Empire will come to an end after season six, it has been confirmed.
Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier has revealed that season six – which is expected to arrive later this year – will be the last, reports Entertainment Weekly.
"We are turning the final season into a large TV event," Collier said. "We are trying to go out guns a-blazing.
"One of the great benefits of announcing the final season is that it actually allows fans to lean in and have the ending they deserve. Six years is a remarkable run."
The hit US show follows fictional hip-hop brand Empire Entertainment, and the drama over who will become heir to the CEO's office chair. First aired in 2015, its opening season went on to attract over 17 million viewers.
There have been questions, however, about whether Jussie Smollett will return as the second son of the Lyon family, Jamal.
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This uncertainty stems from Smollett's claims back in January about being the victim of a racial and homophobic attack. He was accused of staging the attack, but denied this vehemently, and all charges were dropped in March.
Collier explained that while they still have the option for Smollett to return for the final season, it looks unlikely, as "there are no plans at this point" to have the actor back.
It echoes a previous statement from Fox TV back in April, which read: "By mutual agreement, the studio has negotiated an extension to Jussie Smollett's option for season six, but at this time there are no plans for the character of Jamal to return to Empire."
The last episode of season 5, 'The Roughest Day', aired last week. Season 6's release date is still unknown, but it's expected to begin later this year.
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