Variety is reporting that FOX girl group drama Star has had its second season extended to 18 episodes, up five from its initial 13-episode order. This matches the order for lead-in (and sister show) Empire, which means that the two will be taking their midseason hiatus at the same time and returning in the spring together, as well.
From Lee Daniels (Empire) and Tom Donaghy (The Whole Truth), Star revolves around Star (Jude Demorest), Simone (Brittany O’Grady), and Alexandra (Ryan Destiny), three talented singers who form a girl group and attempt to make their mark in the Atlanta music scene. Once they get deeper into the lion’s den, though, the girls realize that their dreams will come at a price and that making it in the big leagues is more difficult than they could’ve imagined.
In addition to Demorest, O’Grady, and Destiny, Star features Queen Latifah (Chicago), Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality), newcomer Amiyah Scott, and Quincy Brown (Dope). The series, which becomes the first sophomore show to get an episode extension, is currently up in the ratings from its season one average, benefiting from the Empire lead-in to the tune of a 1.6 in Live + Same Day ratings. Season one, meanwhile, averaged a 1.3 airing out of Lethal Weapon (and the occasional repeat/special) this past winter.
Star airs Wednesdays at 9:00 on FOX.
