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10 Shows That Handled The Death Of A Cast Member

TVDeathsNicholasColasanto

[Photo Credit: NBC]

TVDeathsPhilHartman

[Photo Credit: NBC]

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The Sopranos, Hit Series About A Modern Day Mob Boss

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Jason Ritter, John Ritter And Katey Sagal

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Jerry Orbach on Set of Law and Order

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"Characters Welcome" USA Network Celebrates Its Lineup Of Stars - Arrivals

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Premiere Of Paramount Pictures' "Middle Men" - Arrivals

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Channel 5 Dallas - Launch Party

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Glee returns tonight for its fifth season, tasked with handling the loss of original cast member Cory Monteith following his death in July. The show will dedicate its third episode to Monteith (slated for October 10), in an hour that plans to address Finn's death as well as the perils of drug addiction.

While there's no correct or preferred way to handle tragic loss, it's something other TV families and their creators have had to deal with before. Whether shows decide to address the actor's passing directly, cast another actor in his or her place, or avoid the subject entirely, take a look at 10 television shows that have been forced to face tragedy.

[Photo Credit: ABC; NBC; Getty Images]