Empire will be coming to an end at Fox with its sixth season, which was revealed to us by the network. This show has been battling dropping ratings—as well as scandal, thanks to the ire surrounding its star Jussie Smollett. Moreover, during a call with reporters Fox execs were avoiding questions regarding Smollett. There is a chance for the actor to reappear on the series remains open, according to Fox Entertainment C.E.O. Charlie Collier—but “no plans” have been made for his return. Smollett’s trouble begin when the actor was hospitalized following what he claimed was a racist, homophobic attack.
Police then started investigating the incident as a possible hate crime but eventually set their sights on Smollett, arresting him on 16 counts of disorderly conduct. Later, the charges were dropped even though Smollett and his legal team have continued to battle lawsuits from multiple parties, including the city of Chicago. Between all this, his character was written off of the last couple episodes of Empire’s fifth season.
During a call, Collier said “We are turning the final season of Empire into a large television event . . . We are moving it to 9 o’clock, we’re putting it behind The Resident, and we really are trying to go out guns a-blazing. If you think about it, one of the great benefits of announcing a final season is that you actually allow the fans to lean in and have the ending they deserve.”
He further added that When prodded about whether Smollett’s legal issues had anything to do with the show’s cancellation, Collier demurred. “We are excited to see the show go, you know, out with a bang, and really, that’s what we’ve been focused on. And that’s been great in these early-season conversations.”
Also, when a reporter asked if there were plans to bring Smollett back next season. He replied by saying “Oh gosh, You know, really, the [writers’] room hasn’t even gathered yet. So we have the option to [bring Smollett back], but there are no plans at this point.” Even though it is uncertain if Smollett does have the support of several of his co-workers. Taraji P. Henson and several other members of the show have called for Smollett’s return following the dropped charges.
Moreover, in an open letter, they wrote, “Throughout Empire’s five seasons working with Jussie and watching how he has conducted himself throughout this traumatic event, we have come to know not just the character Jussie portrays, but also truly come to know Jussie’s personal character. He is kind. He is compassionate. He is honest and above all, he is filled with integrity. He is also innocent and no longer subject to legal uncertainty with the criminal charges against him having been dropped. We are confident in his lawyer’s assurance that the case was dismissed because it would not have prevailed.”
Update:
The show has completed its sixth season, and all the fans are waiting for the next season details to come out. However, there will be no details coming out officially as the show has been canceled at Fox. However, there are possibilities that the show might be taken by any other network and ordered another season but for this show, it looks like it is not the case at all! However, the show could not have the complete conclusion of the previous season as the production was halted by Coronavirus pandemic. But, that will be limited to a few episodes and nothing more.