‘Empire’ season 2 spoilers: More than 12 episodes confirmed

When we first heard the news that “Empire” was officially renewed for a second season, we were among the group that wanted to see the episode order stay about where it was fir the first batch of episodes: Twelve. Maybe this is not the conventional opinion, but we’re of the belief that less is sometimes more. Shorter seasons may make less money in the long-term, but it makes it easier for new viewers to catch up. For example, we don’t think that “Breaking Bad” would have surged in its final eight episodes if there was more than sixty episodes for people to go through. Also, it allows there to be a greater emphasis on quality.

However, we do know now with some confidence that the second season will carry on a little bit longer than our desired order. Speaking (per Deadline) while promoting the series in Paris, executive producer Lee Daniels, joined by breakout star Taraji P. Henson, made it clear that there was going to be a compromise between the show’s producers and Fox:

“They (Fox) want to do 22 episodes which I think is a nightmare. And I know you all want to see 22 episodes, but that will kill her … It’s a lot of work to make that good stuff. I know it’s going to be more than 12 and it won’t be 22.”

If we were to guess right now, our feeling is that it will be about 18. That is the order for “Sleepy Hollow” at the moment, and that will allow the show to air throughout the fall with few breaks, and then get several weeks into the new year before saying farewell.

What do you want to see on “Empire” season 2, and do you think that a shorter episode order is indeed the way to go? Share with a comment, and head over here to get some other news related to “Empire” right away! Also, you can sign up now to score some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Fox.)