Rise

6.5
201842m

A working class high school drama department and the students come alive under a passionate teacher and family man whose dedication to the program galvanizes the entire town.

Production

Logo for Universal Television

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Rise (NBC) "Let's Dream Big!" Trailer HD - Josh Radnor, Auli'i Cravalho series

Rise (NBC) "Let's Dream Big!" Trailer HD - Josh Radnor, Auli'i Cravalho series

Seasons

10 Episodes • Premiered 2018

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 1: Pilot

1. Pilot

8.3

Lou Mazzuchelli, an uninspired English teacher at Stanton High, petitions to take over as director of the school's theater program in an attempt to revitalize his passion for teaching, but quickly realizes he has his work cut out for him. His controversial decision to change the musical to the more provocative Spring Awakening and his atypical casting choices create a ripple effect for the program's assistant director Tracey Wolfe, the school's football coach Sam Strickland, and the students in the show.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 2: Most of All to Dream

2. Most of All to Dream

8.3

Lou is brought down to earth when his production budget is slashed, Coach Strickland vindictively monopolizes Robbie's time, and he has a conflict with Tracey. Lilette finds herself starting to fall for Robbie, while Simon contends with conflicting feelings about his role in the show. As Michael finds support within the theater troupe, Gwen acts out in rehearsals in response to tensions at home.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 3: What Flowers May Bloom

3. What Flowers May Bloom

7.7

When Lou describes his vision for the show's staging and design, Tracey questions his every decision - but it's Simon's bombshell news that forces Lou to ask himself whether picking this controversial show was worth the cost. Meanwhile, Coach Strickland attempts to rehabilitate Gordy, and Gail worries for Maashous. Lilette struggles to contain her feelings for Robbie after discovering another side of him.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 4: Victory Party

4. Victory Party

5.3

Robbie's two worlds collide at a house party where his football teammates face off with the drama troupe; Tracey reluctantly explores a new relationship with a not-so-secret admirer; a family road trip to visit Gail's sister goes sideways.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 5: We've All Got Our Junk

5. We've All Got Our Junk

6.5

After their unresolved confrontation with Gordy, Lou and Gail try desperately to get through to him. Lou discovers a crucial element to the show needs a major overhaul, while Tracey resists a blossoming romance. As Gwen reels in the aftermath of a shocking announcement from her parents, Simon finds an unlikely ally. Robbie and Lilette grow closer just as outside forces conspire to put them at odds, and Vanessa takes a stand.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 6: Bring Me Stanton

6. Bring Me Stanton

8.0

As Lou's vision for "Spring Awakening" starts to crumble, Lilette and Robbie feel the weight of responsibility on their shoulders with rehearsals going into overdrive. In reaching out to a student in need of support, Tracey opens up old wounds from her own past. Gwen starts down a destructive path that threatens to disrupt Gordy's attempts at self-control, while Simon takes steps to get closer to Anabelle.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 7: This Will God Willing Get Better

7. This Will God Willing Get Better

8.5

Tech week at Stanton High finds Tracey and Lou leading the cast through a series of rehearsals that falls short of expectations. Gwen's familial strife leads to a wild night out, while Michael tries to reconnect with an estranged friend. Maashous receives potentially life-changing news, and Simon's personal feelings start to compromise his performance in the musical.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 8: The Petition

8. The Petition

5.0

When an unauthorized, provocative sizzle reel promoting the Stanton High production of "Spring Awakening" is posted online, it spreads like wildfire through the school and surrounding community. Coach Strickland and Vanessa are forced to face their daughters, but major damage has already been done. Robbie faces a crisis of confidence, while Maashous contemplates a difficult family reunion.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 9: Totally Hosed

9. Totally Hosed

7.0

Gordy agrees to volunteer in the theater, bringing him back onto Gwen's radar, while his family tries to come to terms with Maashous' imminent departure. As Robbie faces the severity of his mother's illness for the first time, Lilette waits for her mother to return home. Tracey and Lou work to prepare "Spring Awakening" for opening night, but can't see eye-to-eye on how to address notes from the administration.

Still image for Rise season 1 episode 10: Opening Night

10. Opening Night

8.0

SEASON FINALE. During opening night of "Spring Awakening" personal crises and dilemmas percolate in the wings backstage as Simon struggles to overcome his biggest fear, Lilette withholds a huge development from Robbie, Robbie has a momentous breakthrough, and Tracey draws a line in the sand. Over the course of one evening, decisions are made that will change Lou and Stanton Drama forever.

Cast

Photo of Josh Radnor

Josh Radnor

Lou Mazzuchelli

Photo of Auliʻi Cravalho

Auliʻi Cravalho

Lilette Suarez

Photo of Rosie Perez

Rosie Perez

Tracey Wolfe

Photo of Marley Shelton

Marley Shelton

Gail Mazzuchelli

Photo of Amy Forsyth

Amy Forsyth

Gwen Strickland

Photo of Casey W. Johnson

Casey W. Johnson

Gordy Mazzuchelli

Photo of Rarmian Newton

Rarmian Newton

Maashous Evers

Photo of Ted Sutherland

Ted Sutherland

Simon Saunders

Photo of Stephen Plunkett

Stephen Plunkett

Robert Saunders

Photo of Stephanie J. Block

Stephanie J. Block

Patricia Saunders

Photo of Taylor Richardson

Taylor Richardson

Kaitlin Mazzuchelli

Photo of Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser

Annabelle Bowman

Photo of Shirley Rumierk

Shirley Rumierk

Vanessa Suarez

Photo of Joe Tippett

Joe Tippett

Coach Sam Strickland

Photo of Sean Grandillo

Sean Grandillo

Jeremy Travers

Photo of Jennifer Ferrin

Jennifer Ferrin

Denise Strickland

Photo of Diallo Riddle

Diallo Riddle

Andy Kranepool

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Reviews

H

Bob Jones

10/10

Great and powerful tribute to the arts. Celebrates sexual and personal awakenings for teenage and adult characters. Not intimidated by or scared to tackle mature storylines. Multifaceted character development that shows deep connections without making over-the-top or cartoonish. KUDOS!

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