Are you a Gleek?
October 26, 2025 1:26 PM
As the phenomenon of Fox’s hit series, Glee, appeared on the TV screens of North America last fall, an outbreak of Glee fan clubs swept across the country.
In particular, many of these sprouted in universities all across the nation. What was said to be a program that might not survive its first season has instead impacted millions of lives from all different age groups, in a remarkably short time period.
Glee, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, allows people to express themselves in every possible way, and that is in fact one of the main reasons the TV show is so popular.
The show explores the troubles and tough issues that teens and adults alike face in today’s society. Teen pregnancy, homosexuality, bullying, dealing with death, and every other problem imaginable seem to be fair game for the members of the New Directions to take on.
After a few months of the Emmy Award winning show being aired, groups in society and most notably in high schools and universities all across North America came together and formed what we know now as Gleeks. Gleeks are hardcore groups of fans who often get together weekly to watch and discuss the latest episode.
Google is a great resource to give insight on the lives of the Glee fan clubs all over the world. Just recently at Columbia University, to celebrate the start of a new season , the fans (Gleeks) got together and watched the opening show on the steps of Low Library on a massive screen.
More interestingly would be the extreme fans who upload their videos on to YouTube in hopes that their remakes of the famous performances from Glee are watched by even more Glee fans. Youtube has also allowed for opportunities to be on the show. Darren Criss, star of the online hit, “A Very Potter Musical”, landed a recurring role on the show as a potential boyfriend to the character of Kurt Hummel, due to his video audition for the program.
Why wouldn’t somebody want to be a Gleek? Each week, viewers are treated to a variety of famous guest stars which have included the likes of Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Neil Patrick Harris, John Stamos, Josh Groban, and most recently, Britney Spears.
The second season of Glee has picked up right where it left off with entertaining musical numbers, like Empire State of Mind, and I’m a Slave 4U, and intriguing new characters, such as Sunshine Corazon played by Charice.
At Carleton University, in Ottawa, residences such as Prescott House advertised the starting of the second season in their lobby and encouraged students to come and watch the first show together. At commercial breaks, they played Glee trivia and came together as a residence.
Here at StFX, students enjoy the show in their comfort of their dorms. Ashley Booker, who lives in Lane Hall, says, “Glee is a break from studying and the show is very entertaining and helps relieve stress. I can relate to many topics that are in the show so that is why I enjoy it so much.”
So don’t be afraid to be a Gleek and join in on the hype that the show has built. Remember to tune in with friends to Glee every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on Global and Fox networks.