It looks like FOX may have a hit on its hands so, after just two episodes, the network has renewed Empire for a second season.
On Empire, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is the CEO of a successful hip hop music company. His life is turned upside down when he learns that he has ALS and must now choose one of his three sons as his successor. The rest of the cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Malik Yoba, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Gealey, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Gabourey Sidibe.
Here’s their press release about the renewal:
HOT FROM FOX…
FOX ORDERS A SECOND SEASON OF HIT DRAMA “EMPIRE”
Next All-New Episode Airs Wednesday, January 21, on FOX
FOX has renewed hit drama series EMPIRE for a second season, it was announced today by Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group.
In the next all-new episode of EMPIRE, “The Devil Quotes Scripture,” airing Wednesday, Jan. 21 (9:01-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, the Lyons head to Philadelphia for Bunkie’s funeral and get a taste of what their life could have been if Lucious (Terrence Howard) hadn’t made it big. Then, Lucious promotes Hakeem’s (Bryshere Gray) new relationship with hip-hop star Tianna (guest star Serayah), but tensions rise when another woman tries to catch Hakeem’s eye. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. (“Jerry Maguire”) and music legend Gladys Knight guest-star.
Averaging a 5.3 rating in Nielsen’s Most Current measure, EMPIRE has emerged as the No. 1 new series of the season. Following its second episode, it is the only new broadcast drama this season to grow from week one to week two.
From Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels (“Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” “Precious”), Emmy Award winner Danny Strong (“Game Change,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler”) and Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “24”), comes EMPIRE, a drama about a family dynasty, set within a world of music, glamour, danger and power.
Featuring music by prolific producer Timbaland, the series stars Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard (“Crash,” “Hustle & Flow”) and Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson (“No Good Deed,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”).
Among the series’ other featured cast members are Malik Yoba, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers, and Kaitlin Doubleday, as well as newcomers Bryshere Gray and Grace Gealey. Additional guest stars include Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe (“American Horror Story,” “Precious”), Grammy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Courtney Love (“The People vs. Larry Flynt”), Derek Luke (“The Americans”) and Judd Nelson (“The Breakfast Club”).
EMPIRE is from Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television. The series is created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. The pilot is written by Daniels and Strong. The series is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken and Francie Calfo. Daniels directed the pilot. “Like” EMPIRE on Facebook at facebook.com/EmpireFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @EmpireFOX and join the discussion using #empire. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @EmpireFOX.
What do you think? Do you like the Empire TV show? Are you glad that it’s been renewed for a second season or would you rather have seen it cancelled?
It has been a great show cause we all love the two main stars. Only reason we first watched.(August Rush)Terrance Howard and (Think like a Man, Act like a Lady) But , while we are not black, not a problem for us,but have to wonder…We are waiting to see how respectful or not the writers are to the wife of the eldest son. Who has been through hell and back prior to marrying him from them being in lust/ love while in college together to 10 years now???!!! She clearly stated where she came from and is there for her… Read more »
I do hope, in all sincerity, that you are not holding your breath while expecting some sort of kumbaya moment. What Lucious said about his daughter-in-law is something that is said by many parents, regardless of ethnicity, all over the world. You seem to be mourning the ten year marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Machiavelli (aided by Iago), where she seems to have been shamelessly pimped out by her husband, albeit with her cooperation, to expand the empire that they both hope to take over. Rhonda Lyons put up with an unpredictable undermedicated bipolar husband, who essentially uses her as… Read more »
Are you kidding me this is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. The acting is great, the story line all the great artists they bring in.
But my fav. Is the music . Big fan, best show.
FINALLY, a TV show to beat all!!! Can’t wait for it to return every week. One request for Season 2 (and all the seasons to follow) — MORE, MORE, MORE EPISODES!
PS — The music is AWESOME!!!
Empire tv is thebomb. Talented afro american stars. Keep up the good work. Do not be jealous because that will not get you any where. The best show on tv with 14 million viewers. What other tv show can get that many viewers. The other shows are corny and a waste of electricity. Oh yay.
?
Yes a 2 session coming soon.its. A good. Show to watch
Amazing show, way to bring reality and life into everyone’s homes with style and what people relate to. Every actor/actress is amazing! One totally ends up wanting more. Somewhere is a story line, someone will connect to something there is so many outstanding life issues that pulls us in. All walks of life, race, gender, religion, age I have found to be enjoying this show. Keep it real and keep it coming!!!
Fox Channel 5 – First we had our Ms. Beautiful Lucille Ball – I Love Lucy now we have Ms Beautiful Cookie – Empire yesssssss to the Gods! But on a more serious lighter note, after Empire we can all say “we have watched TV for the night,” lights out literally speaking IJS!
Anonymous…… no need to wonder why your Anonymous. You don’t have a clue. Empire keep it coming, I love it!!
My mom, my sister, and I just love the show and are so happy it has been picked up. The acting and music just hook you and the characters seem so real…..where did it start that Terrance Howard will not be returning? Are they going to say he dies from the illness or is murdered being he is so bad?
EMPIRE is the bomb, simply put. I cannot get enough of this show. I literally records every episode in order to re-watch them. The cast is awesome. Every character does a spectacular job. The Fox Network made a very, very, very smart move airing this show. Everywhere I go people are talking about EMPIRE and the great thing is, it’s people of all nationalities saying how much they love this show. Lee Daniels you are brilliant.
I’m so glad it’s being renewed I’m so inlove w this shoe it’s always on my mind the love and drama it brings to the world is a great success the things that is in this show is so realistic that everyone could realate to it , it’s starts from Jamal being homo -sexual which is a big part of society right now, its way more that people can realate to though , I enjoy this show a lot
I Love EMPIRE it’s a mix of tension happiness love drama great music and the main component to any popular TV show now a Hawt gay character but anyway I love this show and am glad that it will have a second season hopefully it will be up to 10 seasons at least
Love it dam I love it!!!!!!!
Just because a station rushes to a second season means nothing. 2 Episodes does not predict the long term appeal of a show, its still in the honeymoon phase with viewers give it to ep 10 then watch as ratings plumet for season/series finales can it hold the audieance to it or will it lose them all to the rest.. Odd`s are this show wont make s2 if it does that will be the final season. Howard is great as is most of the cast coming through, however no one gives a crap about a Fantasy Jay-z Beyoncé show post… Read more »
Great comment. 🙂
I have to say I AM impressed by the ratings growth so far, but do feel like you that it will come back down like a souffle (ala The O.C.)
Also, the main storyline of the show is inherently limited in time, so it will be very dicey for the writers to come up with a good follow-up.
Personally, call me whatever names, but it says “hip-hop” so I’m not interested…
FYI! I’m not an illiterate loser, and neither are the majority of others who watch the show. In fact, many of us are professionals, with college degrees in Computer Networking or other fields. You’d be amazed at the diverse crowd following this show. Everyone isn’t close-minded anymore. There are good, quality actors in some key and/or supporting roles. More than anything I like the diversity of the show. I don’t particularly care for hip hop either, but the interest and/or story line isn’t ONLY about hip hop!
FYI! Illiterate is just another word for ignorance……
Since I’m not the one who called anyone “illiterate” I don’t know why this is in response to my post…
I also have no idea how “diverse” the viewership is nor do I care all that much beyond mild curiosity.
I do, however, not like hip-hop which is why I’ll probably never watch that show.
Great response!
You’re such a hater! Everyone from various income levels, race, and sexual orientations are wanting MORE & MORE EMPIRE! I was lovin Scandal, and how to Get Away With Murder. But I’m addicted to Empire, it’s so juicy, filled with suspense, drama, and entertainment. It’s not about the fantasy Boo boo kitty, it’s about escapism for the time period Empire is on. I’m a full time student and grandma. I don’t get to watch TV often, therefore I make it count. Empire brings me happiness by allowing me to briefly connect with the entertainment it has to offer. And I… Read more »
Your typos aren’t offensive, but your reliance on invective over actual debate is…
Empire will make it through season 2, and we will see whether it will survive the sophomore jinx, however only one episode of the seven shown was weak. With the exception of the elevator episode, I do not see where the program has anything in common with JAY-Z who has a toddler daughter, and not three sons, nor does he own his own music company — yet. Taraji P. Henson is the star of the show, which was written with her in mind, and she is fantastic, and specifically asked that Terrence Howard, who is great in the part, to… Read more »
I have to disagree….I don’t watch it or look at it like it is mirroring Jayz..Cookie and Beyonce are nothing alike and where you got the idea the show is only watched by illiterate losers is crazy..it appeals to so many diverse people that I know…realtors, bankers, etc! If no one cares, who are the 10 million viewers!!!
being Anonymous, and taking the time to say how the show won’t make it and that people are so caught up in fantasy and have no life, can you tell me why you took that much time out of your life to even Comment, I mean you must like the show you seem to know the whole story, no I never watch it, just wonder if you do?
Just finished episode 10, and still loving Empire. Cannot wait until next week’s two hour season finale.
I love myself some Luscious Lyons & Cookie together.
Power couple.
Gabby is too funny when Luscious ask why your name is Becky.
She replied My mother was white.
Love Gabby I really do.
I’m glad to see that a second season, but mad that Terrence Howard will not be in it the second season. I may not even watch the second season just for that reason
Where did you see that Terrence Howard will not be returning for the second season?
Why just give us the second season.