Ryan Murphy is entertaining the idea of reviving "Glee," the Fox musical comedy-drama that ran from 2009 to 2015. The creator made the remarks during the premiere of his FX series "The Shards," acknowledging a resurgence of interest in the show that centered on a high school show choir.
"Maybe we should revisit that show," Murphy told reporters, noting that cultural interest in "Glee" has "come back around." The comment reflects a broader pattern in television where beloved series from previous decades attract renewed viewership through streaming platforms and social media, prompting creators to consider legacy sequels or reboots.
Murphy's openness to a "Glee" revival marks a shift in his relationship with the property. The creator has maintained a prolific career since the show's conclusion, developing hits like "American Horror Story," "Ratched," and most recently "The Shards" for FX. Yet the original musical series left an indelible mark on pop culture, launching the careers of actors like Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, and Darren Criss while introducing viewers to weekly performances of contemporary and classic songs.
The show's legacy remains complicated. While it achieved massive critical acclaim and viewership in its early seasons, later installments faced declining ratings and mixed reviews. Cast members have spoken publicly about behind-the-scenes difficulties, adding another layer to how the series is remembered.
Any reboot would likely operate differently than the original. Modern television rewards serialized storytelling and prestige production values rather than the ensemble-driven, episodic format that defined "Glee." Whether Murphy pursues this depends on interest from studios and networks, particularly given his current exclusive production deal with Netflix covering his overall output.
For now, Murphy's comments represent little more than creative musing. But they signal Hollywood's continued hunger for IP with established fanbases, especially properties from the streaming era that carry nostalgic weight for millennial audiences.
