Tom Ellis formally signed on Netflix's for uncertain Lucifer 6 season after lengthy contract negotiations. Ellis plays the main character Lucifer Morningstar, The Devil, based on the character DC Comics created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg.
Lucifer premiered on Fox in January 2016 as it lasted for three seasons. Fox canceled Lucifer after Season 3. Netflix picked it up within weeks of cancellation after a campaign on social media by fans showed what a dedicated viewership it had. Ellis commented on fan support at the time, describing it as "nothing less than being ridiculously overwhelming" and was open in his view that the show got more support than the network gave him credit for. Lucifer seasons 4 was released on Netflix in May 2019.
Now, TV Line has reported that although the Lucifer 6 season has not been officially confirmed, Ellis' signing on everything but it confirms the renewal. In April, negotiations between Ellis and Warner Brother's standstill after Netflix expressed interest in extending the show beyond the announcement of its fifth and final season earlier in the year. Ellis had a Season 6 Deal, so depending on the circumstances, his failure to fulfill the deal could lead to his breach of contract. It appears that all parties have managed to reach agreement on this issue, and with the sixth season onboard Ellis officially guaranteed. Neither Ellis and his team nor Warner Brothers commented on the reason for the delay in terminating the contracts. Ildy Modrovich and Joe Henderson participated in the official agreements for the Lucifer 6 season earlier in the year.
Netflix has not yet announced the premiere date for the Lucifer 5 season, which will consist of 16 episodes that will be released in two of eight blocks. This is a jump from Season 4, which had only 10 episodes. Like most productions, the season suffered a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Modrovich raised fans on Twitter earlier in the month by sharing that Season 5 episodes are 50-60 minutes long. This is much longer run time than most network chains that generally come in less than 45 minutes.
It can be frustrating or disheartening for fans to see their beloved show in danger for things like this. With Netflix appearing ready and eager to extend the series to another season before Season 5 premiered, with episodes at least higher than Season 4, viewers and support are clearly not part of the delay. Negotiations like this can be complicated and not always related to money. In the end, the actors are people, and casual TV making may seem glamorous and fun but it's a big commitment to time and energy. This is more true for the series lead. Viewers can only hope that all parties, with an interest in themselves, will work in the interests of production to achieve the best quality show possible.