Ever since May 2009, people across America have gotten to know the members of the show-choir “New Directions”. With star bound Rachel Berry, mean-spirited cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, handicapped Artie Abrams, and many others, the award-winning television show Glee, is full of surprises.

At William McKinley High School, fitting in is hard for anyone who isn’t a football player or cheerleader. Mr. Will Schuester, a musically talented Spanish teacher, makes it easier for some kids to find their place by starting a Glee Club. As more members join, the group becomes stronger as a whole, and drama ensues.

Glee is practically addictive, and once you start watching it, you find it difficult to stop. Even though the producers made a risky decision by having a four month hiatus between the first and second halves of the first season, views didn’t suffer; they actually went up. The appeal of the show might be that there is a character that everyone can relate to in some way. The show tells the stories of a pregnant teen girl, a boy facing his homosexuality, and a girl who is focused on her future and will do whatever it takes to get into show business.

The music of Glee isn’t original, but the singers have all left their own mark on the songs, making them just as popular as any new chart topper. Broadway songs, rock classics and even old school rap have been revitalized by the cast. Certain members of the cast have actually been members of bands, played instruments and have been in famous plays. By singing covers of popular songs like “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, the show has a way of pulling in a large cross-section of the population.

Part of what makes Glee so full of laughs, and even tears, is the sheer talent of the actors and actresses. Dramatic scenes involving a character, Kurt Hummel, are about his struggle to be accepted by the people around him, which is very difficult because he is gay. Rachel never knew her mother, but when the two finally meet, the experience is very moving.

One character in particular that adds such a dynamic impact to the show, is the hilarious Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch.  Being one of the only well-known actors joining the cast, critics wondered why she even accepted the role on a show that might only last for a few seasons. Without Sue, Glee just wouldn’t be so funny! Her jokes about Mr. Schuester’s hair are priceless, and when she is mean to the students she preys on, all we can do as viewers is laugh. In a word, her subtle comedy is genius.

Watching the lives of these average, yet not so average, characters is enough to make for an entertaining show. Add the fantastic singing skills, and this show is bound to be loved by viewers across the country.

So, if you have never checked out this amazing show, add it to your to-do list now! And if you’re a “gleek” like me, you already know that I’ll be tuning to Fox every Tuesday night at 7:00, watching one of my favorite shows.