Mary Lynn Rajskub
LOS ANGELES -- Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly provides updates on a number of fronts at the TV Critics press tour on Thurday morning. Among the highlights:
"Glee" will return with two episodes featuring Beatles songs. The third episode will deal directly with the July death of star Cory Monteith with public-service announcements and cast members directly addressing his passing. It's unclear whether Monteith's character, Finn, will die of an accidental drug overdose, as was the case in real life.
Reilly said creator Ryan Murphy wants to use the tragedy to show young viewers that addiction can happen to anybody. Proceeds from music sales from that episodes will be used to establish a fund in Monteith's name.
Reilly said the cast is still in the process of recovering, most notably Lea Michele who was Monteith's girlfriend.
"Lea has been a pillar of strength," he said. "She was the first one who said she wanted to go back to work."
In lighter news, Reilly confirmed that Keith Urban will be returning to "American Idol." He admitted that they were in talks with Jennifer Lopez, as well as other potential judges, but that no deals had been struck.
"24" fans will be thrilled to know that Mary Lynn Rajskub will reprise her role as Chloe O'Brien when "24" returns in the form of an abbreviated season. "24: Live Another Day," is expected to premiere in spring 2014.
