The essential episodes of Glee

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Glee — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · May 19, 2009 · 1h

   Pilot8.4

   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.

2. 02

   S01E13 · Season 1 peak · December 9, 2009 · 1h

   Sectionals9.2

   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.

3. 03

   S01E15 · Top rated · April 20, 2010 · 1h

   The Power of Madonna8.6

   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".

4. 04

   S01E22 · Top rated · June 8, 2010 · 1h

   Journey to Regionals8.7

   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.

5. 05

   S02E16 · Season 2 peak · March 15, 2011 · 1h

   Original Song8.6

   With Sue Sylvester coaching Aural Intensity, Blaine and the Warblers' dynamic set list and tough judges Tammy Jean Albertson and Sister Mary Constance, the kids of New Directions decide the only way to win Regionals is to write and perform their own original songs. Meanwhile, Quinn is hell-bent on getting Finn back and ruling McKinley once again.

6. 06

   S02E20 · Top rated · May 10, 2011 · 1h

   Prom Queen8.6

   When the entertainment for prom falls through, Principal Figgins asks New Directions to perform at the dance - much to prom coordinator Sue's dismay. Things get heated as the competition for prom king and queen draws closer.

7. 07

   S03E21 · Season 3 peak · May 15, 2012 · 1h

   Nationals8.2

   As the countdown to graduation continues, the kids of New Directions prepare a high-concept routine for Nationals. When Tina bumps her head, the world of New Directions is turned upside down in her eyes. Then, the New Directions perform at Nationals for celebrity judge Lindsay Lohan.

8. 08

   S04E04 · Season 4 peak · October 4, 2012 · 1h

   The Break Up8.3

   Rachel and Kurt are caught off-guard when they get unexpected visits in New York City. Meanwhile, Santana and Brittany deal with the long distance between them, and Will and Emma disagree on a new job offer.

9. 09

   S05E13 · Season 5 peak · March 25, 2014 · 1h

   New Directions8.2

   As the fate of the glee club becomes a reality, April and Holly plot a plan to save New Directions. Meanwhile, Rachel and Santana attempt to make amends after their blowout fight.

10. 10

    S06E01 · Top rated · January 9, 2015 · 1h

    Loser Like Me8.8

    After Rachel's humiliating failure as TV actress, she comes home to Lima to figure out what she wants to do next. Upon discovering that Sue has banished the arts at McKinley, Rachel takes it upon herself to reinstate and lead the Glee Club. Meanwhile, Blaine, no longer in a relationship with Kurt, has moved home to coach the Warblers while Will is coaching rival Vocal Adrenaline, and Sam is the assistant coach for the McKinley football team.

11. 11

    S06E04 · Top rated · January 23, 2015 · 1h

    The Hurt Locker, Part One8.7

    Rachel tries to make a deal with Will, so that his glee club purposefully underperforms at their invitational. Meanwhile, Sue is busy meddling and hypnotizes Sam into making a move on Rachel to throw her off.

12. 12

    S06E05 · Top rated · January 30, 2015 · 1h

    The Hurt Locker, Part Two8.7

    Sue is at it again, trying to mend relationships that she thinks need mending. Meanwhile, Kitty helps Rachel find the perfect set list to win the invitational and Sam recruits football player Spencer to join the glee club.

13. 13

    S06E10 · Top rated · March 6, 2015 · 1h

    The Rise and Fall of Sue Sylvester8.7

    Dalton Academy burns to the ground, and the Warblers must combine with the New Directions to form a super group. Meanwhile, Rachel begs Carmen Tibideaux to let her return to NYADA.

14. 14

    S06E12 · Top rated · March 20, 2015 · 1h

    20098.7

    Goes back in time to find out why the original members of New Directions initially signed up for glee club. Then, GLEE flashes forward to see how the character's lives have progressed five years down the road.

15. 15

    S06E13 · Series finale · March 20, 2015 · 1h

    Dreams Come True9.3

    The glee-club members flash forward five years to examine where life took them.