Glee is a musical comedy-drama series centered on the William McKinley High School glee club, the New Directions, in Lima, Ohio. The story begins when optimistic Spanish teacher Will Schuester takes over the struggling and marginalized club, hoping to restore it to its former glory. He assembles a group of ambitious, but socially awkward, student misfits who feel like outcasts. The club becomes a sanctuary for these students, including powerhouse vocalist Rachel Berry, star quarterback Finn Hudson, openly gay Kurt Hummel, and paraplegic Artie Abrams. They find strength, acceptance, and their voices as they navigate the challenges of high school.

As the New Directions work to win show choir competitions, they face constant sabotage from the ruthless and conniving cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester, who wants to eliminate the club entirely. The series follows the complex lives of the students, covering various social issues such as sexuality, bullying, relationships, and acceptance, often exploring these themes through elaborate musical performances of both show tunes and pop hits. Throughout its run, the show also follows the students after graduation, chronicling their struggles to make it in the performing arts world, with storylines exploring life in New York City and beyond.