Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, stars of the popular series Glee, recently shared their emotional journey of rewatching the show on their podcast, “And That’s What You REALLY Missed.” During a “pod swap” with the hosts of “How Rude, Tanneritos!”, they candidly discussed the challenges of revisiting their past performances, particularly in light of the tragic losses of their former co-stars, Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith.
McHale recounted their initial attempt to create a Glee recap show in 2020, which ceased after Rivera’s passing. He disclosed that even prior to her death, watching Monteith’s performances was difficult for him due to the emotional weight attached to his character, Finn Hudson, who was written off the show following Monteith’s death in season five. He expressed that it was tough to listen to the songs Monteith sang, yet revisiting the series through the podcast served as a form of healing for both him and Ushkowitz.
Ushkowitz emphasized how the experience of watching the show allowed them to reflect on their grief while also celebrating their Glee family. They discussed the tribute that the show paid to Monteith in the episode titled “The Quarterback,” where the cast performed songs in honor of his character.
As they continue this rewatch journey, McHale remarked that they now approach it with a spirit of celebration. He noted that despite the pain associated with some memories, revisiting the episodes has illuminated the wonderful moments and the strong relationships they forged as a cast. He expressed gratitude for the chance to share these experiences, affirming that even if some episodes are tougher to relive, the process has also uncovered beautiful surprises and connections.
The conversation around loss and remembrance resonates deeply within the entertainment industry, highlighting the bonds formed amidst shared experiences. McHale and Ushkowitz’s journey reflects a hopeful narrative of healing and connection, reminding fans that through the lens of nostalgia, one can find both melancholy and joy in remembering those who shaped their lives.
Listeners can catch the full candid discussion on “How Rude, Tanneritos!” to hear more about their reflections and the legacy of Glee.

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