Fox announced onTuesday that Empire has been renewed for season five with a premiere date set for fall of 2018. Although the musical drama has seen significant rating drops in the past two years, it looks like the network isn’t ready to call quits on one of its most popular series. Fox also revealed that Ilene Chaiken (The L Word) is stepping down as the series’ showrunner and will be replaced by Brent Mahoney for season five.
“Empire is as compelling, emotional and unpredictable as it ever was” said Fox entertainment president Michael Thorn in a statement. “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.”
Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, Empire premiered in 2015 to strong ratings and positive reviews from the critics. The series revolves around a hip-hop and entertainment company and follows the drama that unfolds when the company’s founder has to choose his successor. It stars Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, and Trai Byers among others.
The first season of the series had 17.33 million viewers on average, while the second season averaged 15.73 million. The third and fourth season saw a big decline in ratings, with the last episode, which aired on April 25, attracting only 5.34 million viewers. Despite all of this, Empire is still the networks second most watched television program among 18-49 demographic.
Besides Empire, Fox also renewed shows 911, The Gifted, The Orville and The Simpsons. The fate of Empire’s sister series Star is yet to be determined.
