New series will debut in May, return in the fall

Ever since FOX announced the pickup of its musical comedy series "Glee," the buzz has been that it would be paired with "American Idol" on the schedule. That's turning out to be true -- at least for one night.

The network says "Glee," about the trials and tribulations of a high school glee club, will premiere Tuesday, May 19, following "Idol's" final performance show of the season. After that, though, FOX will hold off on the show's regular run until the fall (there's no date for the fall launch yet).

It's a launch strategy that's never really been tried before. FOX is hoping the sneak peek will make viewers crave the weekly show come fall.

"An ambitious and unique show such as 'Glee' deserves an ambitious and unique kickoff," FOX chairman Peter Ligouri says. "We also wanted to take advantage of the huge 'American Idol' promotional platform to launch the marketing campaign in May."

"Glee" stars Matthew Morrison ("Hairspray" on Broadway) as high school teacher Will Schuester, who tries to turn around the school's glee club, which is populated by misfits and outcasts. Faced with skepticism from all corners, including his own wife (Jessalyn Gilsig, "Nip/Tuck" and "Heroes"), he nonetheless tries to mold the club into the type of top-notch show choir that can make it to a national competition. The show will feature musical numbers each week, ranging from classics to current pop hits.

The cast also includes Jayma Mays ("Ugly Betty," "Heroes") as a sympathetic fellow teacher, Jane Lynch ("Talladega Nights," "Two and a Half Men") as the school's autocratic cheerleading coach and Cory Monteith ("Kyle XY"), Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Lea Michele and Dianna Agron ("Veronica Mars") as students.

Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck") co-created "Glee" with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan and also directed the pilot. He, Falchuk and Dante Di Loreto will executive produce, while Brennan will be a co-executive producer.