Rise

I loved the premise of this high school drama so watched the first episode and thought that the acting and story were great but it was very similar to Glee in way too many ways. I liked it enough to keep watching, though. I'm so glad I did. This show is real. The acting is excellent and the story line took a dramatic turn from the similarities it had to Glee. They are two totally different shows now so I don't think you can even compare them. 'Rise' is a drama involving the real life struggles and successes of high school students and the teachers who are trying to make a difference in the kids' lives. It's about the Arts that are in danger of becoming extinct in our public schools and the difference it makes in people's lives. Give this show a try. You won't regret it.

I've been waiting for a show like this. Brilliant.

The ONLY similarities are that both shows contain singers, period. Glee was about a Glee Club of oddball, yet all exceptionally same-like singers, all singing to voice overs, badly timed, and using voice box technology. Because, after all, we were too stupid to notice that part, right? . Rise is a new concept. It is a drama club, a whole new animal. There are true talents throughout, NO use thus far of any Voice Box technology, and excellent syncing between what is being sung, and the person doing the singing. I like the storylines, I like the characters, I live the teachers, and the music is edgy, today, and meaningful. Yes, I know, Spring Awakening is older, but its use is well up to date and meaningful for the plot. . So, yes, there are a few oddball similarities between Glee and Rise, but you know? Rise singers can ALL sing, well, and appear to be doing so, for real, on the screen, even if we do know it's voice over - Glee? ALWAYS knew, as the words and the sound were always off. In addition? Glee was far too stereotyped, and people were always randomly singing their lines while wandering through class... Hated that, truly. I am very looking forward to seeing where this one takes us...

Is Rise a Glee Clone? Not exactly. While it hits a ton of the same story beats, it finds new and interesting things to do to make it fun to watch. Moana star Auli'i Cravalho shines as a Rachel Berry foil, giving the show new focus and new beats. Is Robbie just like a rapping Finn? Yes. There are similarities, but the shifted focus onto musical theater rather than glee club adds new weight and relatability, as does the new setting. The new characters are fresh figures to follow and overall, this show carries a more mature and modern tone. It feels grittier, yet still holds an uplifting tone. It's the poor man's Glee and boy is it fun. Rise is a fun show that has a future. So what if it's sort of like Glee? There's a Glee shaped hole in TV and Rise fills that spot nicely.

As an art student and a lover of musicals, I was really anticipating this show. I found the first episode really empowering and interesting. I could be bias because I do favor musicals, but I truely think 'Rise' has potential to be a great show.