Empire

Pure garbage with terrible acting and writing. The absolute stereotyping is appalling and if that's not enough to turn you off, I've got one name for you - Jussie Smollett

Somewhat stereotypical, and certainly clichéd writing, but captivating, particularly as performed by 2 of my favorite actors, Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard, ever since seeing them in one of my favorite gritty, touching movies, Hustle & Flow.

Like that infamous film, there will be welcome music. A flashback scene in the pilot episode almost harks back to that time they worked together.

Can't help but feel personally invested in its characters, which may be biased since I so admire the work of the actors playing the roles.

"A unique family drama set in the world of a hip hop empire." Pretty sure it's the first series featuring that premise.

Enjoying so far, and anxious to watch where it goes.

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.

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 =)

In all the years I've used IMDB, I probably reviewed one or two shows or movies. Since the final season of Empire leaves us with a cliffhanger, it did hint during the final episodes what was going to happen to Lucious. Whatever remains of the plot will, in our imagination, go on without having to see it. Too bad so many low rated reviews were at the beginning of the reviews. I do not care for rap music, but I became immersed in this series because of the plot, the talent of the actors and the words of the music that related to their lives. It was easier to understand because I was involved in the characters. I'm 78 years old and a big, big fan of Classic Movies. Although I would never give this series a classic recommendation, my taste in talent and appreciation of music and good acting leaves me open to all kinds of entertainment. I was particularly sorry to see Jussie go, since he was the balance between the characters, but they made it work. This was worth my time. I know from a TV interview that Howard wants to stop being someone else and go on living a normal life. He's really a good actor and I remember him from "CRASH" and loved him in that movie.