VIEWERS of a new Chinese musical drama, “My Youth High Eight Degrees,” produced by hit reality talent show “The Voice of China,” has been accused of plagiarism on social media.

    It is said that the show is taking a page, maybe quite literally, from the U.S. show “Glee.”

    Led by Chinese actor Wu Xiubo and actress Qu Ying, and contestants from “The Voice of China,” the musical drama has earned good ratings since its start on Zhejiang Satellite Television on July 6.

    Set in a university in China, the drama tells the story of a glee club director who leads a gang of university misfits with hidden musical talents, whipping them into shape.

    Under the director’s leadership, these talented singers compete at the national choir competition and win it.

    Chinese netizens pointed out that the drama’s plot, setting and characters seem to be direct copies from “Glee.”

    “Eight Degrees” production company confessed similarities between the two shows, but they denied plagiarizing “Glee.” They claimed to have worked with “Glee” producers to develop the script.

    “Glee” is a popular American musical comedy-drama television series that has aired on the Fox network since 2009. The final season is slated for release this year.

    (SD-Agencies)