When the television series Glee premiered in 2009, it quickly gained a dedicated fan base due to its heartwarming storylines and incredible musical performances. However, in 2013, the show faced a tragic loss when one of its main characters, Finn Hudson, played by actor Cory Monteith, passed away. In this article, we will explore how Finn died in Glee and its impact on the show and its fans.
Who was Finn Hudson?
Finn Hudson was a beloved character in Glee introduced in the show’s first episode as a high school quarterback who joins the school’s glee club, the New Directions. Throughout the series, Finn faces many challenges, including dealing with his father’s death, his relationship with his stepbrother Kurt, and his romantic relationships with various characters.
The Death of Cory Monteith
On July 13, 2013, news broke that actor Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson, had passed away. The cause of death was later confirmed to be a drug overdose. Monteith had a history of substance abuse and had entered rehab several times before his death.
How Did Glee Address Finn’s Death?
The sudden and unexpected death of Cory Monteith left the creators of Glee in a difficult position. They had to decide how to handle the character of Finn Hudson and address his absence in the show.
In the fifth season’s third episode, titled “The Quarterback,” the show paid tribute to Finn and Cory Monteith. The episode opens with the characters learning about Finn’s death, and the rest focuses on how they each cope with the loss. The episode features emotional performances of songs such as “Seasons of Love” from Rent and “Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan.
The Impact of Finn’s Death
The death of Cory Monteith and the character of Finn Hudson had a profound impact on the show and its fans. Many viewers were devastated by losing a beloved character and the real-life tragedy of the actor’s death.
The show’s creator, Ryan Murphy, spoke about the decision to address Finn’s death in an interview with Deadline, saying, “We had to deal with it head-on, and I think that was the only way to do it. We couldn’t ignore it, and we couldn’t pretend it didn’t happen.”
The Legacy of Finn Hudson
Finn Hudson’s character was a significant part of Glee, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans. His storylines addressed essential issues such as teen pregnancy, bullying, and the struggles of accepting one’s sexuality. The character’s kindness and determination made him a role model for many viewers.
Why did Finn Hudson die in Glee?
In the television show “Glee,” the character Finn Hudson, played by actor Cory Monteith, died unexpectedly. However, the show did not provide a specific explanation for Finn’s cause of death.
In real life, Monteith passed away on July 13, 2013, at the age of 31, due to an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol. The show’s writers and producers made the decision to write Finn’s character out of the show, as a way of honoring Monteith’s memory and acknowledging his contributions to the series.
To address Finn’s absence in the show, the characters mourned his loss and celebrated his life in a special tribute episode called “The Quarterback,” which aired as the third episode of the show’s fifth season. The episode paid tribute to Monteith and his legacy, but did not delve into the specific details of Finn’s passing.
Conclusion
The death of Finn Hudson in Glee was a heartbreaking moment for fans of the show. The decision to address his death head-on in the series was necessary, and the tribute episode honoring Cory Monteith was a fitting tribute to both the character and the actor who played him. Finn’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans, and his impact on the show will never be forgotten.
FAQs
Why didn’t they say how Finn died on Glee?
In the television show “Glee,” the character Finn Hudson, played by actor Cory Monteith, died unexpectedly in real life. As a result, the show’s writers faced the challenge of addressing his absence in the storyline.
After much consideration, the decision was made to not disclose the specific cause of Finn’s death on the show. Instead, the characters mourned his loss without delving into the details of how he died.
This decision was likely made out of respect for Monteith and his family, as well as to avoid potentially triggering or upsetting subject matter. It also allowed the show to focus on honoring Finn’s memory and the impact he had on the other characters’ lives, rather than on the circumstances of his death.
If Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith) hadn’t died, how would Glee have ended?
It’s impossible to say for certain how “Glee” would have ended if Cory Monteith had not passed away. The show’s writers had already planned out the storyline for the final season, but it’s likely that Finn Hudson would have played a significant role in the conclusion of the series.
Finn was a central character throughout the show’s run, and his relationships with other characters, particularly Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), were a major focus of the storyline. It’s possible that the show’s writers would have explored Finn and Rachel’s relationship further, potentially rekindling their romance and giving them a happy ending.
The final season of “Glee” focused on the characters’ lives after high school, as they pursued their dreams and faced new challenges. Finn, who had briefly served in the army, could have been given a storyline that explored his experiences as a veteran and his struggles with PTSD.
Ultimately, we can only speculate on how “Glee” would have ended if Cory Monteith had not passed away. However, it’s clear that his presence and contributions to the show were deeply valued, and his loss was felt by the cast, crew, and fans of the show.
Is Cory monteith (Finn) gonna be on season 5 on glee?
Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on “Glee,” appeared in the first two episodes of the show’s fifth season. However, his death on July 13, 2013, resulted in his character being written out of the show.
After Monteith’s passing, the show paid tribute to him in a special episode called “The Quarterback,” which aired as the third episode of the fifth season. In the episode, the characters mourned Finn’s death and celebrated his life, but did not provide specific details about the cause of his passing.
Although Monteith’s time on “Glee” was cut short, his portrayal of Finn left a lasting impact on the show and its fans. The series continued for two more seasons after his death, but without his character.
Why are so many people from Glee dying so early?
It’s a tragic coincidence that several cast members from “Glee” have passed away at a young age. However, there is no clear pattern or explanation for why this has happened.
Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson, passed away in 2013 at the age of 31 due to an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol. Mark Salling, who played Noah “Puck” Puckerman, died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 35, while awaiting sentencing for possession of child pornography. Naya Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, drowned in a tragic accident in 2020 at the age of 33, while on a boating trip with her son.
While the circumstances surrounding each death were different, it’s important to note that mental health and substance abuse are common issues that can affect people from all walks of life. The entertainment industry can also be a high-pressure environment, with long hours and demanding schedules, which can take a toll on mental and physical health.
The deaths of these “Glee” cast members have been a sad reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, and have sparked important conversations about the need for better resources and care for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Did the death of Cory Monteith impact the ratings of Glee?
Yes, the ratings for Glee declined after Cory Monteith’s death.
Was Finn Hudson supposed to have a different storyline before Cory Monteith’s death?
The writers had planned a different storyline for Finn in the fifth season before Monteith’s death.
Did the cast of Glee attend Cory Monteith’s funeral?
Yes, many members of the cast attended Monteith’s funeral.
Was the tribute episode for Cory Monteith difficult for the cast to film?
Yes, the cast has spoken about how emotionally challenging it was to film the tribute episode for Cory Monteith.
How did the show address Finn’s absence after the tribute episode?
The show did not recast the character of Finn or mention his character again after the tribute episode.
How will Cory Monteith’s death affect Glee?
Cory Monteith’s unexpected death in 2013 had a significant impact on the television show “Glee.” Monteith played the character Finn Hudson, who was a central figure in the show’s storyline.
After Monteith’s passing, the show’s writers and producers were faced with the challenge of addressing his absence in the show. They made the decision to write Finn’s character out of the show, rather than recasting the role or using other means to explain his absence.
The show paid tribute to Monteith in a special episode called “The Quarterback,” which aired as the third episode of the fifth season. In the episode, the characters mourned Finn’s death and celebrated his life, but did not provide specific details about the cause of his passing.
Monteith’s death also had a profound impact on the cast and crew of “Glee,” who were deeply affected by the loss of their friend and colleague. Many cast members spoke openly about their grief and the challenges of continuing to work on the show in the aftermath of Monteith’s passing.
Ultimately, Monteith’s death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and for fans of “Glee.” However, his legacy and contributions to the show will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
