Empire TV show release status overview
Empire was a Fox drama that aired from January 2015 to August 2020, spanning six seasons and 108 episodes. The series premiered on January 7, 2015, and its final season (Season 6) aired in two parts: Fall 2019 and Winter–Spring 2020, with the series finale airing on April 21, 2020. There have been no new seasons or official continuations since that date. In this guide, you’ll find verified season-by-season release windows, key renewal patterns, and context on production and scheduling decisions that shaped the show’s timeline.
Season-by-season release timeline
Empire followed an annual seasonal pattern for its first several years, with breaks between Fall and Spring cycles. Below is a concise, verified schedule that explains when each season launched and concluded.
| Season | Episodes | Premiere date | Finale date | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | January 7, 2015 | March 18, 2015 | Series debut; strong early ratings |
| 2 | 18 | September 23, 2015 | May 18, 2016 | First full season; grew to Top 10 |
| 3 | 18 | September 21, 2016 | May 17, 2017 | Continued high viewership |
| 4 | 18 | September 27, 2917 | May 9, 2018 | Shifted timeslot midseason |
| 5 | 18 | September 26, 2018 | May 8, 2019 | Moved to early Fall; ratings decline noted |
| 6A | 8 | September 26, 2019 | November 21, 2019 | First part of final season; Fall scheduling |
| 6B | 10 | February 11, 2020 | April 21, 2020 | Series finale; production impacted by external factors |
Season 1: Launch and early momentum
Empire debuted on January 7, 2015, after the NFC Championship Game, a prominent Super Bowl-adjacent slot. The premiere delivered strong live+Same Day numbers, and the series quickly became a cultural talking point for its music-driven storytelling and high-profile cast. Episodes concluded in March 2015, establishing the show’s core arc and setting up long-running family conflicts.
Seasons 2–4: Peak reach and scheduling adjustments
Season 2 expanded to 18 episodes and moved to September premieres, locking into an annual Fall-to-Spring cycle. Season 3 continued that pattern, while Season 4 introduced a slight timeslot shift. Throughout these years, Empire remained a Top 10 draw, supporting strong advertiser interest and music partnerships. By Season 5, however, ratings softened, and the show’s prominence within the Fox schedule shifted.
Season 6: Final season structure and conclusion
On April 30, 2019, Fox announced that Season 6 would be the series’ last. The final season was split into two blocks to manage storytelling and production pacing. Season 6A aired in Fall 2019, preserving a traditional Fall schedule. Season 6B moved to February 2020, a decision influenced by both narrative planning and broader industry considerations. The finale aired on April 21, 2020, ending the series run without a renewal or immediate continuation.
Renewal history and decision patterns
Empire received timely renewals for its first four seasons, which is reflected in the consistent seasonal release rhythm through Season 4. Season 5 renewal came with a reduced episode order and an earlier Fall start, signaling a gradual shift in network commitment. The decision to conclude with Season 6 reflected both creative planning and network strategy, culminating in a deliberate two-part finale structure.
| Date | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 2015 | Series order and premiere | Freshman season positioned as a midseason replacement |
| February 2015 | Season 1 renewal | Early signal of strong launch performance |
| March 2016 | Season 2 renewal | Continued confidence; increased episode count |
| March 2017 | Season 3 renewal | Stable annual pattern established |
| May 2018 | Season 4 renewal | Sustained lead-in from Thursday NBA and other sports |
| April 2019 | Season 6 order and split format | Final season planned as two-part conclusion |
| May 2019 | Season 5 reduced episode count | Indicated shifting network priorities |
Production and timeslot context
Empire originated as a midseason replacement in January 2015 and later anchored Thursday nights for much of its run, inheriting a lead-in from NBA games in some periods. In Season 5, the show moved to an early Fall schedule and trimmed its episode order. For Season 6, Fox opted for a condensed two-part release, advancing the final season’s timeline. While no new episodes have been commissioned, cast and creator discussions in interviews confirm that the April 2020 finale was intended as the series’ last.
Current status and what to expect
As of 2025, Empire remains officially concluded. There are no announced revival episodes, reboot plans, or new seasons in active development. Reruns and streaming availability continue on licensed platforms, and discussions about the series often reference its cultural impact, music releases, and ensemble performances rather than new content. If any future project or special is announced, it would be characterized as a one-off event rather than a continuation of the series.
Key dates at a glance
- Series premiere: January 7, 2015
- Season 3 finale: May 17, 2017
- Season 5 premiere: September 26, 2018
- Season 6A (final Fall block): September 26 – November 21, 2019
- Season 6B and series finale: February 11 – April 21, 2020
- Last new episode: April 21, 2020
Conclusion
Empire aired six seasons from January 2015 through April 2020, with a structured release plan that moved from steady annual cycles to a condensed final season. The series has not been renewed or revived, and April 2020 marks the definitive end of new episodes. This overview captures the show’s release chronology, renewal context, and current standing for viewers seeking clarity on its timeline.