Network: FOX
Episodes: 102 (hour)
Seasons: Six
TV show dates: January 7, 2015 — April 21, 2020
Series status: Ended
Performers include: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Malik Yoba, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Gealey, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Gabourey Sidibe.
TV show description:
This musical drama series revolves around a family that’s at the center of a hip hop music empire.
A former drug dealer, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is the CEO of Empire Entertainment, a hugely successful 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.
Eldest son Andre (Trai Bryers) is Wharton-educated, power-hungry, and married to manipulative Rhonda (Kaitlin Doubleday).
Middle child Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is a talented gay singer-songwriter who’s long been seen as the black sheep of the family and despises the corporate side of the music industry.
Fame-obsessed Hakeem (Bryshere Gray, aka Yazz The Greatest) is a fame-obsessed rising hip hop artist, the baby of the clan, and his father’s favorite.
Complicating matters is the boys’ mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), who emerges from prison to claim her share of the empire. She helped build the company with Lucious and then took the fall for running drugs that helped finance his early career.
Other characters include Anika Calhoun (Grace Gealey), head of Empire Entertainment A&R and Lucious’ love interest; Vernon Turner (Malik Yoba), Lucious’ longtime friend and business partner; and Becky Williams (Gabourey Sidibe), Lucious’ executive assistant.
Episode #102 — Home Is on the Way
In the midst of the Bossyfest launch and the fight to regain control of Empire, Cookie reflects on her life and the woman she has become. Lucious finds it impossible to deny his feelings for Cookie while continuing to support Yana (guest Kiandra Richardson) and her rise to stardom. When the Lyons face their biggest threat yet, Lucious prepares for the battle of his life and realizes that in the end, family is what matters the most.
First aired: April 21, 2020.
What do you think? Do you like the Empire TV show? Do you think it should have ended? Would you have renewed it for a seventh season?
Tonight show was amazing can’t wait until next week to see the next show .
The show has in many ways offended lots of people..not just those who choose to speak out about it. As an African American woman I was willing to give the show a chance but the writing was so immature and brash….bashing gays..black men..hip hop..and the president of the United States ..I for one am glad that someone had the guts to say NO this will not Go forward..thankful that it was cancelled
Renew
This is a fierce show! I looove it!! Unclear why all of a sudden gay is a problem! You see homosexual on dang near any TV station you turn to! It’s nothing new! Absolutely, renew the damn contract and let us viewers enjoy a phenomenal TV series!!
So far I like Empire. And the show should not be cancel. I think of some other programs that should be cancel instead.
Is it true that the show has been canceled due to gay bashing?
Hardly.
Please revise your analysis to reflect that the middle son’s name is Jamal, (A.K.A.) Mal as his mother refers to him. In your analysis you name both the middle and eldest son’s as Andre. Thanks. Show is cool. All my friends are watching it. A little surprised by 1) the mother (Taraji P.) answering the door with a gun. 2) the father (Terrence H.) killing someone by his own hands. 3) the youngest son’s (Bryshere) anger that the middle son was dropping a record too. Love how strong the characters are written and the musical back drop. Hope that there… Read more »
Thanks for spotting that typo.
Love love love this show
I am a huge fan already. I have set my DVR so I won’t miss it. I am already a huge fan of Tariji Henson and Terrence Howard but the other cast members are extraordinary as well. I love the music, the background scenes and the issues the family is dealing with. This is a hit and something I would love to see more of. Plus I love the middle and youngest son relationship. Watching Jamal face want he is going through is sad but a eye opener of what most homosexual men have to endure. GREAT WRITING, MUSIC, &… Read more »
Dramatic… Edgy… Haunting… I loved it! I’m a little peeved that “Red Band Society” may not be back, but, “Empire” is pretty durn good…. I really loved the music too!
Can’t stand much of Taragi P. Henson, but she does nothing to ruin my immediately falling in love with the show Empire. Every thing about it gives me thrills. I hope it is a super hit and that all kinds of people are referring to some aspect of it -all the time. You know, like they do about Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder. For me, TPH ‘s persona just isn’t as admirable as Kerry or Viola. But Terrance Howard darn sure is. Just hope his character has range, and we can like him for more than just… Read more »
I thought the show was pretty good. I liked it alot and I like Terrance Howard and definitely like Taraji P. Henson. She’s been in many shows I have watched and think she is a good actress same with Terrance Howard. I hope people like it as well and it will do good.
I truly enjoyed watching Empire last night. This is an excellent show to watch. I’m looking forward to watching the next episode.
DEFINITELY RENEWED….excellent show. After last nights premier, its one of the best things about Fox..I am not a Fox fan but will be watching EMPIRE.
I really enjoy Empire and think it can be amazing since there alot going on past and present . It’s far to early to know if it should be renewed or canceled. But if last night show is a preview of whats to come I say renew it now !