While in-the-know reporters assured anxious “Glee” fans that the show’s renewal was being held up due to negotiation issues, which become complicated once a show passes its fourth season and the network begins footing the production bill, rumor mills saw no reason to cease activity.
Some said “Glee” was, at best, going to be renewed for a final season of thirteen. Some said FOX, frustrated with the direction of the show, was planning to fire the “big three” creative forces of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan.
As it turns out, no such rumors were true, and FOX officially renewed “Glee” for fifth and sixth seasons.
“Glee debuted as the first and only successful musical comedy series on television, and more than four years later, it continues to defy genres, break new ground and have a significant impact on popular culture,” Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly said in a statement announcing the news. “Week in and week out, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Ian Brennan, Dante DiLoreto and the entire Glee team deliver a series that not only delights and surprises fans, but also inspires them to talk about, share, debate and engage with the show — and I’m absolutely thrilled to have them on board for another two seasons.”