Empire was renewed ahead of Fox’s Upfront Presentation but during their showcase today, the network announced that, while renewed, Empire will end with its upcoming sixth season.
“We are turning the final season into a large TV event, we are trying to go out guns a blazing,” Charlie Collier proclaimed during the presentation of Empire‘s 20-episode last round “You allow fans to lean in and have the ending they deserve,” the CEO added.
The news then turned to Jussie Smollett, whose alleged hate crime/faking of the hate crime, became a bigger drama than the show itself. Smollett was written out of the final episodes of season 5 and then it was announced he would likely not return for season 6 even though they optioned his contract for the final season. It looks like this is a decision that still won’t be changing.
“There’s an option to have Jussie in the series but we have no plans for that,” he said, noting that the writers’ room for Season 6 hasn’t even been opened yet.
Monday’s news also shifts the Chicago filmed series back to its original Tuesday slot at 9 PM. The move seems risky, even if it’s the final season because Empire will now face off against NBC’s This Is Us. Empire has already seen its ratings decline in season 5 and putting it against a behemoth like This Is Us, likely won’t help its numbers.
In its first and second seasons, Empire drew in big number from almost every facet of the American television viewing public. In fact, breaking the status quo of steady decline, for a while Empire was on a winning trajectory of growing almost every week in the ratings to new highs.
I also think the reason Empire is ending is due to the cast, primarily Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. They were signed for six seasons and since they also have movie careers, I’m sure the decision to wrap up with season 6 wasn’t a difficult one. The entire ensemble also optioned their contracts a month back to do the 20-episode final season, which is up from the normal 18 for the series.
The final season of Empire announcement comes on the heels of Fox canceling Lee Daniels’ other series, Star, after three seasons. Fox said that decision was “difficult” but was ultimately made to give Empire the spotlight and attention it deserved for its final season.
