TV series
Their reign. Their rules.
A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Empire is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Lucious pursues his music legacy with his streaming service, while clashing with his half-brother, Tariq, who is leading a federal task force investigating him.
Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Malcolm SpellmanGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Rekkhan
Episode 2
In an attempt to cope with life after being shot, Jamal teams up with businessman Angelo Dubois, to talk about gun violence and host a summit for awareness. When he tries to perform again, things don’t go as planned. Meanwhile, Lucious attempts to win over Cookie, Hakeem starts to record new songs with Shine, and Andre runs into some trouble with the police.
Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Cherien DabisGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Angela Yee, Ajiona Alexus, Sierra Aylina McClain, Mo McRae, Taye Diggs
Episode 3
Cookie calls in a favor with mega-superstar Kitty to record a new song with Jamal, hoping he will overcome his inability to perform. Meanwhile, Andre runs into some trouble and things don’t go as planned. Cookie and Lucious are at odds, Hakeem and Gram fight for Tiana’s attention, and things heat up between Cookie and Angelo Dubois
Directed by Millicent SheltonWritten by Eric Haywood, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Leslie Uggams, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Juan Antonio, Ezri Walker, Matthew C. Yee, Romeo
Episode 4
Things heat up between Cookie and Angelo, so Lucious finally recognizes Angelo as a formidable rival and prepares to take him on. Meanwhile, Jamal is finally able to face Freda Gatz, a big first step on his journey to recovery. Also, Anika goes back to work at Empire and instantly causes turmoil, while Hakeem starts falling for Nessa, even though she might be into a different Lyon.
Directed by Hanelle M. CulpepperWritten by Matt Pyken, Attica LockeGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Jeremy L. Carver, Ray Austin, Ajiona Alexus, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Denny Love, Juan Antonio
Episode 5
Lucious and Andre are on high alert as they wait for Shine to retaliate after their latest business encounter went south. Jamal, who has yet to perform in front of his fans, teams up with Hakeem for a performance that he thinks could help him face his fears. Meanwhile, Cookie is caught off-guard during a routine meeting with her probation officer
Directed by Mario Van PeeblesWritten by Joshua Allen, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars AzMarie Livingston, Geno Walker, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Tobias Truvillion, Samuel Hunt, Romeo, Christopher R Ellis
Episode 6
Empire is hacked and the leak creates feuds between artists and among the Lyon family. Andre takes advantage of the leak to step up and prove his worth to the company. Meanwhile, Lucious continues to try and drive a wedge between Cookie and Angelo, and Jamal finds himself in a love triangle.
Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Eric Haywood, Cherien DabisGuest stars Andre Royo, AzMarie Livingston, Sara Sevigny, Will Kinnear, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Tobias Truvillion, Juan Antonio
Episode 7
Cookie looks to Candace for tips on how to plan an elaborate family dinner that will impress Angelo's mother, Diane. Meanwhile, old home videos cause Cookie to face secrets about her relationship with her father that she had tried to hide from her kids, and Andre organizes an unlikely duet
Directed by Kevin BrayWritten by Malcolm Spellman, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Mike Moh, Jeremy L. Carver, Charlamagne tha God, Ray Austin, Angela Yee
Episode 8
Andre sabotages Tiana's big appearance at a fashion edvent in an attempt to get Nessa into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tariq works with Leah to try to bring down Lucious, and Jamal works with Philip to get over his PTSD.
Directed by Dennie GordonWritten by Jamie Rosengard, Attica LockeGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Andre Royo, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Ray Austin, Ajiona Alexus, Phylicia Rashād, Sierra Aylina McClain
Episode 9
Cookie attempts to help Angelo appeal to the masses and win the mayoral bid, by hosting a free park concert. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate Lucious and freezes all of Empire's assets, which has major repercussions.
Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Matt Pyken, Ilene ChaikenGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Andre Royo, AzMarie Livingston, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Ajiona Alexus, Phylicia Rashād, Sierra Aylina McClain
Episode 10
After launching a deadly missile at Angelo, Lucious announces his new music project, Inferno, and puts everyone on notice - especially Cookie, who then vows to knock him off his throne for good. Meanwhile, Jamal befriends musician Tory Ash during his stay in rehab, Andre continues with his plan to take over EMPIRE, and Hakeem and Tiana battle Nessa for a spot in the music showcase.
Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Eric Haywood, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Andre Royo, Rumer Willis, Mike Moh, Leslie Uggams, James T. Alfred, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Tobias Truvillion
Episode 11
Cookie tries to move forward with Angelo, while struggling with guilt over her run-in with Lucious. Meanwhile, Leah seeks out Tariq's help in taking down Anika, and Jamal and Tory team up in the studio.
Directed by Benny BoomWritten by Malcolm Spellman, Janeika James, Jasheika JamesGuest stars Andre Royo, Rumer Willis, Vivica A. Fox, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Veronika Bozeman, Ajiona Alexus, Sierra Aylina McClain
Episode 12
Angelo makes an unsettling discovery and is concerned that Cookie's past isn't in the past and will hurt his chances of becoming the Mayor. Anika is faced with a life-changing decision after Tariq reveals what he is really after. Meanwhile, Hakeem's 21st birthday party takes an unexpected turn.
Directed by Bille WoodruffWritten by Matt Pyken, Attica LockeGuest stars Andre Royo, AzMarie Livingston, Tim Hopper, Claudette Burchett, Leslie Uggams, Ajiona Alexus, Marcell Johnson, Sierra Aylina McClain
Episode 13
Hakeem throws an epic 21st birthday party and live-streams it all on Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, suspicions surrounding Anika's motives put the Lyons on high alert and the arrival of Giuliana gives Cookie a run for her money.
Directed by Cherien DabisWritten by Jamie Rosengard, Joshua AllenGuest stars Andre Royo, Estelle, Claudette Burchett, Khloe Janel, Jeremy L. Carver, Leslie Uggams, Ajiona Alexus, Sara Sevigny
Episode 14
Cookie gives Lucious unexpected news that makes him feel uneasy about the future. Hoping to make Cookie jealous, Giuliana moves in on Lucious and persuades him to comply with her new plans. Meanwhile, Anika and Tariq devise a new plan and Charlotte Frost holds the Empire Las Vegas dream in her hands.
Directed by Tricia BrockWritten by Diane Ademu-John, Cherien DabisGuest stars Andre Royo, Rumer Willis, Antoine McKay, Phylicia Rashād, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs, Eva Longoria, Nia Long
Episode 15
Angelo's relationship with Cookie turns toxic and leaves her questioning her decisions. Hakeem makes a public plea for Lucious to give him paternity of Bella during his return to Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes increasingly more suspicious of Lucious' intentions with Giuliana and Empire's future in Vegas, and Lucious and Jamal work overtime to finish their albums.
Directed by Howard DeutchWritten by Ilene Chaiken, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Andre Royo, Rumer Willis, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, Chris Lee, Leslie Uggams, Phylicia Rashād, Sierra Aylina McClain
Episode 16
The Lyons fear that the Dubois family is to blame for their latest family crisis, so when no one is willing to give up any information, Cookie takes matters into her own hands. Jamal and Lucious reach a breakthrough in a song on which they have been working, and Andre lashes out. Meanwhile, Cookie sets her eyes on a new plan for Empire in Vegas.
Directed by Millicent SheltonWritten by Attica Locke, Malcolm SpellmanGuest stars Andre Royo, AzMarie Livingston, Leslie Uggams, Alanna Lovely, Phylicia Rashād, James T. Alfred, Sierra Aylina McClain, Taye Diggs
Episode 17
When Cookie is banned from Leviticus Vegas, she pulls together a team of her own allies to seek revenge on Giuliana and steal her secret weapon. Meanwhile, Jamal is encouraged to put his album on hold, so as not to compete with Lucious' "Inferno".
Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Eric Haywood, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars Andre Royo, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Kevin Gudahl, Leslie Uggams, Marcell Johnson
Episode 18
As Lucious gets ready to launch Empire Las Vegas with Giuliana at his side, Cookie pulls together her own team of allies to wreak havoc on the opening.
Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Joshua Allen, Ilene ChaikenGuest stars Terrell Carter, AzMarie Livingston, Leslie Uggams, Alanna Lovely, Kevin Wigfall, Marcell Johnson, Phylicia Rashād, Taye Diggs
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Terrence HowardLucious Lyon
Taraji P. HensonCookie Lyon
Bryshere Y. GrayHakeem Lyon
Jussie SmollettJamal Lyon
Trai ByersAndre Lyon
Gabourey SidibeBecky
Grace ByersAnika Calhoun
Ta'Rhonda JonesPorsha
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