Empire (2015)
The Lyon family's battle for a hip-hop empire unfolds across six electrifying seasons of music, power, and betrayal on FOX.
Empire - Series Information
- Original Title: Empire
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Danny Strong, Lee Daniels
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Soap
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 102
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 7, 2015 (United States - TV-14), January 7, 2015 (Canada - 14+), January 7, 2015 (Germany - 16), January 7, 2015 (France - 10), January 7, 2015 (India - U), January 7, 2015 (Australia - MA15+), January 7, 2015 (Brazil - 14), January 7, 2015 (Mexico - AA), January 7, 2015 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: FOX
- Alternative Titles: 嘻哈世家 (TW), Imperija (LT), Empire/エンパイア 成功の代償 (JP)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox Television, Imagine Television Studios, Lee Daniels Entertainment, Little Chicken Productions, Danny Strong Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Empire - Plot
A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.
Empire - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Lyon dynasty's war for power begin:
Their reign. Their rules.
Where to Watch Empire
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Empire - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Danny Strong
- Lee Daniels
Main Cast
- Terrence Howard
- Taraji P. Henson
- Bryshere Y. Gray
- Trai Byers
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Jussie Smollett
- Ta'Rhonda Jones
- Serayah
- Grace Byers
- Andre Royo
Writers
- Thomas Westfall
- Joshua Allen
- Matt Pyken
- Jamie Rosengard
- Ilene Chaiken
Executive Producers
- Lee Daniels
Empire - FAQs
Where can you stream Empire online?
Empire is available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. It can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported streaming is available on Tubi TV. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
Why was Jussie Smollett written off Empire?
Jussie Smollett, who played Jamal Lyon, was suspended from Empire in 2019 following his arrest on charges of staging a hate crime hoax. Fox and the producers removed him from the final season. He appeared in a brief cameo in the series finale but did not return as a series regular.
Is Empire based on a true story?
Empire is not based on a specific true story, but co-creator Lee Daniels has said the show draws inspiration from real dynamics in the music industry and from Shakespeare's King Lear. The Lyon family saga reflects broader themes of ambition, loyalty, and power seen in real entertainment dynasties.
Who are the main actors in Empire?
Empire stars Terrence Howard as music mogul Lucious Lyon and Taraji P. Henson as his fierce ex-wife Cookie Lyon. The ensemble cast also includes Bryshere Y. Gray, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett as the three Lyon sons, along with Gabourey Sidibe, Grace Byers, Serayah, Ta'Rhonda Jones, and Andre Royo.
How many seasons and episodes does Empire have?
Empire ran for 6 seasons and 102 episodes in total. Season 1 consisted of 12 episodes, while Seasons 2 through 6 each contained 18 episodes. The series premiered on FOX on January 7, 2015, and concluded in 2020.
What is Empire the TV series about?
Empire follows Lucious Lyon, the ruthless founder of a hip-hop music empire, as his three sons and ex-wife Cookie wage war for control of his company. Blending family drama with the cutthroat world of the music industry, the show explores power, ambition, loyalty, and betrayal across six seasons.
Did Empire win any major awards?
Empire earned numerous award nominations throughout its run. Taraji P. Henson won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Cookie Lyon in 2016. The show also received multiple NAACP Image Award wins and Screen Actors Guild nominations, cementing its cultural impact.
What is the content rating for Empire?
Empire is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains mature themes including violence, strong language, sexual content, and depictions of substance abuse. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers.
More About Empire
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