'Glee' Surrounded by Big Buzz | Fox's Next Big Moneymaker?

Will ‘Glee’ make Fox gazillionaires?

Jane Lynch stars in "Glee."

In the never-ending battle for ratings, and thus profits, the major networks are pulling out the big guns as they try to hold the attention of a public distracted by the economy and the internet.

One show that’s already getting a lot of attention is “Glee,” which will premiere one episode tonight and then return in the fall to be part of Fox’s regular lineup. This unconventional  move, among other things, appears to be aimed at creating “Glee” hype. And it appears to be working.

The bottom line

ABC’s strategy for captivating viewers seems to be airing shows that focus on “average Americans.” You know, middle class people with everyday problems who worry about bills, quick cash loans, their families, growing older, dating and, of course, alien invaders.

Fox seems to be taking a different strategy with “Glee,” which TV Squad refers to as a “hybrid.” Specifically, Allison Waldman says:

I saw elements of the movie Election, plus Fame and Friday Night Lights, with a bit of The Wonder Years thrown in, only it’s not nostalgia. Glee is all the best parts of all the above, plus music and dancing and great characters and really witty material.

Get a taste of ‘Glee’

The single-episode airing of “Glee” is tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It follows the season finale of “American Idol,” Fox’s wildly popular reality singing competition show. This is move joins a list of smart business decisions, which Tim Goodman points out in the San Francisco Chronicle: ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "'Glee' Surrounded by Big Buzz | Fox's Next Big Moneymaker?"