Fox has announced that Glee will address Cory Monteith’s death from drug addiction in a tribute episode, sending Finn Hudson farewell. It has yet to be confirmed how creator and director Ryan Murphy will deal with the character’s death, as the script is not completely finished.
Glee will return for its fifth season on September 26, with 2 episodes featuring songs from The Beatles. The third episode of the season, set to air on October 10, will be centered around Monteith’s death.
“That is the episode where Cory’s character will be written off,” Fox Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly confirmed Thursday. “[It] will deal directly with drug addiction and with the circumstances surrounding Cory’s death.”
Ryan Murphy is also planning PSAs about substance abuse that will run throughout the tribute episode, with the cast members speaking directly to the viewers about Monteith’s addiction and memories of him. Proceeds from the music featured in this episode will go directly to a fund in Monteith’s honor.
As for the future of Glee, Reilly told the Hollywood Reporter, “I would not anticipate it goes beyond two more seasons.”
“There’s two very clear arcs to get to that end and conclude,” the Fox executive added. “Listen, if we discover a new crop of kids and there’s some breakout, who knows? But right now we’re thinking about two seasons.”
Monteith will also be remembered at this year’s 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, airing September 22. Monteith was found dead July 13 of an overdose.
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