Chris Colfer, Lea Michele And Cory Monteith Set To Leave 'Glee'

They have been with Glee since it first aired in 2009, but their days on the hit show are numbered. Chris Colfer, Lea Michele and Cory Monteith are embarking on their last season of Glee, creator Ryan Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter, because the characters they play are set to graduate.

"You can keep them on the show for six years and people will criticize you for not being realistic, or you can be really true to life and say when they started the show they were very clearly sophomores and they should graduate at the end of their senior year," Murphy said.

This latest news comes just after the announcement that Chord Overstreet, who plays Sam, was not picked up as a season regular, meaning that while he may continue to appear on Glee as a guest star, he's still not a permanent cast member. Overstreet's casting status is in contrast to Darren Criss and Harry Shum Jr., who play Blaine and Mike and have been added to the bill as full-time series regulars.

Colfer said of his character Kurt that he is not picky about his post-high school fate. "I just want to see him happy, I think, whatever that entails," he told USA Today. To address her character Rachel's upcoming departure, Michele spoke up on Twitter. “We always knew we’d graduate in real time. It’s all part of the plan and it’s all good! It’s going to make Season 3 amazing!!!” she wrote. “To Gleeks everywhere, you’re in my heart now and forever. Love u all!!! This is just the beginning!!”