FOX has renewed musical drama Empire for a fifth season, the network confirmed today. Though no episode count was released, it’s presumed that the show would once again have 18 episodes divided into two uninterrupted nine-episode runs.
“Empire is as compelling, emotional and unpredictable as it ever was,” said Michael Thorn, Fox entertainment president. “We are so proud of our amazing cast, led by Terrence and Taraji, who deliver powerful performances week after week. We’d also like to thank our tremendous creative team — Lee, Danny, Brett, Ilene, Sanaa, Brian and Francie — whose inspired storytelling continues to create the unforgettable, jaw-dropping OMG moments that have always been signature to Empire.”
Despite coming down from the ratings and buzz heights of its first couple of seasons, Empire remains one of the best rated dramas on broadcast television, averaging a 1.9 in the 18-49 demo and overindexing in key sub-demos for FOX. Best of all, this season has been especially consistent for a show that had been in free fall mode, as Empire has hovered between a 1.8 and 2.0 for almost every episode of season four. The show seemingly finding its floor at a still wonderful ratings level is great news for FOX, meaning that it will be able to end on its own terms and that it should be a reliable asset for the remainder of its run.
Unless something unexpected happens, Empire should remain Wednesdays at 8:00 when FOX releases their fall schedule later this month. What remains to be seen is whether the network leaves quasi-spinoff Star at 9:00 or opts to use the series on new musical drama Mixtape.
The season finale of Empire is set to air Wednesday, May 23rd at 8:00 on FOX.
