Glee

10 Best Episodes of Glee - Season 1

In this musical comedy, optimistic high school teacher Will Schuester tries to refuel his own passion while reinventing the high school's glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential as they strive to outshine their singing competition while navigating the cruel halls of McKinley High.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 02, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Glee - S1E21

#15 - Funk (Season 1 - Episode 21)

The glee club gets some news that’s sure to rattle a few nerves. Meanwhile, Quinn connects with her “funky” side with a little help from Mercedes, and Will gets revenge on Sue.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 381 votes.

Glee - S1E5

#14 - The Rhodes Not Taken (Season 1 - Episode 5)

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A new face stirs things up for New Directions when April Rhodes (guest star Kristin Chenoweth) lends her voice to the show.

The episode was rated 8.08 from 491 votes.

Glee - S1E18

#13 - Laryngitis (Season 1 - Episode 18)

When a sore throat affects Rachel's singing voice, she goes into panic mode. Meanwhile, Kurt tries to change his persona to impress his father, and Puck makes a strategic move to elevate his social status.

The episode was rated 8.09 from 366 votes.

Glee - S1E12

#12 - Mattress (Season 1 - Episode 12)

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When the Glee Club is left out of the yearbook because of budget cuts, everyone seems to be relieved that they won’t have to suffer the ridicule of years past. Everyone except Rachel, that is, who wants her legacy cemented in print. Meanwhile, Quinn makes it her mission to be in the Cheerios yearbook photo, and Will and Terri’s relationship is shaken to its core.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 404 votes.

Glee - S1E10

#11 - Ballad (Season 1 - Episode 10)

Mr. Schuester has the Glee Club split up into pairs to sing their favorite ballad, but when one kid gets sick, he’s forced to step in and winds up in a sticky situation. Meanwhile, Finn has dinner with Quinn’s parents.

The episode was rated 8.10 from 400 votes.

Glee - S1E19

#10 - Dream On (Season 1 - Episode 19)

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Mr. Schuester’s former high school nemesis, Bryan Ryan, causes trouble for the glee club. Meanwhile, Rachel struggles with a life-long personal issue, and Artie’s dreams take him on an adventure.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 370 votes.

Glee - S1E17

#9 - Bad Reputation (Season 1 - Episode 17)

Mr. Schuester starts an investigation when a salacious list about members of the glee club circulates the halls of McKinley High. Meanwhile, Sue is mortified when a video of her performing the Olivia Newton-John classic "Physical" surfaces

The episode was rated 8.14 from 378 votes.

Glee - S1E4

#8 - Preggers (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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Kurt joins the football team just to impress his father. Finn and Quinn's relationship gets a shocking development.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 532 votes.

Glee - S1E6

#7 - Vitamin D (Season 1 - Episode 6)

Will decides to give New Directions some competition between them by having the boys go against the girls. Terri becomes the school nurse to check on Will.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 462 votes.

Glee - S1E15

#6 - The Power of Madonna (Season 1 - Episode 15)

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Mr. Schuester is concerned that the girls in the glee club are being disrespected and bullied by the guys. Looking to Madonna and her musical message of equality as inspiration, he challenges the entire team to choose Madonna songs as their next assignment in the hopes that the girls embrace her strength, independence and confidence and that the guys will see the error of their misogynistic ways. The glee club takes the assignment to heart as they perform some of Madonna’s greatest hits, including “Express Yourself” and “Like A Prayer.” Meanwhile, Kurt and Mercedes give Sue a vote of confidence with a makeover that is definitely in “Vogue”.

The episode was rated 8.17 from 420 votes.

Glee - S1E1

#5 - Pilot (Season 1 - Episode 1)

Will Schuester an optimistic high school teacher, tries to reinvent the McKinley High School's glee club, while reinventing himself. He challenges a group of outcasts to realize their true star potential, while facing harsh criticism from everyone in the school.

The episode was rated 8.22 from 850 votes.

Glee - S1E9

#4 - Wheels (Season 1 - Episode 9)

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Will encourages the Glee Club to support Artie, and asks each of them to perform in a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Kurt and Rachel compete for a big solo.

The episode was rated 8.22 from 437 votes.

Glee - S1E20

#3 - Theatricality (Season 1 - Episode 20)

Rachel confronts her mother, while Tina faces an identity crisis. New Directions were given a task to sing Lady GaGa songs.

The episode was rated 8.26 from 392 votes.

Glee - S1E13

#2 - Sectionals (Season 1 - Episode 13)

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Sectionals is finally here for the Glee Club, but when Quinn’s secret unravels, the club may not be able to recover in time to compete. Meanwhile, Sue’s scheming hits an all-time high, and with Emma and Ken’s marriage looming, Will makes a decision that could change his life forever.

The episode was rated 8.43 from 434 votes.

Glee - S1E22

#1 - Journey to Regionals (Season 1 - Episode 22)

Quinn is getting more anxious by the minute as she expects the baby, plus, Regionals is finally here, but will the Glee Club be able to triumph over Sue Sylvester's plots?

The episode was rated 8.75 from 418 votes.

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