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The Best Episodes of Glee

Every episode of Glee ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Glee!

Binge this in 3d 19h•Peaking at 8.2/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Glee Season 1 Episode 9 - Wheels
    8.2/10(8 votes)

    #1 - Wheels

    S1:E9

    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.

    Director:Paris Barclay
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  2. Glee Season 1 Episode 13 - Sectionals
    8.0/10(9 votes)

    #2 - Sectionals

    S1:E13

    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.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  3. Glee Season 1 Episode 7 - Throwdown
    7.8/10(8 votes)

    #3 - Throwdown

    S1:E7

    To cause distension among the Glee Club members, Sue forces the students to compete against each other, but the real showdown happens when she and Will get called into the principal’s office. Meanwhile, the Glee kids rally to support Quinn after some shocking news is revealed.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  4. Glee Season 1 Episode 4 - Preggers
    7.7/10(9 votes)

    #4 - Preggers

    S1:E4

    While Kurt tries out for the football team (taking a page from the glee playbook with him), Rachel storms out of glee practice when Will gives a plum part to Tina. Meanwhile, Sue comes up with a new plot to boost her program at glee's expense; and Quinn has news for Finn.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  5. Glee Season 1 Episode 8 - Mash-Up
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    #5 - Mash-Up

    S1:E8

    Inspired the by the students, Will composes a mash-up for a very special occasion. Meanwhile, in a shocking reversal of roles, McKinley High’s cool kids are dethroned in an “icy” fashion, and Sue shows off her softer side.

    Director:Elodie Keene
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  6. Glee Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    7.5/10(17 votes)

    #6 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    Optimistic high school teacher Will Schuester tries to refuel his own passion while reinventing the McKinley High School’s glee club and challenging a group of outcasts to realize their star potential. Going up against McKinley’s cruel high school caste system and facing harsh criticism from everyone around him, Will is determined to prove them all wrong.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Glee

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  7. Glee Season 1 Episode 6 - Vitamin D
    7.5/10(8 votes)

    #7 - Vitamin D

    S1:E6

    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.

    Director:Elodie Keene
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  8. Glee Season 1 Episode 10 - Ballad
    7.5/10(8 votes)

    #8 - Ballad

    S1:E10

    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 and Quinn have to face the music when dinner with her parents goes awry.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  9. Glee Season 1 Episode 5 - The Rhodes Not Taken
    7.2/10(8 votes)

    #9 - The Rhodes Not Taken

    S1:E5

    Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes, to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club.

    Director:John Scott
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  10. Glee Season 2 Episode 7 - The Substitute
    7.2/10(10 votes)

    #10 - The Substitute

    S2:E7

    When Mr. Schuester gets sick, a substitute teacher takes over his Spanish class and the glee club and winds up winning over the whole New Directions clan. Meanwhile, when Sue fills in for Principal Figgins as McKinley’s top dog, she tries to flex her power on campus.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  11. Glee Season 1 Episode 3 - Acafellas
    7.1/10(8 votes)

    #11 - Acafellas

    S1:E3

    As Will aims towards completing New Directions, a visit from his father reminds him how much this all means to him. New songs are introduced and a song originally given to a star, is given to a celibate. Will forms an all-male a cappella group, but when he neglects the glee club, the kids decide to hire a well-known choreographer to coach them. Meanwhile, Mercedes falls in love. The other six additions to New Directions are introduced. Josh Groban appears as himself.

    Director:John Scott
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  12. Glee Season 3 Episode 7 - I Kissed a Girl
    7.1/10(9 votes)

    #12 - I Kissed a Girl

    S3:E7

    Finn tries to rally the rival show-choirs behind one of their own; Sue’s bid for political office causes heartbreak for another teacher; and the student body elections turn scandalous.

    Director:Tate Donovan
    Writer:Matthew Hodgson

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  13. Glee Season 5 Episode 3 - The Quarterback
    7.1/10(11 votes)

    #13 - The Quarterback

    S5:E3

    The New Directions remember Finn.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

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  14. Glee Season 1 Episode 11 - Hairography
    7.0/10(8 votes)

    #14 - Hairography

    S1:E11

    Concerned that Sue is up to no good, Will pays a visit to an instructor of a competing Glee Club to see what information Sue may be leaking, which leads to the club getting a look at their hair-rising competition. Meanwhile, Kurt gives Rachel a makeover to impress Finn, but he may have ulterior motives.

    Director:Bill D'Elia
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  15. Glee Season 1 Episode 2 - Showmance
    6.9/10(12 votes)

    #15 - Showmance

    S1:E2

    As McKinley High School's glee club begins new routines, a restriction forces them to make some choices. Will must decide whether to continue with his passion or provide for his wife, which ultimately brings him closer to Emma. As some members of New Directions grow closer romantically, other's intentions aren't supportive of the group.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writers:Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

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  16. Glee Season 2 Episode 5 - The Rocky Horror Glee Show
    6.9/10(11 votes)

    #16 - The Rocky Horror Glee Show

    S2:E5

    Will decides to have the glee club perform “The Rocky Horror Show” for the annual school musical after learning of Emma’s newfound love for the cult classic. Despite Sue’s usual scheming, the members of New Directions inject their distinctive style to such timeless tracks as “The Time Warp” and “Damn It, Janet.”

    Director:Adam Shankman
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  17. Glee Season 2 Episode 6 - Never Been Kissed
    6.9/10(9 votes)

    #17 - Never Been Kissed

    S2:E6

    After Finn and Sam find an unconventional way of controlling their urges, a few glee club members pick up on the strategy and start using it too. But when Coach Beiste gets wind of what they are up to, the glee club has some explaining to do. Meanwhile, the Girls vs. Boys Tournament returns, Kurt meets an ally from a rival glee club, Puck and Artie join forces and coach Beast is on the verge of quitting her job.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  18. Glee Season 2 Episode 10 - A Very Glee Christmas
    6.9/10(8 votes)

    #18 - A Very Glee Christmas

    S2:E10

    It's Christmas time at McKinley High and Finn tries to get everyone in the holiday spirit; Brittany needs no help because she still believes in Santa Claus. In other news, Sue scams the teacher's Secret Santa

    Director:Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
    Writer:Ian Brennan

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  19. Glee Season 3 Episode 10 - Yes/No
    6.9/10(10 votes)

    #19 - Yes/No

    S3:E10

    When Will tries to plan a special surprise for Emma, he enlists the glee club to help him sweep her off her feet. Meanwhile, Becky sets her sights on Artie, and Finn makes an announcement about his life plans after high school that surprises the glee club.

    Director:Eric Stoltz
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  20. Glee Season 3 Episode 17 - Dance with Somebody
    6.9/10(9 votes)

    #20 - Dance with Somebody

    S3:E17

    The glee club pays homage to a true icon when they cover Whitney Houston's greatest hits. Meanwhile, Emma and Will are one step closer to their dream wedding.

    Director:Paris Barclay
    Writer:Ross Maxwell

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  21. Glee Season 1 Episode 22 - Journey to Regionals
    6.8/10(10 votes)

    #21 - Journey to Regionals

    S1:E22

    The moment New Directions has been waiting for has finally arrived: it’s time for Regionals! But when Sue pulls a fast one on Will and the glee clubbers, their chances at the title could be compromised. Meanwhile, Quinn’s life changes forever.

    Director:Brad Falchuk
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  22. Glee Season 2 Episode 21 - Funeral
    6.8/10(9 votes)

    #22 - Funeral

    S2:E21

    New Directions continues to strategize their set list for Nationals with a little help from Jessie St. James. Meanwhile, an unexpected loss rocks the world of one of McKinley’s own.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  23. Glee Season 1 Episode 15 - The Power of Madonna
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #23 - The Power of Madonna

    S1:E15

    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”.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Ryan Murphy

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  24. Glee Season 2 Episode 15 - Sexy
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #24 - Sexy

    S2:E15

    Holly Holiday returns as the sex education substitute teacher and helps the glee club out with some new numbers. On the other hand, Emma becomes the head of the celibacy club.

    Director:Ryan Murphy
    Writer:Brad Falchuk

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  25. Glee Season 3 Episode 14 - On My Way
    6.7/10(10 votes)

    #25 - On My Way

    S3:E14

    Things heat up as the New Directions go head-to-head with the Dalton Academy Warblers at Regionals.

    Director:Bradley Buecker
    Writer:Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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Best Episodes Summary

"Wheels" is the best rated episode of "Glee". It scored 8.2/10 based on 8 votes. Directed by Paris Barclay and written by Ryan Murphy, it aired on 11/11/2009. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Sectionals".