E1 PilotNext upJan 7, 2015 · 48 min · ★ 4.7
Synopsis
Lucious Lyon is the head of a music empire whose reign has been unchallenged for years. But all that changes when he learns he has a disease and must choose one of his three sons to take over: Andre, Jamal or Hakeem. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie, who emerges from prison to claim her share.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), Tasha Smith (Carol Hardaway), Antoine McKay (Bunkie Williams), Jennifer Joan Taylor (Dr. Shahani), Carolyn Hoerdemann (Prison Guard), Genis Drake (Young Jamal), Chris Redd (Roger)
E2 The Outspoken KingJan 14, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 7.8
Synopsis
Lucious has to defend Empire's IPO launch after one of his artists is involved in a shooting; Cookie hears about Lucious' plans for a huge performance for Hakeem, but not Jamal; Bunkie's murder is investigated.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), Nealla Gordon (Harlow Carter), Damon Gupton (Detective Calvin Walker), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Antoine McKay (Bunkie Williams)
E3 The Devil Quotes ScriptureJan 21, 2015 · 46 min · ★ 7.5
Synopsis
The Lyons head to Philadelphia and get a taste of what their life could have been if Lucious hadn't made it big. Lucious promotes Hakeem's new relationship with hip-hop star Tianna, but tensions rise when another woman tries to catch Hakeem's eye.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Naomi Campbell (Camilla Marks), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), Nealla Gordon (Harlow Carter), Damon Gupton (Detective Calvin Walker), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken)
E4 False ImpositionJan 28, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 8.2
Synopsis
Lucious attempts to steal a super-hot, chart-topping artist from his rival at Safe House Records. Meanwhile, Jamal struggles to compose original music and Cookie tries to forge a relationship with her estranged son, Hakeem.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Naomi Campbell (Camilla Marks), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), Damon Gupton (Detective Calvin Walker), Judd Nelson (Billy Baretti), Dennis Grimes (Marvin Menchel)
E5 Dangerous BondsFeb 4, 2015 · 46 min · ★ 6.8
Synopsis
Cookie receives an anonymous gift from an admirer that she believes might be a veiled threat from a person from her prison past. Meanwhile, Lucious takes charge of Hakeem's first video shoot.
Guest stars: Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Nealla Gordon (Harlow Carter), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Tasha Smith (Carol Hardaway), Tim Hopper (Dr. Steve Calhoun), DeRay Davis (Jermel), Elizabeth Whitson (India Spring)
E6 Out, Damned SpotFeb 11, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 9.4
Synopsis
Vernon is caught in the middle of a very sticky situation. Meanwhile, Jamal is rising to stardom, but his newfound drive and ambition might stir up trouble in his relationships. To make matters worse, a mystery woman (guest star Raven Symone) from the family's past shows up with a huge surprise.
Guest stars: Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), Damon Gupton (Detective Calvin Walker), Courtney Love (Elle Dallas), Derek Luke (Malcolm Deveaux), Raven-Symoné (Olivia), Sway Calloway (Himself), Leah Sava Jeffries (Lola)
E7 Our Dancing DaysFeb 18, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 6.6
Synopsis
Tension mounts between Hakeem and Jamal, as Lucious attempts to brand Empire Entertainment as a tight-knit, “family-run” company. Meanwhile, Cookie and Anika don’t hold anything back when it comes to taking over the company.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Naomi Campbell (Camilla Marks), Rafael de la Fuente (Michael Sanchez), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Courtney Love (Elle Dallas), Derek Luke (Malcolm Deveaux), Leah Sava Jeffries (Lola)
E8 The Lyon's RoarFeb 25, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 8.6
Synopsis
It’s time for the Lyon family to come together and record a legacy album with Lucious, Hakeem and Jamal. Cookie and Camilla finally come face-to-face, Andre struggles with some inner demons and Jamal steps into the spotlight with news that surprises everyone.
Guest stars: Naomi Campbell (Camilla Marks), Eka Darville (Ryan Morgan), Leah Sava Jeffries (Lola), M. Emmet Walsh (Harold Blakeley), Rada Portzer (Janet Blakeley), Reggie Baker (Ralph Anderson), Yanis Kalnins (Carl Johnson), Andre Teamer (Barry Richardson)
E9 Unto the BreachMar 4, 2015 · 46 min · ★ 6.3
Synopsis
It's an all-out war when Cookie uncovers Anika's big backstabbing secret, and Lucious must come face-to-face with his longtime rival, Billy Beretti. As the Lyon family rallies to save Empire Entertainment, all three sons take drastic measures: Jamal gets close with famous artist Delphine, Hakeem works hand-in-hand with Cookie and Andre is pushed way beyond his limits.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Eka Darville (Ryan Morgan), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Derek Luke (Malcolm Deveaux), Judd Nelson (Billy Baretti), Estelle (Delphine)
E10 Sins of the FatherMar 11, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 9.2
Synopsis
Andre forms a new musical relationship with Michelle, and a woman from Lucious' past, Angie, comes into the picture. Meanwhile, Lucious invites the whole family over to his home. However, everyone arrives with their own agendas. Hakeem, under the influence of Camilla, sets out to show his father that he's a true artist and a good businessman. Then, Cookie prepares to state her own agenda for Empire and for her family, when Olivia arrives.
Guest stars: Naomi Campbell (Camilla Marks), Eka Darville (Ryan Morgan), Derek Luke (Malcolm Deveaux), Raven-Symoné (Olivia), Antoine McKay (Bunkie Williams), Mary J. Blige (Angie), Jennifer Hudson (Michelle White), Leah Sava Jeffries (Lola)
E11 Die But OnceMar 18, 2015 · 46 min · ★ 8.4
Synopsis
Jamal and Lucious are on their way to forming a music-centered relationship, but once again, Lucious has a secret that's about to change everything.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Eka Darville (Ryan Morgan), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Derek Luke (Malcolm Deveaux), Judd Nelson (Billy Baretti), Tasha Smith (Carol Hardaway), Antoine McKay (Bunkie Williams)
E12 Who I AmMar 18, 2015 · 45 min · ★ 6.1
Synopsis
Hakeem decides to flirt with the enemy, while trying to figure out what the best move is for his career. Meanwhile, Cookie is cooking up a plan of her own.
Guest stars: Gabourey Sidibe (Becky), Ta'Rhonda Jones (Porsha), Serayah (Tiana Brown), Nealla Gordon (Harlow Carter), AzMarie Livingston (Chicken), Jennifer Hudson (Michelle White), Mike Moh (Steve Cho), Joe Keery (Tony Trichter III)