Cast of "Glee," FOX's new musical comedy series by Ryan Murphy. Photo: Joe Viles/FOX

FOX has ordered 13 episodes of “Glee,” a musical comedy series from Ryan Murphy, creator of “Nip/Tuck” and “Popular”.

The premise of the one-hour series will center around a high school Glee Club, which used to be at the top of the show choir world until a series of scandals turned it into a haven for misfits and social outcasts.

Optimistic teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) has offered to take on the Herculean task of restoring the Glee Club to its former glory by reaching the nationals.

That won’t be easy since the “brightest stars” of the pitch-imperfect club include Kurt (Chris Colfer), a nerdy soprano with a flair for the dramatic; Mercedes (Amber Riley), a dynamic diva-in-training who refuses to sing back up; Arty (Kevin McHale), a geeky guitarist who attracts more bullies than girls; and Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), an awkward girl who needs to suppress her stutter before her solo.

Will’s only hope lies with two true talents: Rachel (Lea Michele), a perfectionist firecracker who is convinced show choir is her ticket to stardom; and Finn (Cory Monteith), the popular high school quarterback with a Motown voice who must protect his cool reputation with his holier-than-thou girlfriend, Quinn (Dianna Agron), and his arrogant teammate, Puck (Mark Salling).

The cast also features Jayma Mays as fellow teacher Emma Pillsbury; Jessalyn Gilsig as Will’s tough-as-nails wife Terri; and Jane Lynch as cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester.

FOX says the show will debut later this year, although a firm date has not yet been announced.

— JDB