Empire

2014 • FOX
4.8
51.9K reviews
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (18)

1 Pilot
1/7/15
EMPIRE is a powerful new drama that follows LUCIOUS LYON, the head of a music empire whose reign has been unchallenged for years. But all that changes when he learns he has a disease and must choose one of his three sons to take over: ANDRE, JAMAL or HAKEEM. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, COOKIE, who emerges from prison to claim her share.
2 The Outspoken King
1/14/15
Lucious must defend Empire’s IPO launch after controversies arise around one of his artists being involved in a shooting, and Cookie proves to be invaluable by helping Lucious turn a crisis into a triumph. Competition between Lucious and Cookie heats up when Cookie hears of Lucious’s plan to stage a huge performance for Hakeem – but not Jamal. Meanwhile, the police begin to investigate Bunkie’s murder.
3 The Devil Quotes Scripture
1/21/15
The Lyons head to Philadelphia and get a taste of what their life could have been if Lucious hadn’t made it big. Lucious promotes Hakeem’s new relationship with hip-hop star Tianna, but tensions rise when another woman tries to catch Hakeem’s eye.
4 False Imposition
1/28/15
Lucious attempts to steal a super-hot, chart-topping artist from his rival at Safe House Records. Meanwhile, Jamal struggles to compose original music and Cookie tries to forge a relationship with her estranged son, Hakeem.
5 Dangerous Bonds
2/4/15
Cookie receives an anonymous gift from an admirer that she believes might be a veiled threat from a person from her prison past. Meanwhile, Lucious takes charge of Hakeem’s first video shoot.
6 Out, Damned Spot
2/11/15
Vernon is caught in the middle of a very sticky situation. Meanwhile, Jamal is rising to stardom, but his newfound drive and ambition might stir up trouble in his relationships. To make matters worse, a mystery woman from the family’s past shows up with a huge surprise.
7 Our Dancing Days
2/18/15
Tension mounts between Hakeem and Jamal, as Lucious attempts to brand Empire Entertainment as a tight-knit, “family-run” company. Meanwhile, Cookie and Anika don’t hold anything back when it comes to taking over the company.
8 The Lyon's Roar
2/25/15
Cookie attempts to bring the Lyon family together and record a legacy album with Lucious, Hakeem and Jamal. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Lucious, Anika and Cookie.
9 Unto the Breach
3/4/15
It’s an all-out war when Cookie uncovers Anika’s big backstabbing secret, and Lucious must come face-to-face with his longtime rival, Billy Beretti. As the Lyon family rallies to save Empire Entertainment, all three sons take drastic measures: Jamal gets close with famous artist Delphine, Hakeem works hand-in-hand with Cookie and Andre is pushed way beyond his limits.
10 Sins of the Father
3/11/15
Andre forms a new musical relationship with Michelle, and a woman from Lucious’ past, Angie, comes into the picture. Meanwhile, Lucious invites the whole family over to his home. However, everyone arrives with their own agendas. Hakeem, under the influence of Camilla, sets out to show his father that he’s a true artist and a good businessman. Then, Cookie prepares to state her own agenda for Empire and for her family, when Olivia arrives.
11 Die but Once
3/18/15
Jamal and Lucious are on their way to forming a music-centered relationship, but once again, Lucious has a secret that’s about to change everything.
12 Who I Am
3/18/15
Hakeem decides to flirt with the enemy, while trying to figure out what the best move is for his career. Meanwhile, Cookie is cooking up a plan of her own.
101 EMPIRE First Look
12/14/14
Catch a first look at EMPIRE, a sexy and powerful new drama about a family dynasty that follows the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne. EMPIRE airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.
102 EMPIRE Preview Special
12/13/14
Go inside the making of EMPIRE with in-depth interviews with creator/director Lee Daniels, creator/writer Danny Strong, Musical Producer Timbaland, stars Terence Howard and Taraji P. Henson and additional cast members all offering insights on how FOX is bringing television’s first hip hop drama to life.
103 INSIDE EMPIRE Special
12/29/14
Co-Creators Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, Producer Brian Grazer, Showrunner Ilene Chaiken and stars Terrence Howard and Taraji Henson come together for a no-holds-barred discussion about EMPIRE. Moderated by Elvis Mitchell from KCRW’s “The Treatment,” the conversations will peel back the layers of the hip-hop music business, where fashion, diversity and self-expression play a big role.
104 Uncut Music Performance – Good Enough
8/16/15
Season-only
See the full performance of Jamal Lyon’s (Jussie Smollett) hit song “Good Enough”, as performed on the set of EMPIRE.
105 Uncut Music Performance – Drip Drop
8/16/15
Season-only
See the full performance of Hakeem Lyon’s (Bryshere Y. Grey) hit song “Drip Drop”, as performed on the set of EMPIRE.
106 It’s in the Music
8/16/15
Season-only
Featuring legendary hit producer Timbaland, dive into the music with an inside look at creating the original songs, intense performances, and soulful beats of the groundbreaking new series from Lee Daniels.

About this show

A sexy and powerful new drama about a family dynasty that follows the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne. EMPIRE airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX

Ratings and reviews

4.8
51.9K reviews
NN N
October 25, 2015
Season 1 of Empire was very interesting and had a cast of great actors with exceptional talent. Although some content was a bit unconventional for my taste. I continued to watch the show because there was an intriguing plot. Unfortunately, there seems to be an agenda of the writer's of this show to push the acceptance of same sex relationship drama (you know the kind of things you have an idea about but you'd rather it be left up to your imagination) in Season 2 and that is a deal breaker for me.
12 people found this review helpful
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A Google user
March 31, 2015
Going off a sample of just a few shows, it was ok. I expected less cliche with this one. The music industry is pretty down right now and the genre this show balances on isn't doing so well. Likable characters you can touch base with. The monologue is hit or miss. I think it's a stretch to see this last for more than 2 seasons based off of the shortcomings of the storyline.
118 people found this review helpful
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Ag Sher
March 7, 2015
Black is The New GREEN in PRIME TIME TV, and FOX even got some! But, this GREEN IS PURE GOLD!!! HIP-HOP Music, money, sex and deceit with pretty people in nice homes, wearing designer clothes and driving luxury vehicles is a formula made to take over the world of all forms of ENTERTAINMENT, MEDIA AND ENTERPRISE! LONG may The Lyon Family Reign! BUT, I DID NOT PAY GOOGLE PLAY FOR THIS SEASON JUST TO SEE THEM HAWK THEIR OTHER SHOWS IN COMMERCIAL BITES !!! AND FOR THAT RIDICULOUSNESS??? THREE STARS IS ALL I CAN GRANT YOU! Sorry.
960 people found this review helpful
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