New Glee documentary series to examine controversies and tragedies of hit show
A new docuseries will explore the controversies of Glee. (Disney)
A docuseries exploring behind-the-scenes stories and controversies from hit musical TV series Glee is in the works.
Deadline reported that Discovery+ has ordered a three-part docuseries from Ample Entertainment, which will have “access to key cast and crew members” from the iconic series, which ran from 2009 to 2015.
The show will reportedly explore cast members’ stories from their time on set, as well as infamous Glee controversies.
The most recent incidents surrounding Glee have largely centred on Lea Michele (who played Rachel Berry).
Michele was also accused of racist microaggressions and on-set bullying in 2020, with Samantha Ware (Jane Hayward) claiming that Michele made her time on Glee a “living hell”.
Ware claimed that Michele directed “traumatic microaggressions” at her during her time on the show, which made her “question a career in Hollywood”.
Alex Newell (Unique Adams) and Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones), the show’s most prominent Black characters, appeared to back the claims.
In an Instagram statement, Michele replied: “While I don’t remember ever making this specific statement and I have never judged others by their background or colour of their skin, that’s not really the point, what matters is that I clearly acted in ways which hurt other people.
“Whether it was my privileged position and perspective that caused me to be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate at times or whether it was just my immaturity and me just being unnecessarily difficult, I apologise for my behaviour and for any pain which I have caused.”
Deadline claimed that the currently untitled series will include addressing the case of Mark Salling (Puck), who was arrested and pled guilty to charges of possessing images of child sex abuse. Salling took his own life in January 2018 while awaiting sentencing.
As well as Salling, Glee has seen several of its original cast members tragically lose their lives, including Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson), who died in 2013 of an accidental heroin overdose while the show was still running.
After the show ended, Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez) died on a boating trip in 2020 after saving her then four-year-old son from drowning.
After her death, Demi Lovato, who played Rivera’s fifth-season love interest, wrote: “RIP Naya Rivera. I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee.
“The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted (at the time) queer girls like me, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world.”
Deadline did not confirm when the docuseries is set to air.
