After five seasons of power grabs, inexplicable kidnappings, and Cookie Lyon’s endless parade of fur coats, Fox has announced that Empire’s upcoming sixth season will be its last. The announcement comes weeks after the network confirmed its renewal. “We are turning the final season into a large TV event, we are trying to go out guns a blazing,” Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier promised during the Upfronts call. “You allow fans to lean in and have the ending they deserve.”
Since January, the show’s ever-twisting cluster of incredulous storylines has been eclipsed by real-life drama when Jussie Smollett was allegedly attacked in Chicago. Smollett is not slated to come back for the final season; however, with Fox extending the option for Smollett’s return, that could change after the writers officially gather. Empire will return to its original Tuesday, 9 PM slot, pitting it directly against NBC’s recently super renewed This is Us and really providing viewers the devastation du jour experience we’ve long deserved.
This isn’t exactly a banner week for show co-creator Lee Daniels. This past Friday, Fox also dropped the hammer on companion series Star after three seasons.
[Via Deadline]