Glee Stars Reflect on ‘Previously Unaired Christmas’ Episode: ‘It Felt Like Being Controversial Just for the Sake of It’

When Glee first premiered in 2009, the show took the world by storm with its blend of high school drama, musical performances, and talented young cast. The show quickly gained a loyal following for its portrayal of misfit high school students who found ways to express themselves and navigate the ups and downs of adolescence through the magic of singing and dancing. However, not all episodes of Glee were received equally, and some episodes were controversial for their content, especially when they seemed to go against the established tone or message of the show. One such episode, “Previously Unaired Christmas,” aired during the second season and left many fans and cast members baffled, feeling that the show seemed to be crossing the line just for the sake of controversy.

The episode, which was originally intended to be part of Glee’s first season but was ultimately held back until the second season, was supposed to be a Christmas special that would take the characters out of their usual storylines. While the intention was to give fans a light-hearted, holiday-themed episode, the show’s stars are now reflecting on how the episode felt like an attempt to be controversial for the sake of being controversial. Cast members, including Amber Riley (who played Mercedes), Chris Colfer (who played Kurt), and Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), have since expressed mixed feelings about the episode, noting that it didn’t always fit the show’s usual tone and seemed designed to spark conversation without providing much substance.

The “Previously Unaired Christmas” Episode – A Holiday with a Twist

“Previously Unaired Christmas” is a quintessential Glee Christmas episode. The plot revolves around the members of the Glee Club celebrating Christmas, with multiple intertwining storylines, including a holiday performance and a gift exchange. However, this episode deviates from the usual Glee formula with some shocking moments that push the boundaries. From a controversial portrayal of Santa Claus to an unexpected confrontation between the two main characters, the episode tries to provide more than just holiday cheer. It seeks to make a statement, but at what cost?

The episode opens with a holiday-themed song performance and quickly sets the tone for the unconventional story. It has its share of quirky and out-of-character moments, like Kurt trying to dampen the Christmas spirit with pointed remarks about his father’s less-than-ideal attempts to embrace the season. The unease that surrounds the characters’ interactions is amplified by some awkward situations involving gift-giving, miscommunication, and insensitive jokes.

While many Glee episodes deal with serious topics, like teen pregnancy, sex, and bullying, “Previously Unaired Christmas” seems to push the envelope on some of these issues without really exploring the consequences or offering any real solutions. The episode’s tone, which fluctuates between holiday cheer and edgy humor, creates a sense of dissonance that doesn’t sit well with many of the show’s cast members.

Feeling Like “Controversy for Controversy’s Sake”

Reflecting on the episode, the cast members admitted that it felt forced in many ways. They described it as a case where the writers seemed to go for the shock value without considering how it would affect the characters or the overall storyline of the show. For example, Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt Hummel, mentioned in interviews that the episode made him feel uncomfortable, as it seemed out of line with the show’s message of embracing diversity, acceptance, and joy. Colfer explained that it was one of the few times he felt that Glee was trying to be “controversial for the sake of being controversial,” without properly integrating humor into the story or spirit of the show.

Similarly, Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes Jones, echoed Colfer’s sentiments, noting that the episode seemed to push boundaries in a way that strayed from the heartfelt and inclusive nature that Glee has been built on. Riley expressed that the episode failed to fully embody the show’s positive messages and, in many ways, fell short of what viewers have come to expect from the series. It seemed like the writers were more focused on creating buzz than staying true to the show’s core.

Jenna Ushkowitz, who plays Tina Cohen-Chang, also shared her thoughts on the episode, noting that it felt disjointed in the context of the larger Glee story. Ushkowitz mentioned that the humor in the episode felt forced and unnatural like the witty one-liners fans are used to seeing. There was an underlying feeling that characters were written to accomplish certain plot points or make a quick joke rather than being true to their development over the course of the series.

Corona Extra Merry Christmas Ugly Sweater

The Backlash: Why Fans Didn’t Respond Well

When Glee fans first tuned in to “Previously Unaired Christmas,” many of them expected a cheerful, holiday-themed episode that would bring cheer to the holiday season. Instead, what they got was an uncomfortable mix of humor, awkward moments, and surprising narrative choices that didn’t fit with the show’s established tone. Fans were confused by how the characters acted, and many took to social media to express their disappointment.

First, the episode includes a subplot where the characters perform an awkward version of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” that feels more cringeworthy than heartwarming. Additionally, some of the comedic moments feel forced or out of place, leading to a disconnect between the episode’s tone and the overall emotional journey the characters have been on for the rest of the season. Viewers are left wondering why certain moments were included and whether they add any real value to the story or just exist to spice things up.

The backlash was swift, with many fans expressing disappointment at what they saw as an unnecessary attempt to be “edgy” without staying true to Glee’s roots. The episode felt like an outlier in a heartfelt show known for its positive messages of acceptance and inclusion. Fans who had grown to love the characters for their authenticity now wondered why they were written into strange and uncomfortable situations that didn’t reflect their true personalities.

Heineken Merry Christmas Ugly Sweater

The Lessons Learned: Embracing the Spirit of the Show

Looking back, the Glee cast has reflected on the lessons learned from the episode “Previously Unaired Christmas.” While the intention may have been to create a holiday episode with a twist, the end result left many feeling that it diminished the warmth and emotional depth the series is known for. The cast has since acknowledged that Glee works best when it stays true to its core values—celebrating individuality, promoting kindness, and using humor to bring people together.

In the years since the episode aired, Glee fans and cast members have come to realize the importance of maintaining a balance between humor and heart. For the show to resonate so deeply, it must stick to themes of empathy, self-expression, and connection, especially at a time when the world needs those messages the most.

Ultimately, “Previously Unaired Christmas” serves as a reminder that sometimes, pushing the boundaries too far can alienate audiences. Glee’s ability to balance humor and heart is its greatest strength, and the episodes that embody the show’s inclusive and positive spirit are the ones that stay in the memories of fans.

Conclusion

Glee’s “Previously Unaired Christmas” remains a controversial and somewhat uncomfortable chapter in the show’s history. For many of the cast, the episode felt like an attempt to be controversial for the sake of being controversial, and didn’t quite align with the show’s established message of love, acceptance, and joy. Reflecting on the episode, Glee’s stars have expressed their frustration with its direction, admitting that the show’s best moments were those that stayed true to the heartfelt and inclusive spirit that defined its success. Despite its flaws, Glee remains a beloved series, and the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to the essence of a story, even when trying to push the boundaries.

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