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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Checked Jul 22, 2026

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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 5 episodes

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

← Season 4Season 6 →

Episode 1

Steal from the Thief

Sep 26, 201843m5.5 / 10

Two years after losing Empire to Eddie Barker, Cookie and Lucious are still in the midst of picking up the pieces. The family is now completely dispersed and coping in their own ways after experiencing unimaginable tragedies. Meanwhile, in an effort to reclaim the Lyons' position in the music industry, Cookie sets her eyes on a talented new singer and rapper, Treasure.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Dianne Houston, Brett MahoneyGuest stars Katlynn Simone, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dunckel, Bella Chanel, Pej Vahdat, Kevin Wigfall, Toby Onwumere

Where to watch Empire

Episode 2

Pay for Their Presumptions

Oct 3, 201843m

Cookie and Lucious learn the difficulties of launching an artist without Empire Entertainment's resources, and their future with new artist Treasure is jeopardized. So when they receive two interesting offers that will launch them back into power in the music industry, they make a surprising decision. Meanwhile, Jamal decides to put his family first and move back to New York, leaving Kai with some tough decisions.

Directed by John KrokidasWritten by Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Katlynn Simone, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, Japhet Balaban, Pej Vahdat, Skylan Brooks, Anthony Irons, Audrey Francis

Where to watch Empire

Episode 3

Pride

Oct 10, 201843m

Cookie and Lucious push to get back in the music game, but they'll need the whole family and some old allies to make serious sacrifices in order to do so. Meanwhile, Andre finds a risky way to make a name for himself among his fellow inmates.

Directed by Clement VirgoWritten by Joshua Allen, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars Meta Golding, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, Bella Chanel, Skylan Brooks, Anthony Irons, Toby Onwumere, Sam Pearson

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Episode 4

Love All, Trust a Few

Oct 17, 201843m10.0 / 10

The Lyon family works to get back in their groove with a brand-new project underway. As Cookie and Portia attempt to sign Devon, who has just the sound they're looking for, Andre tries to prove himself useful to Lucious on the business side of things. Not having heard from Kai, Jamal panics and looks back at their history together. At Empire, the new management entangles itself with a dangerous tie from the Lyon family's past.

Directed by Mario Van PeeblesWritten by Matt Pyken, Cameron JohnsonGuest stars Mario, Claudette Burchett, Belmont Cameli, David Folsom, Toby Onwumere, Jaye Ladymore, Phylicia Rashād, José Antonio García

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Episode 5

The Depth of Grief

Oct 31, 201843m10.0 / 10

Lucious and Cookie prep their new artist Devon (guest star Mario) for a premiere listening party, but worry he may not be ready for that kind of pressure. Hakeem is determined to convince Tiana that he's matured, but she has a hard time letting go of everything they've struggled through the past couple years. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes concerned about Jamal.

Directed by Elizabeth Allen RosenbaumWritten by Jamie Rosengard, Janeika James, Jasheika JamesGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Katlynn Simone, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Mindy Bell, Bella Chanel

Where to watch Empire

Episode 6

What Is Done

Nov 7, 201843m

In an effort to sign more artists, Cookie and Lucious make a bet to see who can find someone first. While Lucious bets on the chance to meet an up and coming rapper in a high stakes poker game, Cookie takes to the streets to find untapped talent in a set of auditions. Meanwhile, Hakeem refuses to leave the studio when his rage inspires what he considers his best music yet and Jamal finds himself at a crossroads when Becky claims he's spending too much time with Kai.

Directed by Jussie SmollettWritten by Felicia D. Henderson, Thomas WestfallGuest stars Wood Harris, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, William Smillie, Audrey Francis, Tisha Campbell, Opal Staples, Melanie McCullough

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Episode 7

Treasons, Stratagems, and Spoils

Nov 14, 201843m1.0 / 10

In an effort to bridge the gap between Lyon Family Management and Empire, Lucious must play nice with Jeff Kingsley, so that the two companies can get girl group TBD back on the map. Meanwhile, Jamal grows frustrated with Cookie when she tries to steal his London artist, Wynter, out from under him, Andre works with the mother of one of his old inmates to help free her innocent son and Cookie realizes her sister is in danger.

Directed by Tamra DavisWritten by Dianne Houston, Joshua AllenGuest stars Meta Golding, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Sean Gallagher, Kevin Gudahl, Amanda Detmer, Bella Chanel

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Episode 8

Master of What Is Mine Own

Nov 28, 201843m3.0 / 10

The cost of running Lyon Family Management starts to put pressure on Cookie and Lucious' relationship. When Kingsley pulls a power move of his own that has major financial repercussions for Lucious, Cookie thinks back to their early struggles. Kai becomes upset when Jamal announces their engagement on live TV and Tiana hits a crossroad with Hakeem, who refuses to set aside his beef with Blake. Meanwhile, Candace becomes vindictive after feeling betrayed by Cookie and Giselle uncovers a key to her future.

Directed by Dianne HoustonWritten by Matt Pyken, Yolonda E. LawrenceGuest stars Mario, Wood Harris, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Amanda Detmer, Bella Chanel, Toby Onwumere

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Episode 9

Had It From My Father

Dec 5, 201843mMid Season

The financial security of the Lyon family is on the line as their LFM showcase quickly approaches. Kai's research for an expose on Empire uncovers some dirty activity within the company and causes conflict with Jamal. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana finally reach an agreement on how best to move forward with their relationship, Andre struggles with his decision to let a new love interest in and Kingsley strikes a deal with Giselle.

Directed by Sanaa HamriWritten by Carlito Rodriguez, Diane Ademu-JohnGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Claudette Burchett, Amanda Detmer, Bella Chanel, Jeremy L. Carver, Pej Vahdat, Skylan Brooks

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Episode 10

My Fault Is Past

Mar 13, 201943m

With the control of Empire within reach again, the Lyons must pull out all the stops to prove Lucious and Becky's innocence in the datamining scandal. Meanwhile, Cookie struggles with Lucious' past and Jeff Kingsley's place in it, Jamal and Kai try to figure out where they stand and a mystery begins to unravel.

Directed by Michael GoiWritten by Craig Brewer, Cameron JohnsonGuest stars Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Amanda Detmer, Kevin Wigfall

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Episode 11

In Loving Virtue

Mar 20, 201943m5.0 / 10

With the reputation of the family business on the line, the Lyons strategize on how to clean up Kingsley's mess and introduce a new and improved Empire. As Lucious and Cookie hire an old acquaintance to help track down the money Eddie stole, Andre tries to convince Devon's record label to let him record with Empire. Meanwhile, Treasure and Tiana fight for the female vocalist track on Jamal's new song.

Directed by Clement VirgoWritten by Janeika James, Jasheika James, Felicia D. HendersonGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Missy Fierro, Bella Chanel, Leslie Uggams, Kevin Wigfall

Where to watch Empire

Episode 12

Shift and Save Yourself

Mar 27, 201943m

Cookie is offered a career game-changer that would put her future in the family business in jeopardy. Jamal works diligently to try to make Tiana and Treasure's track a success, as Lucious, Cookie and Giselle deliberate future plans for Hakeem and the rest of the artists at Empire. Meanwhile, the feds pressure Thirsty, due to his affiliation with Lucious and Damon Cross, and Andre receives startling news.

Directed by Dianne HoustonWritten by Matt Pyken, Thomas WestfallGuest stars Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Pej Vahdat, Rekkhan, Sayjal Joshi

Where to watch Empire

Episode 13

Hot Blood, Hot Thoughts, Hot Deeds

Apr 3, 201943m

When Empire launches its national tour in Philly, things heat up and egos clash. Jamal and Kai's relationships gets complicated and Treasure has an embarrassing mishap on stage. Cookie tries to grapple with her feelings for Damon, while the Feds start investigating Empire.

Directed by Gabourey SidibeWritten by Diane Ademu-John, Evan PriceGuest stars Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Jaq Seifert, Kevin Wigfall, Toby Onwumere, Joss Stone, Scotty Tovar

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Episode 14

Without All Remedy

Apr 10, 201943m

After receiving news about Andre's health, the Lyon family does everything in its power to support him, while continuing the tour. As Cookie and Lucious hash out their wrongdoings, Kai comforts Jamal through this process. Meanwhile, Maya comes to terms with where she stands with Blake and the others, and the rest of Empire must make sure the tour stays afloat.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Jamie RosengardGuest stars Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, Patrick Blashill, Jaq Seifert, Kevin Tre'von Patterson

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Episode 15

A Wise Father That Knows His Own Child

Apr 17, 201943m

As the Feds close in on Empire, Jeff Kingsley seeks the truth about what really happened between Lucious and Tracy Kingsley. Meanwhile, Teri and the Lyons pray for Andre's health, and Cookie faces the truth about her relationship with Damon Cross. Jamal and Kai reach an understanding, while Hakeem attempts to figure out where he stands among his relationships.

Directed by Dawn WilkinsonWritten by Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito RodriguezGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith, Claudette Burchett, William Smillie, Amanda Detmer, Jaq Seifert

Where to watch Empire

Episode 16

Never Doubt I Love

Apr 24, 201943m

It's a special day for Jamal and Kai, but drama might ruin it when AUSA's Meghan Conway continues to pursue the Lyons by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Damon shows up, threatening to expose Cookie's secret; Teri confides in Cookie, sharing a big secret; and Andre asks Lucious for help with a life-altering task.

Directed by Darren GrantWritten by Joshua Allen, Thomas WestfallGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Claudette Burchett, Bella Chanel, Kevin Wigfall, Alicia Coppola, Chaka Khan

Where to watch Empire

Episode 17

My Fate Cries Out

May 1, 201943m

Cookie gets picked up by AUSA Conway, while Lucious is visited by his past. Becky, Hakeem and Andre devise a plan to save Empire by putting on a show with special guests Sevyn Streeter and Ty Dolla $ign. Meanwhile, Andre helps Empire by getting help from the last person the Lyons expect and Cookie may never forgive Lucious for what he's done.

Directed by Paul McCraneWritten by Cameron Johnson, Janeika James, Jasheika JamesGuest stars Xzibit, Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Antoine McKay, Pej Vahdat, Skylan Brooks, Alicia Coppola

Where to watch Empire

Episode 18

The Roughest Day

May 8, 201943m7.0 / 10Finale

As Cookie and Lucious deal with each other's betrayals, they wonder if this could be the end for their relationship. Meanwhile, Andre's life hangs in the balance and the future of Empire is in jeopardy as the Feds close in and the mystery of who is in the coffin is finally.

Directed by Craig BrewerWritten by Felicia D. Henderson, Brett MahoneyGuest stars Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, William Smillie, Amanda Detmer, Skylan Brooks

Where to watch Empire

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026

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