Clever dialogue, a goofy cast of characters, spectacular singing voices and cheesy dance moves may seem like an odd recipe for a hour-long comedy, but Fox’s “Glee” manages to turn this combination into a biting and heart-warming new show. The charming cast and catchy tunes in “Glee” are a refreshing new addition to the slew of mediocre comedies on the tube this season.

Back when Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), went to high school, the Glee Club was the best in Ohio – but now that he’s the Spanish teacher at his former school, the club is not what it used to be. It’s his goal to find the most talented students he can and restore Glee to its former glory.

Diva-in-training Rachel (Lea Michele), who has the best pipes of the bunch, and Finn, (Cory Monteith) the not-so-bright star quarterback, are Mr. Schu’s first recruits. Rachel is hysterical as a goal-setting overachiever, and Finn, overwhelmed by all his new responsibilities, may not be the smartest guy but sure is a likable character.

Soon enough, more students have joined Glee, including fashion-obsessed Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) and Finn’s cheerleader girlfriend, Quinn (Dianna Agron.) Hilarious high school politics ensue, as do real-life problems between Will and his wife Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) and Finn and Quinn. Germaphobe guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays) and powerhouse singer Mercedes (Amber Riley) round out the cast.

Villain Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) is the tough-talking coach of the cheerleading, squad known as the Cheerios. The Cheerios are champions, and now that Mr. Schu had convinced members of the squad to join Glee, Sue hatches plots to take down the club at every chance she gets. Sue constantly tries to come up with ways to force the principal to disbound Glee Club because it steals money from her budget. Sue and Will have a unique dynamic together, and it’s hard to know what wacky scheme Sue will try to pull off next.

Each episode is packed with hilarious one-liners, brilliant musical numbers and great cast chemistry, not to mention positive messages of acceptance and embracing other people’s differences. The music ranges from classics like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” and the cast boasts some of the best singing talent on television. “Glee” has been known to include mash-ups of songs in the episodes, which are always entertaining. One of the best songs from the show is “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway hit “Wicked”, sung by Kurt and Rachel.

“Glee” is an ideal balance of drama and humor that is hard to come by. The characters have depth and stories of their own, unlike most sitcoms, and the actors can sing as well as they can deliver comedy. “Glee” roots for the underdog in everyone, and does it in a way that is smart and humorous.

Watch “Glee” on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.