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Empire

  • TV Series
  • 2015–2020
  • TV-14
  • 42m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
42K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,362
102
Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson in Empire (2015)
Teaser for an episode of "Empire"
Play trailer0:31
99+ Videos
99+ Photos
Showbiz DramaDramaMusic

A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.

  • Creators
    • Lee Daniels
    • Danny Strong
  • Stars
    • Terrence Howard
    • Taraji P. Henson
    • Jussie Smollett
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    42K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    1,362
    102
    • Creators
      • Lee Daniels
      • Danny Strong
    • Stars
      • Terrence Howard
      • Taraji P. Henson
      • Jussie Smollett
    • 174User reviews
    • 23Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 8 Primetime Emmys
      • 30 wins & 106 nominations total

    Episodes103

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated

    Videos166

    Empire: Cookie & Lucious Talk To Andre About Leaving
    Clip 1:00
    Empire: Cookie & Lucious Talk To Andre About Leaving
    Empire: Cookie Screams At Lucious Over The Divorce
    Clip 1:05
    Empire: Cookie Screams At Lucious Over The Divorce
    Empire: Cookie Screams At Lucious Over The Divorce
    Clip 1:05
    Empire: Cookie Screams At Lucious Over The Divorce
    Empire: Andre Tells His Parents He's Going To South America
    Clip 1:21
    Empire: Andre Tells His Parents He's Going To South America
    Empire: Teri Witnesses Andre Hallucinating
    Clip 1:03
    Empire: Teri Witnesses Andre Hallucinating
    Empire: Cookie, Giselle, & Becky Talk Marketing For Lala
    Clip 1:17
    Empire: Cookie, Giselle, & Becky Talk Marketing For Lala
    Empire: Teri Doesn't Want Andre To Make His Father's Mistakes
    Clip 1:21
    Empire: Teri Doesn't Want Andre To Make His Father's Mistakes

    Photos957

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    + 950
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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Terrence Howard
    Terrence Howard
    • Lucious Lyon
    • 2015–2020
    Taraji P. Henson
    Taraji P. Henson
    • Cookie Lyon
    • 2015–2020
    Jussie Smollett
    Jussie Smollett
    • Jamal Lyon
    • 2015–2019
    Bryshere Y. Gray
    Bryshere Y. Gray
    • Hakeem Lyon
    • 2015–2020
    Trai Byers
    Trai Byers
    • Andre Lyon
    • 2015–2020
    Ta'Rhonda Jones
    Ta'Rhonda Jones
    • Porsha
    • 2015–2020
    Gabourey Sidibe
    Gabourey Sidibe
    • Becky
    • 2015–2020
    Serayah
    Serayah
    • Tiana Brown
    • 2015–2020
    Grace Byers
    Grace Byers
    • Anika Calhoun
    • 2015–2018
    Andre Royo
    Andre Royo
    • Thirsty Rawlings
    • 2015–2019
    AzMarie Livingston
    AzMarie Livingston
    • Chicken
    • 2015–2019
    Rekkhan
    Rekkhan
    • Engineer…
    • 2016–2020
    Nicole Ari Parker
    Nicole Ari Parker
    • Giselle
    • 2017–2020
    Claudette Burchett
    • Juanita…
    • 2015–2020
    Xzibit
    Xzibit
    • Shyne Johnson
    • 2016–2019
    Rhyon Nicole Brown
    Rhyon Nicole Brown
    • Maya
    • 2018–2020
    Kaitlin Doubleday
    Kaitlin Doubleday
    • Rhonda Lyon
    • 2015–2018
    A.Z. Kelsey
    A.Z. Kelsey
    • Jeff Kingsley
    • 2018–2020
    • Creators
      • Lee Daniels
      • Danny Strong
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews174

    7.441.9K
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    Summary

    Reviewers say 'Empire' is lauded for its compelling drama, strong performances by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, and seamless integration of music. It addresses social issues like race, sexuality, and mental health, representing African American experiences in the music industry. However, it is criticized for clichés, over-the-top acting, and unrealistic plotlines. Some reviewers also note issues with character portrayals and sensitive topic handling. Despite these flaws, many find the show entertaining and impactful, appreciating its unique concept and cultural significance.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    Lovekrafft

    Smollett effect

    Willing to give every show a fair shake and don't wish to speak ill of the show's achievements to date.

    However, at present there is a cast member who could potentially be allowed to stay on;l a cast member that willingly and knowingly attempted to stir up racial violence via fake hate hoax, simply to fuel his communist degenerate narcissism.

    This review should serve as a warning to Empire's producers - do the right thing.
    8dreamgavino

    Super entertaining

    The Good:

    This show is nothing without Taraji. She steals every scene she is in (with her on fleek outfits, her low laugh, her tigress growl, etc.). I heart Hakeem - his sublime rapping, his boyish charm -- yas please If Beyonce and Rihanna had a daughter, it would be Serayah. Most of the music is superb (catchy, edgy, etc.) The cameos are priceless (sometimes it's pleasantly surprising, sometimes it's funny, at times slightly embarrassing, but always entertaining)

    The Bad:

    Terrence Howard rapping makes me cringe (sorry) Jamal has a great voice but it seems like he is singing the same song over and over and over (and over) again... Shut up Andre

    All things considered, this show is pretty awesome =)
    skahele808

    Trying to hard!

    This show has way TOO many try hard (catch your attention) moments. It would be a lot better if they would take their foot off the gas pedal a little. (Actually a lot) It's like watching a TV series of Jerry Springer meets Hustle & Flow on steroids. The music however is great...which sounds better than 80% of the garbage that is out at this moment. But there is so much going on, along with so many special guest appearances, it's like they're trying so hard to build it up that it's going to make it even harder to follow up throughout the next seasons afterward. Family issues, guns, drugs, thugs, FBI, corruption, backstabbing, infidelity...only thing they're missing is aliens and terrorist. Wait...the season isn't over with...maybe they'll put terrorist and aliens in the next show. Wouldn't surprise me.
    LGBen

    Going downhill fast

    The first season of Empire was entertaining ... now it is just silly/stupid - no longer worth watching. The characters have become too extreme. Racist portrayals are disturbing. For a family that supposedly is close, there is far too much back stabbing and maneuvering - especially since they are portrayed as being hoodlum-like. One expects more character elimination and less soap opera drama. Without major improvements, I don't expect Empire to last much longer. BORING AND TEDIOUS.
    8MAYESY-44

    Loved the music

    All in all this is a good series to watch. Great stories and loads of great music which for me is the best part. What doesn't get it to the top series is the unfortunate end which was in part due to COVID and partly it was poorly done for the overall story with empire.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Taraji P. Henson said that she would only do the show under the condition that Terrence Howard played the lead male role.
    • Connections
      Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Matthew Perry/Taraji P. Henson/Anders Holm (2015)
    • Soundtracks
      South Side

    Top picks

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    FAQ21

    • How many seasons does Empire have?Powered by Alexa
    • Who in the music industry is Empire based on? Major or Indie ? Jay Z, Puffy Combs, DR Dre, OG Mack Drama?
    • What is Lucious Lyons' real name?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 7, 2015 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Untitled Danny Strong/Lee Daniels Project
    • Filming locations
      • Chicago, Illinois, USA
    • Production companies
      • Lee Daniels Entertainment
      • Danny Strong Productions
      • Little Chicken Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      42 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 16:9 HD

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