Across six seasons, 121 episodes, and hundreds of iconic covers, ‘Glee’ remains a major part of 2010s pop culture. Some might call it brilliantly campy, while others consider it straight-up ridiculous.
But as unhinged as it was, ‘Glee’ remains a comfort watch for so many. Now with a revival headed our way, we cannot help but return to our favourite episodes. Here are the best ‘Glee’ episodes worth rewatching today.
10. The Break-Up
One of ‘Glee’s saddest episodes, season 4, episode 4 sees the show’s main couples, Finn and Rachel, Kurt and Blaine, and Santana and Brittany, go their separate ways. It is a tough watch, but true fans know that the episode features some of the best acting from the cast. Its memorable soundtrack includes “Don’t Speak”, “Mine”, and “The Scientist”, which only makes the episode more heartbreaking.
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9. Britney/Brittany
This unforgettable guest-star episode features pop icon Britney Spears herself as the cast recreates some of her most iconic music videos. It also gave Brittany S. Pierce much-needed spotlight as she reveals her deep insecurity over performing Britney Spears songs. “Britney/Brittany” is undeniably one of the most entertaining episodes in the entire show.
8. Born This Way
Season 2, episode 18 is one of the instances when ‘Glee’ tackles the subject of body image as Finn breaks Rachel’s nose and she starts to consider getting a nose job to look more “demure” like Quinn. This leads to all the main characters addressing their own insecurities and revisiting Lady Gaga’s classic song “Born This Way” to celebrate embracing individuality.
7. The Power of Madonna
As Sue declares Madonna “the most powerful woman to ever walk the face of the earth”, the Glee club is inspired to channel their inner Madonna. It was clear that the pop icon gave the show access to much of her discography, as the episode is packed with hits like “4 minutes”, “Express Yourself”, “Like A Virgin” and “Like A Prayer”. The episode takes its campy energy and unapologetic theatrics to the peak, which is what made ‘Glee’ such a phenomenon in the first place.
6. Original Song
The episode 16 of season 2 sees the New Directions changing things up on their trip to Regionals by giving original songs a try. They find inspiration in the unlikeliest of places and give us memorable numbers like “Trouty Mouth”, “Big Ass Heart”, and “Hell to the No”. Then there are emotional ones like “Get It Right” and “Loser Like Me” that really stay with you. It is an episode that can be appreciated any day.
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5. Sectionals
This is a defining moment for ‘Glee’ and a reminder of just how great the show was in its early days. As The New Directions discover that their competitors have taken their chosen songs, they improvise an entirely new setlist. They ultimately deliver a showstopping performance with Rachel singing “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and the group covering “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. “Sectionals” really reminds you of the show’s original magic.
4. Goodbye
The season 3 finale marks the high school graduation of the original members and is a major turning point for the show. While the show keeps going on, “Goodbye” is the genuine ending of ‘Glee’ for many fans because it was never quite the same after this. As the original group prepares to move on, the episode captures that bittersweet feeling perfectly. It is a fitting last hurrah for the original ‘Glee’ era, one that never gets old on rewatch.
3. Pilot
This is the one that started it all and remains an iconic piece of pop culture. As Will Schuester tries to bring together a group of misfits through their shared love of music, we are introduced to the chaotic New Directions and the show’s unique, campy humour. The episode fittingly ends on their first cover of “Don’t Stop Believin’”. The pilot will show you everything that made early episodes of ‘Glee’ so special, and you can’t help but look back on it fondly.
2. The Quarterback
An episode that will definitely leave you in tears, “The Quarterback” is a touching tribute to Cory Monteith and sees the main cast returning to the music room to sing songs that remind them of Finn. This episode is particularly difficult to revisit as we see everyone struggling to deal with the death of their beloved quarterback. But it is also incredibly moving and beautiful to see them honouring Monteith and his lasting impact on the show.
1. Journey to Regionals
If there is any episode that remains quintessentially ‘Glee’, it is “Journey to Regionals”. The season 1 finale sees the New Directions competing against Vocal Adrenaline at the Show Choir Regionals. The group give it their best with a duet of “Faithfully,” a mash-up of “Anyway You Want It” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” and another cover of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Despite their efforts, they lose to Vocal Adrenaline’s showstopping rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It is a bittersweet watch but a defining moment for the series.
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