In fact, the fourth round didn't look impressive due to a reception by the target audience. On Rotten Tomatoes, the fans have rated this installment at 2.7/5 with a 44% approval rating. On Metacritic, we may see a score of only 5.5/10. But as for the critics, they apparently were impressed with the fourth chapter of the soap opera since their rating was 8.5/10/83%, on Rotten Tomatoes. Meantime, an overall score of the show on IMDb remains pretty high, 7.7/10 > 32,000 votes. Can we conclude that the viewers lose their interest in the show looking at these statistics? Generally speaking, we don't think so. However, let's take a look at the viewing audience.
The fourth season premiere titled "Noble Memory" has garnered 7.05 million viewers with a 2.4/9 rating/share (P18-49). This figure is lower by three million compared to the same of Season 3. However, this number seems to be not so tragic compared to the last season's finale (6.94 million). But the next episodes of Season 4 rolled to the mark below six million. In fact, there is no reason to disturb at the moment. Nonetheless, a descending trend is evident. The show is gradually moving to its conclusion. The primary question in such circumstances is "when?"
Frankly, we didn't think that FOX is going to cancel Empire after Season 4. Despite the trend described above, the show's figures are still strong. On the other hand, it was difficult to foresee all the possible curves of the storyline of this season. As we remember, Lucious is diagnosed with ALS, after all. So, the show's creators will have to put an end to this question someday. However, we don't rule out his "miraculous recovery" at all.
Summing up, Empire has showcased steady indicators. Despite all the negative factors, FOX opted to pick up the drama series for Season 5.
What Is Empire About?
If you had no chance to get acquainted with this R&B/Hip-Hop soap opera, here is a brief overview below.The show's title character is Lucious Lyon, who owns a hip-hop label Empire Entertainment. He was formerly a drug dealer who managed to break with such a dirty business and climb onto the music scene as a hip-hop mogul. However, Lucious' entire life and business empire are in danger since he is terminally ill due to a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In an attempt to leave a legacy, Lucious decides to transfer the reins of government over his music empire to one of his sons. Meanwhile, Lucious' ex is going to dethrone him as well. As a result, a battle unfolds around Empire Entertainment since each of potential successor is ready for everything to seize the throne.
The show lasts for four seasons. As a result, the storyline has been changed many times. A lot of subsidiary characters were introduced as well.