The Rocky Horror Picture Show groups originated in 1977 at the Fox Theatre, where Michael Wolfson won a look-alike contest as Frank N. Furter, and won another at the Tiffany Theater on Sunset Boulevard. Wolfson's group eventually performed in all of the L.A. area theaters screening "Rocky Horror", including the Balboa Theater in Balboa, The Cove at Hermosa Beach, and The Sands in Glendale. He was invited to perform at the Sombrero Playhouse in Phoenix, Arizona. At the Tiffany Theatre, the audience performance cast had the theater's full cooperation; the local performers entered early and without charge. The fan playing Frank for this theatre was
The Rocky Horror Glee Show fans without being a "homage for homage's sake" like the Spears episode, and Stack felt that "Rocky Horror" was a "perfect fit" for "Glee", due to thematic similarities between the two. While previous "Glee" tributes attracted criticism for their focus on musical numbers to the detriment of plot, Jenna Mullins of "E! Online" and CBS News Jessica Derschowitz appreciated that "The Rocky Horror Glee Show" was more story-driven. Critics generally disliked the focus the episode placed on the adult characters, with many objecting to Will's characterisation. VanDerWerff wrote that his storyline with Emma "misplac[ed] what made either of the characters