Key Takeaways
Jussie Smollett’s arc on Empire effectively ended in season 6, with his final episode airing in April 2020. His departure was shaped by a controversial incident in January 2019, subsequent legal proceedings, and his firing late in season 5. The table below summarizes the most notable dates and decisions in his exit from the show.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 29, 2019 | Smollett reports an alleged assault in Chicago | Triggers investigations, legal charges, and widespread industry response |
| February–March 2019 | Chicago charges filed; Fox places Smollett on paid leave | Production pauses; uncertainty about his role in season 5 |
| March 2019 | State charges dropped; federal indictment unsealed | Legal focus shifts; questions about return to filming |
| April 3, 2019 | Smollett released on bond after indictment | Continues legal battle; no immediate return to set |
| May 2019 | Fox fires Jussie Smollett | Production rewrites his character out of season 5 finale and future episodes |
| Season 5 finale (May 2019) | Empire writes Smollett’s character out via narrative exit | Official removal from ongoing storylines |
| Season 6 (2019–2020) | Final season airs with earlier filming; Smollett absent | Last televised appearance for the character in April 2020 |
| April 2020 | Series finale airs; Smollett does not appear | Formal conclusion of his tenure on the series |
What Led to the Departure
The chain of events that removed Jussie Smollett from Empire began in January 2019, when he reported an alleged hate-motivated assault in Chicago. The claim drew intense scrutiny, multiple investigations, and polarized public debate. Within weeks, Fox placed him on paid leave. State charges were filed and then abruptly dropped in March 2019, while a federal indictment was simultaneously unsealed. After his release on bond and continued legal struggles, Fox fired Smollett in May 2019. These developments led to substantial rewrites for the remainder of season 5, effectively ending his regular participation.
How His Exit Was Handled on Empire
In the writers’ room, Smollett’s character was written out of the season 5 finale, with narrative explanations provided onscreen. This allowed the show to move forward without him as it transitioned into what would become the final season. Season 6 was already in advanced production at the time, and his character did not appear in filmed material for the season. Consequently, his absence was total for the episodes that ultimately aired. From a production perspective, the decision to exclude him was consistent with the network’s aim to close the series without unresolved legal and reputational complications.
Industry and Public Reactions
News of Smollett’s firing triggered reactions across entertainment media and among the show’s audience. Industry observers noted the unusual speed of the decision and the complexity of reshaping key storylines late in production. Viewers were split, with some expressing relief and others disappointment. The controversy also prompted broader conversations about accountability, due process, and the implications of alleged misconduct on scripted television. These discussions remained relevant through the remaining seasons, influencing how the show’s legacy is discussed in retrospective coverage.
Timeline of Key Events
Below is a concise timeline of major milestones related to Smollett’s time on Empire. It reflects the main publicly documented events and production milestones tied to his departure.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 29, 2019 | Alleged assault reported in Chicago | Incident that catalyzed legal, media, and professional fallout |
| Late January–February 2019 | Fox places Smollett on paid leave | Work activity halted; future on the show uncertain |
| March 2019 | State charges dropped; federal case proceeds | Legal complexity grows; potential return to set unclear |
| May 2019 | Fox fires Smollett | Production rewrites accelerate; role in future seasons eliminated |
| May 2019 | Season 5 finale airs with character written out | Formal exit from the narrative in the last episode filmed with him |
| September 2019–April 2020 | Season 6 airs; Smollett absent | Final season concludes without his involvement |
| April 2020 | Series finale airs | Last televised appearance; character absent |
Production and Narrative Consequences
After Smollett’s firing, Empire producers faced the challenge of altering scripts and reshooting scenes late in production. Season 5’s finale was adjusted to account for his absence, and subsequent episodes minimized reference to his character. Because season 6 was mostly already shot before the controversy peaked, the visual and narrative adjustments were limited. The story moved forward focusing on remaining leads, and his character’s exit was treated as a definitive event within the series’ ongoing arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Jussie Smollett stop appearing on Empire?
- Was Jussie Smollett written off Empire?
His last filmed scenes were included in the season 5 finale in May 2019, and he did not appear in any episodes that aired during season 6 or the series finale in April 2020.
Yes. After his firing in May 2019, writers crafted an onscreen narrative exit for his character in the season 5 finale, and he was not brought back for subsequent seasons.
Final Thoughts
Jussie Smollett’s tenure on Empire concluded following a high-profile incident in early 2019, a legal process, and his dismissal from the series in May 2019. His character was written out before the final season, and he did not appear in any episodes that aired after his firing. The timeline above reflects the publicly established sequence of events relevant to his departure from the show.