'Glee' May End After Season 6 Fox Executive Reveals, Cory Monteith to be Honored During Third Episode
The head of Fox entertainment speculated that the network's hit television show "Glee" will probably come to an end after the sixth season.
Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly spoke about the future of the show on Thursday at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour and insisted that it was unlikely the show would continue past the sixth season.
"I would not anticipate it goes beyond two more seasons," Reilly told The Hollywood Reporter. Reilly did, however, mention one should "never say never."
"There's two very clear arcs to get to that end and conclude," he 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."
The series will address the passing of star Cory Monteith in the third episode of its upcoming fifth season in a tribute that will touch on drug addiction and its impact. Proceeds from the show's music sales will be directed to a scholarship fund created in honor of the late actor.
The news has shocked not only the cast of "Glee," which Monteith was featured prominently in, but also those in the entertainment industry who were friends of the late star. Many expressed their deepest sympathies online.
Harry Shum, Jr., who plays Mike Chang, wrote, "At this time, please send nothing but love and light. This tragic news still doesn't feel real to me."
Former cast member Damian McGinty also reflected on his time working with Cory.
"The guy I shot my first acting scene with. The nicest guy I've met. Can't believe it," McGinty posted to Twitter.
However, much of the attention is on Monteith's girlfriend and co-star Lea Michele, whose representative released a statement asking for privacy as she comes to terms with her loss.
"We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time," the statement read.