buzz. The network will reair the pilot a week before the official premiere, Sept. 9 at 9 p.m. While the concept of a show set in a high school where characters sing and dance is not groundbreaking, "Glee" executive producer Brad Falchuk insists that the series isn't Fox's version of "High School Musical." "'High School Musical' is great, but this is something edgier and a little more adult," he said, "though you can watch it with your kids." Additionally, the characters in "Glee," which stars Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith and Lea Michele, don't spontaneously burst into song. The musical numbers are worked into the choir's story lines. "This is not a true musical," Falchuk said, noting that he really isn't a fan of musicals. "It's a comedy with music." It's not likely "High School Musical 4" will feature a wheelchair dance number, either, which the "Glee" folks have planned for an episode called "Wheels." Columbia Records will launch a "Glee" CD in November, and a second disk is expected in December. They've already recorded more than 60 songs. While critical anticipation of "Glee" remains high, some have raised concerns that the series won't find a big audience because of its high-concept structure. Falchuk said he and his team are aware of the pitfalls with wacky characters and twisted story lines, but say that in the end, they'll be able to boil down each episode to a universal concept. "We are for a broad audience," he said. "Our intent always is to make something [everyone can enjoy]." Because the show was picked up last year, the first season of "Glee" has already been shot. Now the cast and creators must sit back and see how viewers react. In the meantime, Falchuk has already started to think about a second season. "You always have to plan for the best," he said. "We have a lot of stories in mind."
	__________________ Sonny

08-17-2009, 03:06 AM	#2
PrettyinPink55 Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 24,601	I'm super excited about this show (as you can see lol!!!) I LOVED LOVED LOVED the pilot, and can't wait to see more!!! I really hope that this show makes it, it is unique and unlike anything on TV today!!! I also downloaded both songs currently available on iTunes I'll probably be buying those CDs!!!
	__________________ ♥♥♥