Fox Renews ‘Empire’ For Season 6
US network FOX has renewed ‘Empire‘ for a 6th season, it was announced last night, although it looks like it will be with Jussie Smollett’s Jamal for the time being.
Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s drama stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson as heads of a family dynasty set within the glamorous and sometimes dangerous world of hip-hop music. The show revolves around the Lyon family and their media company, Empire Entertainment. The founder, Lucious Lyon (Howard), is the king of hip-hop, but his company and reign are constantly threatened by his family, including his ex-wife, Cookie (Henson), his sons, Jamal (Jussie Smollett), Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and Andre (Trai Byers), and a volatile and competitive music industry.
“‘Empire’ continues to break barriers with its emotionally powerful storytelling, and it remains a core part of the FOX legacy,” said Thorn. “We want to thank everyone on the show – Taraji, Terrence and the entire cast, as well as Lee, Danny, Brett, Sanaa, Brian, Francie, Dennis and their teams – all of whom have done a tremendous job this season. We know there are so many more stories to tell, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for Season Six.”
One person we may not see return is Jussie Smollett’s Jamal next season, due to his much publicised legal issues. According to a statement issued by FOX, “by mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett’s option for Season 6, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire.” So, whilst the door is there for a possible return at some point in the future, it is closed at the moment.
However, a later release from Smollett’s representatives do make it sound less “mutual” than the above statement from FOX. “We’ve been told that Jussie will not be on Empire in the beginning of the season but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open,” Smollett’s representatives add. “Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and Empire leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.”
From Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television, ‘Empire’ was created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, and is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, Sanaa Hamri, Dennis Hammer, Matt Pyken and Diane Ademu-John. Brett Mahoney is executive producer and showrunner for the series.
‘Empire‘ premieres on 5star in the UK.
