Hollywood, CA – The fate FOX’s hit show Empire has reportedly been sealed. According to Entertainment Tonight, the network announced on Monday (May 13) it was canceling the show after Season 6, which will air next year.
FOX Entertainment’s Charlie Collier said they would make the final season a monumental television event.
“We’re turning the final season Empire into a large television event,” Collier said. “If you look at what we’re doing with Empire ... we really are trying to go out guns a-blazing. One the great benefits announcing a final season is to allow the fans to lean in and to have the ending they deserve, and that’s everything we’re trying to do with this iconic series.
“Six years is a pretty remarkable run for a drama series and we feel good about it.”
As far as the series’ embattled star Jussie Smollett, there are currently “no plans” to have him involved in the final season. He was written out the final episodes Season 5 after he was accused staging his own hate-fueled attack in January.
“There is an option for him to return],” Collier added. “At] this point, we have no plans for that.”
Although Smollett was charged with 16 felonies, Chicago prosecutors ultimately dropped all charges against him.
Not all is lost for Smollett, however. There’s a small chance he will return for Season 6. FOX fered him an extended contract despite the controversy currently swallowing his career.
“We’ve been told that Jussie will not be on ‘Empire’ in the beginning the season but he appreciates they have extended his contract to keep Jamal’s future open,” a spokesperson for Smollett told ET last month. “Most importantly he is grateful to Fox and Empire leadership, cast, crew and fans for their unwavering support.”
Smollett has played the character Jamal Lyons since 2015.