Rise
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.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
1. Pilot
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.
2. Most of All to Dream
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.
3. What Flowers May Bloom
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.
4. Victory Party
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.
5. We've All Got Our Junk
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.
6. Bring Me Stanton
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.
7. This Will God Willing Get Better
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.
8. The Petition
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.
9. Totally Hosed
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.
10. Opening Night
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 & Crew
Josh Radnor
Lou Mazzuchelli
Auliʻi Cravalho
Lilette Suarez
Rosie Perez
Tracey Wolfe
Marley Shelton
Gail Mazzuchelli
Amy Forsyth
Gwen Strickland
Damon J. Gillespie
Robbie
Casey W. Johnson
Gordy Mazzuchelli
Ellie Desautels
Michael Hallowell
Alexis Molnar
Lexi
Tiffany Mann
Cheryl
Caroline Pluta
Violet
Mark Tallman
Detrelle Thorne
Niloy Alam
Sundeep
Rarmian Newton
Maashous Evers
Ted Sutherland
Simon Saunders
Stephen Plunkett
Robert Saunders
Stephanie J. Block
Patricia Saunders
Taylor Richardson
Kaitlin Mazzuchelli
Shannon Purser
Annabelle Bowman
Shirley Rumierk
Vanessa Suarez
Joe Tippett
Coach Sam Strickland
Sean Grandillo
Jeremy Travers
Jennifer Ferrin
Denise Strickland
Diallo Riddle
Andy Kranepool
Story & Production Details
Reviews & Thoughts
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!
