Empire has been renewed for season 6 at Fox, but it will likely come back without one main character.

In a statement received by Shadow And Act, Fox Entertainment and 20th Century Fox TV says: “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.”

Because there was an extension on Smollett’s option, this means the door is open if there were to be an opportunity for him or the character to return.

Empire remains the second-highest rated program on the network after 9-1-1. The series revolves around the Lyon family and their media company, Empire Entertainment. The founder, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), is the king of hip-hop, but his company and reign are constantly threatened by his family, including his ex-wife, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), his sons, Jamal (Jussie Smollett), Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and Andre (Trai Byers); and a volatile and competitive music industry. Empire also stars Andre Royo as Thurston “Thirsty” Rawlings, Gabourey Sidibe as Becky, Serayah as Tiana and Ta’Rhonda Jones as Porsha.

 

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