Empire poster

TV series

Empire

2015TV-146 seasons7.1 / 10

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.

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Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

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.

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Synopsis

A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

Cast, crew and production details

About Empire

Cast

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

Credits

Created by: Danny Strong, Lee Daniels

Production details

Status: Ended
Series type: Scripted
Episodes: 102
Original language: English

Networks & production

FOXUnited States
20th Century Fox TelevisionUnited States
Imagine Television StudiosUnited States
Lee Daniels EntertainmentUnited States
Little Chicken ProductionsUnited States
Danny Strong ProductionsUnited States

Themes

assertivehip-hopmusicsibling rivalry

Season 4 episodes

Watch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.

← Season 3Season 5 →

Episode 1

Noble Memory

Sep 27, 201743m7.2 / 10

In celebration of Empire's 20th Anniversary, Lucious makes his first public appearance since the explosion in Las Vegas, but still has no memory of his family, Empire or his life before the accident. A devastated Cookie struggles to rebuild her relationship with him, while keeping a close eye on his nurse, Claudia. Meanwhile, Andre is faced with an investigation by the LAPD surrounding the night of the explosion, Diana DuBois continues her war against the Lyons.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Brett MahoneyGuest stars Mike Moh, Queen Latifah, Claudette Burchett, Kevin Wigfall, Phylicia Rashād, Pamela Jones, Demi Moore, Funkmaster Flex

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Episode 2

Full Circle

Oct 4, 201743m10.0 / 10

With Leah still insisting that he is a monster, Lucious sneaks away in hopes of finding out what type of person he was before the explosion. Cookie panics that Lucious has gone missing on Claudia's watch, until she realizes he found his way to Uncle Eddie, a music icon who has since become family to the Lyons. Meanwhile, with Anika still behind bars, Hakeem and Tiana grow more comfortable as a family, and Becky makes a rash decision regarding Jamal's new song.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Eric Haywood, Craig BrewerGuest stars Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Leslie Uggams, Demi Moore, Teyonah Parris, C. Anthony Jackson, Kurt Naebig, Peter DeFaria

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Episode 3

Evil Manners

Oct 11, 201743m7.0 / 10

When Cookie is denied a line of credit, she flashes back to her years in prison and compares her past struggles to her life now. Lucious continues to struggle with demons of his own and begs his family to tell him about the ways he's wronged them, but they are reluctant to tell him the truth. Meanwhile, the NYPD is still on Andre's case about the events that transpired in Vegas and one officer in particular catches his eye.

Directed by Bille WoodruffWritten by Matt Pyken, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Claudette Burchett, Alanna Lovely, Kevin Wigfall, Phylicia Rashād, James Colby, Ptosha Storey, Taye Diggs, Sean Blake

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Episode 4

Bleeding War

Oct 18, 201743m7.7 / 10

The race is on when Cookie announces that the number one album for Empire's 20-For-20 will be a competition between all of the label's top artists, giving Jamal a bold idea for his newest song. On the heels of Bella's first birthday, the family plans a special "Prince and Princesses"-themed birthday party, including a special Prince tribute, but the special day brings back haunting memories for one of the Lyons. Meanwhile, Lucious is at a crossroads, as he tries to put to rest the anger from his past life.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Jamie Rosengard, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars AzMarie Livingston, Marcell Johnson, Phylicia Rashād, James Colby, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Ptosha Storey, Demi Moore, Taye Diggs

Where to watch Empire

Episode 5

The Fool

Nov 8, 201743m10.0 / 10

When the secret about Lucious' memory is exposed, Cookie attempts to convince the board that he is fine by inviting the press to watch him produce the first 20 for 20 album. Eddie Barker jumps in to help Lucious get back in his groove and make music in the studio. Just as Andre's feelings for Detective Pamela Rose intensify, she reveals information that's been uncovered regarding the explosion. Meanwhile, Hakeem worries about his secret involvement with the DuBois family and Claudia helps Lucious with a breakthrough.

Directed by Howard DeutchWritten by Janeika James, Jasheika JamesGuest stars AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Wigfall, Veronika Bozeman, Marcell Johnson, Sara Sevigny, Will Kinnear

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Episode 6

Fortune Be Not Crost

Nov 15, 201743m7.0 / 10

The Lyon family stands together as Anika and Hakeem begin a custody battle for Bella. Although they're confident in Hakeem's ability as a father, no one is prepared for the revelations her team brings to the trial. Meanwhile, Claudia grows more possessive over Lucious, who has unlocked a new way to understand music through his paintings. Also, Jamal introduces Warren to Lucious, Andre begins seeing a new therapist, and one of Becky's old flames returns.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Dianne Houston, Joshua AllenGuest stars AzMarie Livingston, Tim Hopper, Claudette Burchett, Alanna Lovely, Kevin Wigfall, Marcell Johnson, Phylicia Rashād, Renellè Nicole

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Episode 7

The Lady Doth Protest

Nov 29, 201743m10.0 / 10

Production comes to a halt on Empire's 20-For-20 when Calvin and Portia, feeling overworked by their new producer, Eddie Barker, call for a strike, leaving Cookie to find a solution to the issue. In an attempt to prove that he can still be the man he was before the explosion, Lucious arranges a deal on Hakeem's behalf, not knowing the repercussions that could follow. Meanwhile, love is in the air for Jamal and Andre, who each express their feelings for their significant others, not knowing the secrets that are being kept from them.

Directed by Karen GaviolaWritten by Matt Pyken, Eric HaywoodGuest stars AzMarie Livingston, Forest Whitaker, Michael Evans Behling, Phylicia Rashād, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Ptosha Storey, Taye Diggs, Teyonah Parris

Where to watch Empire

Episode 8

Cupid Painted Blind

Dec 6, 201743m10.0 / 10

Cookie and Lucious take matters into their own hands as they watch Diana DuBois' master scheme unfold. Meanwhile, Andre begins to spiral out of control, wondering what she could have in store for him. Also, Jamal's sobriety is put to the test and Shine gives Hakeem advice on how to maintain a balance between his work and personal life.

Directed by Elizabeth Allen RosenbaumWritten by Diane Ademu-John, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Antoine McKay, Phylicia Rashād, James Colby, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Ptosha Storey, Taye Diggs, Teyonah Parris, Lamar Curtis

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Episode 9

Slave to Memory

Dec 13, 201743m1.0 / 10Mid Season

Cookie and Lucious devise an elaborate plan to take down Diana Dubois and her family once and for all. Andre recovers from his mental breakdown in the hospital, Shine tries desperately to protect his secret and Eddie Barker is concluding his tenure at Empire. Amidst the chaos, someone's life hangs in the balance.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Dianne Houston, Joshua AllenGuest stars Nicole Ari Parker, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, Linda Bright Clay, Forest Whitaker, Natasha Forouzannia, Alanna Lovely, Phylicia Rashād

Where to watch Empire

Episode 10

Birds in the Cage

Mar 28, 201843m

Nurse Claudia takes her job to a new level, when she kidnaps Lucious. To find him, Cookie must race against time and use the skills she learned in prison to rescue him. Meanwhile, Andre, Jamal and Hakeem pick up the pieces from their battle with the Dubois family.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Craig BrewerGuest stars James Colby, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Ptosha Storey, Demi Moore, Laura Fisher, Mickey O'Sullivan, Kierra Bunch

Where to watch Empire

Episode 11

Without Apology

Apr 4, 201843m10.0 / 10

On the brink of a lucrative tech deal, Eddie realizes that he must work on rebranding Empire. Cookie springs into action when a girl group from the past re-unites and threatens to expose secrets about Empire and Lucious. Meanwhile, Hakeem makes a major move with Tiana, Andre continues to struggle with his guilt and Becky is faced with a difficult situation.

Directed by Dianne HoustonWritten by Matt Pyken, Joshua AllenGuest stars Nicole Ari Parker, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Pej Vahdat, Tisha Campbell, Opal Staples, Melanie McCullough, Charles Malik Whitfield

Where to watch Empire

Episode 12

Sweet Sorrow

Apr 11, 201843m

A Lyon health scare shakes up Empire, as Cookie holds down the fort, in spite of it all. Both Andre and Jamal try to right their wrongs, and Jamal makes a shocking revelation on live TV with Robin Roberts. Eager to take Empire to new heights, Eddie's motives are questioned when numbers don't add up. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana find common ground and Becky reveals the secret she's been keeping from J. Poppa.

Directed by Eric HaywoodWritten by Jamie Rosengard, Eric HaywoodGuest stars Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Lupe Fiasco, Kevin Wigfall, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Mo McRae

Where to watch Empire

Episode 13

Of Hardiness is Mother

Apr 18, 201843m1.0 / 10

Although Lucious pressures Cookie to take it easy, she can't help but take matters into her own hands when she receives unsettling news about an old friend. Meanwhile, Tiana's new 20 for 20 single takes off, leading to an unexpected change in her demeanor. Also, Jamal struggles to rebrand his image, Hakeem adopts a new role as musical mentor and Andre recruits Lucious to help him uncover the truth about Eddie's intentions.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Dianne Houston, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Chet Hanks, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, James Colby, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Ptosha Storey, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Erica Faye Watson

Where to watch Empire

Episode 14

False Face

Apr 25, 201843m8.0 / 10

Lucious and Thirsty try to squash Eddie's takeover by confronting him with legal papers. Cookie recalls her complex relationship with her mother, while she continues her search for her friend's orphaned daughter. Meanwhile, Andre flounders, Hakeem anxiously prepares a release strategy for his 20 for 20 single and Jamal and Tory try to find a new team to make their own first non-Empire single.

Directed by Millicent SheltonWritten by Janeika James, Jasheika JamesGuest stars Nicole Ari Parker, Chet Hanks, Rhyon Nicole Brown, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard

Where to watch Empire

Episode 15

A Lean and Hungry Look

May 2, 201843m

As Eddie fights for his place at Empire Entertainment and gets the board on his side, Lucious and Shine must find a permanent solution to keep him out. Meanwhile, Cookie is desperate to fulfill a promise to a friend before it's too late. Then, when tensions rise in Jamal and Tory's new band, Preacher Azal inspires Jamal with an idea to get everyone in sync.

Directed by Bille WoodruffWritten by Matt Pyken, Joshua AllenGuest stars Chet Hanks, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Alfre Woodard, Rekkhan, Kevin Wigfall, Sara Sevigny, Will Kinnear, Kade Wise

Where to watch Empire

Episode 16

Fair Terms

May 9, 201843m1.0 / 10

When Cookie finally visits her mother, the two must confront their complicated past. Meanwhile, Lucious and Eddie continue their fight over Empire and Eddie makes a power play at the grand opening of Empire's 20 for 20 showcase. Then, Jamal and his band anonymously release their latest single and Hakeem tests out a career in film.

Directed by Jussie SmollettWritten by Dianne Houston, Jamie RosengardGuest stars Chet Hanks, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard, Cassie Ventura, Kevin Wigfall

Where to watch Empire

Episode 17

Bloody Noses and Crack'd Crowns

May 16, 201843m

Cookie and Lucious fight to keep Empire in the family, as they prepare a livestream concert to crowdfund the amount needed to trump Eddie's plans. Meanwhile, the success of Jamal's new anonymous group climbs, Hakeem brings Haven to the showcase to make Tiana jealous, and Andre is put to the test and must decide between the family or his career.

Directed by Howard DeutchWritten by Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Nicole Ari Parker, Chet Hanks, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Cassie Ventura, Pej Vahdat, Kevin Wigfall, Mark L. Montgomery

Where to watch Empire

Episode 18

The Empire Unpossess'd

May 23, 201843m8.0 / 10Finale

As the Empire ownership bid presentation nears, Lucious must make a difficult decision to save the future of the company and his family, while Eddie shows no signs of backing down. However, Cookie reveals a potential upper hand in the power play for Empire, after doing a little digging into her past. Meanwhile, Andre makes a power play of his own, Hakeem's high spirits comes to a quick end due to a threat, Jamal and Tory struggle to cope with the success of their new music group, tension boils as the Lyons face Empire's most existential threat yet and someone's past mistakes leads to a deadly consequence. Season Finale.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Joshua Allen, Brett MahoneyGuest stars Kaitlin Doubleday, Nicole Ari Parker, Chet Hanks, Forest Whitaker, Alfre Woodard, Stef Tovar, Pej Vahdat, Kevin Wigfall

Where to watch Empire

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026

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