Fox picks up 'Glee' for full season

By James Hibberd and Nellie Andreeva

"Glee" is the first new show of the fall to get a full-season order.

On the heels of two strong performances, Fox has picked up the back nine episodes of Ryan Murphy's acclaimed musical comedy. 

“The response we’ve received to 'Glee' has been remarkable,” said Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly. “It’s already got the makings of a cultural phenomenon. I’ve seen all 13 episodes, and Ryan Murphy, his team and the talented 'Glee' cast have knocked our socks off with their incredible work. We’re happy to pick up this gem of a show, and can’t wait to see what they’ll do with the rest of the season.”

Arguably the most inventive new series of the fall, "Glee" was previewed last May in what was then considered a risky move -- debuting a pilot several months before the series launches. But earlier this month, "Glee" officially launched to a strong 3.5 rating among adults 18-49, making it Fox's highest-rated scripted fall premiere in three years.

Week 2 was a particularly mild drop for the Wednesday night program, the series falling only 9% despite increased competition.

Nonetheless, a pickup after two episodes is pretty quick in broadcast TV, and comes before most competitors hit the airwaves during the next two weeks. "Glee" will face ABC's freshman comedies for the first time this week. 

“It’s fantastic to be the first show picked up and that this underdog series, like its characters, will get the chance to keep singing,” said series co-creator/executive producer Murphy. “There are so many more stories to tell.”

"Glee" is produced by Ryan Murphy TV  with 20th TV.