Rise

Rise is an American drama TV series that aired on NBC in 2018. The series is an emotionally charged exploration of the interlaced lives of small town high school students and their teacher, inspired by the book Drama High by Michael Sokolove. The show transcends the common narratives of high school life, addressing themes of personal identity, self-discovery, ambition, and community through an arts-focused lens.

The strikingly powerful show greets viewers with the enthralling everyday life of Lou Mazzuchelli, portrayed by Josh Radnor, renowned for his role as Ted Mosby in How I Met Your Mother. Lou is a devoted English teacher at Stanton High School, who finds himself drawn towards the school’s theater department. Despite limited personal experience within the theatre realm, Lou’s relentless passion and desire to engage students with the power of performance propels him to accept the daunting task of directing the school’s theatre production—a decision that rings monumental changes both in his personal life and within the school’s community.

Overflowing with passion and courage, Lou embarks on a somewhat controversial path by reinventing the school's lackluster theater department, diverting it away from popular, safe productions to the provocative territory of Spring Awakening, an edgy musical chronicling the emotions, confusions, and desperation experienced by teenagers - the things society generally considers to be 'taboo'. His risky yet revolutionary choice of play challenges both the school administration and the culturally conservative town, adding an overarching drama and conflict to the plotline.

At his side, helping the ambitious teacher bring the groundbreaking musical to the stage is Tracey Wolfe, a fiery, down-to-earth assistant drama director played by Rosie Perez. Their important theories of the performing arts and real, shared vision unfold as they work tirelessly to bring out the latent talents in their students and create a memorable production.

The series’ strength lies in its honest representation of the varied cast of student characters whose lives are deeply affected by the transformation of the theatre program. The school’s star quarterback, Robbie Thorne, is roped in to lead the musical, challenging his understanding of what it means to be an athlete and stretching his horizons beyond the football field. Lilette Suarez, an aspiring actress from a less privileged background, earns a lead role, juggling her domestic life with her dreams. The series also gives voice to the uniquely poised Simon Saunders, a conservative student grappling with his role in a play that’s far too radical for him and his family. Various other students such as Michael, Gwen, and Maashous also have their own intricately woven stories explored in depth throughout the series.

Rise captures the essence of high school life in a way that feels tangible and raw—there’s the budding love, the fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, the struggle of students grappling with their identities, and the complexities of adolescent life. Every character and backstory is deeply nuanced and portrayed with utmost care and sensitivity, making for a striking and heartening representation of young adults coming of age in a small town.

The series also does not shy away from addressing other significant themes including poverty, homosexuality, infertility, and alcoholism. Each episode delves deeper into the unfolding drama of the play's production and the personal lives of its cast members, imbued with original Broadway-style numbers and complex human relationships at every turn.

Rise, although set against the backdrop of a high school theater production, offers viewers much more than just a behind-the-scenes look at the mounting of a play. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of arts education and the ways that it can instill courage and confidence in its practitioners. It's a moving tribute to anyone who’s ever yearned to bring their internal dreams and ideas into the outside world. Moreover, it’s a compelling narrative about resilience, community, and how the seemingly insurmountable challenges of life are often the very push we need to find and become who we truly are.