Murphy segues from "Nip/Tuck" to "Glee" club

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Nip/Tuck" creator Ryan Murphy is getting into the "American Idol" spirit with "Glee," an hourlong comedy that has been put on the fast track by Fox for a potential March launch.

The project, which is now casting, is set in the cutthroat world of high school glee clubs.

"Glee" centers on Will, a thirtysomething Spanish teacher at an Ohio high school who has the daunting task of taking over the school's glee club -- the worst in the country -- which has become a haven for outcasts. With help from Will and others, the kids build their confidence and gradually transform into winners. Each episode will feature four musical numbers.

After the racy "Nip/Tuck" and his controversial transsexual-themed "Pretty/Handsome" pilot for FX, which ultimately wasn't picked up, Murphy wanted to develop a wholesome comedy that the entire family can watch.

"It is a very optimistic, uplifting show for a very dark time," he said of "Glee."

Under his deal with 20th TV, Fox and FX, Murphy was exploring series ideas for Fox that tie to the network's biggest hit, "American Idol."

"It seemed to be a natural evolution to do something in that vein," he said.

Actor Ian Brennan brought him the idea for a show set in the world of glee clubs, and Murphy, who himself had starred in high school and college musicals, sparked to it.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter