Fox has officially confirmed Empire has been renewed for a fifth season. The dramatic series is currently airing season four on Wednesdays as 8pm ET/PT, with this current season averaging 11.3 million viewers.
Empire was created by Oscar nominee Lee Daniels (Precious) and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong (Game Change). The series is executive produced by Daniels, Strong, Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken, Francie Calfo, Sanaa Hamri, Brett Mahoney, and Dennis Hammer.
The cast is led by Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. Jussie Smollett, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Serayah, Xzibit, Rumer Willis, Andre Royo and Terrell Carter also star in season four of the critically acclaimed series.
Season four guest stars include Demi Moore, Forest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard, Taye Diggs, and Phylicia Rashad.
“Empire is as compelling, emotional and unpredictable as it ever was,” said Michael Thorn, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “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.”
The Season Four Plot: Empire’s explosive twists and turns resume, as Empire Entertainment embarks on a celebration of its 20th anniversary. Lucious (Terrence Howard) makes his first public appearance after the explosion in Las Vegas, and all members of the Lyon family, as well as Lucious’ nurse, Claudia (guest star Demi Moore), have their own interests in Lucious regaining his physical and mental faculties. While Lucious struggles with his recovery, Cookie (Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson) begins to revisit the most challenging time of her life – her 17 years in prison – in a series of flashbacks. Throughout the season, Lucious, Cookie and their three sons will be forced to take a hard look at their choices, both past and present, in order to secure their legacy and save their Empire.
In true Lyon fashion, season four will be filled with exciting new music, splashy events and high-profile guest stars. In addition to Moore’s return, Phylicia Rashad will reprise her role as Diana Dubois, who, along with her son, Angelo (returning guest star Taye Diggs), launches an elaborate plan to take revenge on the Lyons. Forest Whitaker also join the cast for a multi-episode arc as Eddie Barker, a charismatic music icon and Lyon family friend.
