When the pilot premiere of Glee was aired on Fox on May 19, 2009, no one expected much. The show, centered around a high school show choir and its director, seemed to be lacking in plot. Playing off the success of musical competition shows like American Idol, people wondered how Glee could possibly sustain itself. How interesting could a high school glee club be?

The answer: plenty interesting. Glee had become an overnight sensation. With a talented cast, large budget and a writing team unafraid to push the envelope, Glee is now in its third season and showing no signs of slowing. The series has not been without controversy; however, the controversy only adds to its popularity. In the past, Glee has featured teen sex, pregnancy and homosexual relationships. Parents and critics alike have decried the mature themes, maintaining that it sets a bad example for the show’s typically young audience.

In short, Glee is popular because of its reality. There is something in every episode to which the audience can relate. For teens, it is an accurate picture of their daily lives. For adults, it is a nostalgic look back to an easier time. For all, Glee is wildly entertaining.