China’s new music drama accused of cloning Glee

It’s called My Youth High Eight Degrees but in China many viewers have noticed a new music drama is really just a clone of Glee.

China Daily reports the show led by Chinese actor Wu Xiubo, actress Qu Ying and contestants from Voice of China, has earned good ratings since its start on Zhejiang Satellite Television two weeks ago.

Eight Degrees is set in a choir club in fictitious Chenxi University. Accounting teacher Xiao Wen (Wu Xiubo), an optimist who is passionate about music, takes over the club when it is on the verge of disbanding. Under Xiao’s leadership, young, talented singers struggle through countless conflicts in search of their musical dreams. There’s even a gym instructor with a megaphone and a student in a wheelchair.

The editor of News Center at Qionghai Radio and Television Station Sina Weibo said online: “They have brought the script straight off Glee, but things like that are not likely to happen in Chinese schools.”

Canxing, Eight Degrees‘producer, said the show is not plagiarising Glee but worked with the Glee‘s producers to develop the script.

“The structure of this drama was set through bilateral discussions. There are many similarities in the plot, but our version reflects the pursuit of music by China’s youth today.”

China has been noted for cloning other film and TV properties before.