The saga of the Lyon family will continue. Fox has officially renewed Empire for a third season, the network announced last week at the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour.
The early season three pickup of Empire comes after a strong second season performance which according to Entertainment Weekly, averaged a total of 21.2 million viewers and a 7.3 rating under the 18-49 demographic.
FOX has yet to announce the number of episodes of the third stretch.
In other developments, series star Taraji P. Henson was recognized for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the hit Fox drama.
According to Variety, Henson bagged the best TV drama actress at this year’s Golden Globes. She thanked her co-star, Terrence Howard, during her acceptance speech.
“I’m taking this home for the entire ‘Empire. Terrence Howard, I am nothing without you. Cookie is nothing without Lucious!” the actress said.
During the big event, reporters asked Henson about the spinoff of Empire which will delve on her character’s storyline. Although she confirms that nothing is in the works for now, she shared that Empire’s team will “accomplish” the offshoot project through flashbacks.
“So stay tuned,” she shares.
As to what happens next in season two, executive producer Ilene Chaiken told TV Line that the remaining episodes will focus heavily on Lucious and Jamal’s showdon for the American Sound Award’s “Song of the Year”.
"We all know that one single award doesn't mean everything. But it certainly symbolizes to Lucious and Jamal the whole story of their relationship — the story of children surpassing their parents, of being the child of a famous and hugely successful artist," the showrunner previewed.
On Cookie’s orbit, meanwhile, viewers will find the fierce matriarch planning to regroup and “seize opportunities” following Camilla’s takeover of Empire Entertainment.
"Apart from wanting what's hers, wanting her family to be together has always been the driving purpose in Cookie's life," added Chaiken
Empire returns Wednesday, March 30 on FOX.
