‘Empire’ renewed for season 4 by Fox
In what has to be the least-surprising news to come out of Fox’s panel at the TCA Winter Press Tour on Wednesday, it does appear as though the network is hungry to keep the train rolling when it comes to new episodes of “Empire.”
Officially, Fox has ordered the Terrence Howard – Taraji P. Henson drama for a fourth season, and once again, this season is going to run for 18 episodes. Making this move now allows the writers to start to think ahead, though they probably were anyway given the show’s dominant ratings on Wednesday night.
We will say that in terms of the overall numbers, this is still far from the force that it once was in the first two seasons on the air. So far, “Empire” is averaging a 3.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic, which is a huge drop of more than 25% from season 2. If this was a show with a smaller ratings total, then we would easily see this being a little bit more of a destructive force. However, in this particular situation, it’s not something that needs to be worried about. If the show averages over a 2.0 rating at any point in the future, it’s still hard to imagine it ending. “Empire” is a money maker for Fox and viewers love it.
In general, “Empire” does also still remain Fox’s anchor through what is proving itself to be a rather difficult time for the network. They are struggling in terms of trying to create more significant hits elsewhere, with “Lethal Weapon” probably being the closest thing that they have to a bright light on their schedule — and it may be benefiting mostly by airing on the same night that “Empire” is. Maybe “24: Legacy” or the new “Prison Break” can help to turn things around for them as they make it a little bit further into the year, but that’s even a big gamble given that the new “24: Legacy” doesn’t have Jack Bauer, and the other has been off the air for a significant stretch of time.
Following a lengthy hiatus, “Empire” will return to Fox in the spring. Meanwhile, new episodes of “Star” will air in the interim. Want to get some other news right now when it comes to “Empire,” and are you happy about the renewal? Then just be sure to head over to the link here right now! Also, be sure to leave us a comment in the box below and tell us if you are happy about the “Empire” season 4 renewal and what you want the story to focus on going forward. (Photo: Fox.)