Glee Reality Casting Show Headed to Oxygen Network

In a deal that includes future syndication rights, the cable network Oxygen plans to air a reality casting show for Glee beginning in June 2011, according to Deadline.com. Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy had considered launching a televised search for new cast members this fall but decided to concentrate on writing the second season of the hit show instead.

As in previous reality shows, the Oxygen series will feature young performers competing for a role on Glee. The network will begin airing repeats of the show in 2013. An unidentified source told Deadline.com that the show’s owner, Twentieth Television, “sees the big picture of this show. It's intent on building this brand that is Glee: a live touring business, music download business, soundtrack album business, DVD business now syndication business."

In addition to repeats and the casting show, Oxygen has won the rights to air two Glee-themed specials. The second season of Glee will begin in fall 2010 on Fox.