Empire (2015)

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC , FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 7, 2015
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 171 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 171
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 171
  3. Negative: 34 out of 171
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User Reviews

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  1. Marnie71
    Oct 23, 2015
    6
    When Empire came out of the starting blocks, it was glossy, soapy, dramatic and engaging and showed real promise.. Despite the larger-than-life character of Cookie, all that unfolded was feasible enough within this particular world. But as the season went on, it became farcical and ridiculously over the top. Season 2 is pretty much more of the same and then some; unrealistic plot lines,When Empire came out of the starting blocks, it was glossy, soapy, dramatic and engaging and showed real promise.. Despite the larger-than-life character of Cookie, all that unfolded was feasible enough within this particular world. But as the season went on, it became farcical and ridiculously over the top. Season 2 is pretty much more of the same and then some; unrealistic plot lines, hyper-theatrical acting and unbelievable characters that I doubt the majority of viewers can relate to or connect with. Cookie is hilarious and a complete one-off and remains entertaining throughout. Entertaining, yes ,Believable? Absolutely not. Personally, I need characters I can relate to or at least envisage coming across. The real thing it has going for it is the music and singing/rapping. Some of the actors are super-talented musical performers and genuinely a treat to watch and listen to.… Expand
  2. 604G
    Mar 30, 2016
    1
    This show plays to the broadest, basest stereotypes about black America. Combine that with such horrible writing that it makes a great actor (Terrence Howard) sound stilted and wooden. Even when it tries not to take itself seriously, the show misses the mark. Anyone else notice that in every police/FBI raid, every law enforcement official is white? More stereotypes playing to theThis show plays to the broadest, basest stereotypes about black America. Combine that with such horrible writing that it makes a great actor (Terrence Howard) sound stilted and wooden. Even when it tries not to take itself seriously, the show misses the mark. Anyone else notice that in every police/FBI raid, every law enforcement official is white? More stereotypes playing to the lowest common denominator.… Expand
  3. TVW
    Apr 21, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The show is adding too much sex and getting X rated - pornography. Can't they leave something for our imagination? Our Christian group may have to stop watching.… Expand
  4. gelbrownnn
    Mar 17, 2015
    10
    Empire is doing great!! Not only are there good actors, but the music is great too! I just bought the season one soundtrack off of iTunes! http://smarturl.it/EmpireSoundtrack
  5. Jameeiah
    Apr 12, 2015
    10
    Empire takes everything epic, and anything that may appear in life( sexual proclivity, mental disease, etc.), and makes it better. If you're smart you will go on demand-free on demand-prime time shows-Fox- Empire and watch the entire season so you're prepared for next season. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
  6. Bgrod
    Jan 9, 2015
    2
    No one does nighttime soaps better than ABC, especially anything attached to Shondaland.. Empire feels more like a throwback to Dynasty and the original Dallas with cliched characters and story, at least in its pilot episode. The show need more than bling to make it watchable
  7. Troublewalking
    Feb 6, 2015
    0
    I guess it's like Scarface. The original storyline was meant to be about Al Capone, without using his name, as the original movie was done in 1932. The remake modernized it by making it Cuban in the 80's. And now Empire tries to "sample" it again. In each version it is supposed to be a warning about how crime as the short cut to the top often leads to disaster. But with each retelling theI guess it's like Scarface. The original storyline was meant to be about Al Capone, without using his name, as the original movie was done in 1932. The remake modernized it by making it Cuban in the 80's. And now Empire tries to "sample" it again. In each version it is supposed to be a warning about how crime as the short cut to the top often leads to disaster. But with each retelling the moral of the story gets swept further and further under the rug. While the lifestyle gets more and more glamorized. And the stereotypes get uglier and uglier. Yet fans of this keep missing the point more and more. No wonder so many young men end up dead or in jail. This show will probably increase that number significantly.… Expand
  8. Janice
    Feb 23, 2015
    10
    Hi, Fox has a new show and it is the bomb, what a show finally I am watching something good on Fox.
    Please keep up the good work, don't just quit now. Make it last. You have some fantastic actors, and Ms. Taraji P. Henson aka Ms,Cookie, Girl you know you got it going on. You and Terence Howard look sooooooooo good together can he be a keeper. I love you both in the other movie    Hi, Fox has a new show and it is the bomb, what a show finally I am watching something good on Fox.
    Please keep up the good work, don't just quit now. Make it last. You have some fantastic actors, and Ms. Taraji P. Henson aka Ms,Cookie, Girl you know you got it going on. You and Terence Howard look sooooooooo good together can he be a keeper. I love you both in the other movie when he was a rapper. So fantastic. The boy's and all the other actors are just great. Keep Up The Good Work.............    … Expand
  9. lukechristiansc
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    I have always been interested to see what Director Lee Daniels has bring to the project, to please us fans and he does it perfectly with Empire. Terence Howard as Lucious Lyon a gangster who thanks music from saving his life, and makes the empire, not to mention that Howard's character is a selfish dick with the bling. Also Taraji P Henson is a huge charmer as Cookie an ex-wife who wantsI have always been interested to see what Director Lee Daniels has bring to the project, to please us fans and he does it perfectly with Empire. Terence Howard as Lucious Lyon a gangster who thanks music from saving his life, and makes the empire, not to mention that Howard's character is a selfish dick with the bling. Also Taraji P Henson is a huge charmer as Cookie an ex-wife who wants to get her company from Lyon. From the team of (Lee Daniels' The Butler) Writer Danny Strong and Director (Daniels) have made this entertainment, drama of Hip- pop a huge puzzling event. Grade A-… Expand
  10. Annlyons
    Jan 27, 2015
    0
    Well,I i am 69 years old I work with 40 senior citizens. I took a poll, on how they like Empire. Some of the words were. HORRIBLE! DISGRACEFUL! WOULD NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN! TERRANCE HOWARD ALWAYS PLAYS LIKE HE IS HIGH. ON SOMETHING! TARAGE HAS DEGRACE HER CARRIER?

    WORSE OF ALL THEY PUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA IN DEGRATING WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT HIM? AND THE NERVE ENOUGH THAT YOU COULD    Well,I i am 69 years old I work with 40 senior citizens. I took a poll, on how they like Empire. Some of the words were. HORRIBLE! DISGRACEFUL! WOULD NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN! TERRANCE HOWARD ALWAYS PLAYS LIKE HE IS HIGH. ON SOMETHING! TARAGE HAS DEGRACE HER CARRIER?

    WORSE OF ALL THEY PUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA IN DEGRATING WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT

    HIM? AND THE NERVE ENOUGH THAT YOU COULD CALL SPEAK TO THE PRESIDENT CALL HIM BY HIS FIRST NAME? TO THINK THAT THE PRESIDENT WOULD KNOW SOMEONE LIKE HIM! PLEASE?

    Ann69
    I VOTE THAT FOX CANCEL THE SHOW NOW?
    As I told my granddaughter I do not live in her world, I am very very old school.    … Expand
  11. vanhuizum
    Jan 24, 2015
    8
    I'm actually enjoying this... it's a fun show to watch and the music is great! worth watching over some of the other new shows this season... which aren't many...
  12. OpinionatedGuy
    Apr 1, 2015
    8
    When I saw the pilot of Empire, I really enjoyed it. While the following episodes is noticeably quite a soap opera, it was done right.

    It was done right thanks to its cast performances of its two leading stars Terrence Howard as Luscious Lyon and Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon. I see both of them being nominated for an Emmy this year and they deserved it! Another thing why it was    When I saw the pilot of Empire, I really enjoyed it. While the following episodes is noticeably quite a soap opera, it was done right.

    It was done right thanks to its cast performances of its two leading stars Terrence Howard as Luscious Lyon and Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon. I see both of them being nominated for an Emmy this year and they deserved it!

    Another thing why it was done right was its execution. Despite its noticeable soap opera elements, the writers managed to keep the viewers including myself intrigued about the plot arcs in this season.

    Also, the Lyon family has to be one of the best dysfunctional families I have seen on TV. You can feel the sense they love each other but also at the same time they hate each other. This show may be outside the viewers’ reality at certain times but the sense of this family is real and genuine, which is pleasing to watch.

    The character development is top-notch and it’s the second best thing about this show. My favorite character development was from Jamal Lyon. I was bittersweet about who he had become at the end of the season which I won’t spoil but personal feelings aside, it was my favorite character development.

    Last but not the least, the original music in this show is great to jam out to while watching the show and it’s all thanks to the talented producer Timbaland who has been making great beats for other artists like Justin Timberlake, Beyonce etc.

    I can’t wait to see more of Empire thanks to the Emmy-worthy cast performances of Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, the well execution of the plot arcs and character development this season and of course, the great original music in this show!    … Expand
  13. Konrak
    Jan 25, 2015
    9
    I started watching with 0 expectations and ended up enjoying this show a whole lot! Good story, good music, and the writing is great. Can't wait to see where they go with this series.
  14. Comrade_Critic
    Jan 8, 2015
    9
    This show is so over the top I'm embarrassed to admit I enjoyed it. There's potential for this show to actually be quite good, or just go over the top into cheeseball soap ridiculousness. Music by Timbaland definitely helps. Gotta say I thought I would hate this show, but I will be sticking around just to see how ridiculous this gets. Plus Taraji Henson and Terrence Howard are top notch.
  15. moonphaz
    Mar 20, 2015
    0
    Awful show ... cannot stand Courtney Love or anything she is associated it. I believe she killed Kurt Cobain and it is just wrong that she has gotten away with it. That isn't why I don't like the show. I hated the show when I watched it. The fact that she is in it made it hard for me to even watch it the times I did, but in all fairness wanted to give it a chance. I watched, I hated it, IAwful show ... cannot stand Courtney Love or anything she is associated it. I believe she killed Kurt Cobain and it is just wrong that she has gotten away with it. That isn't why I don't like the show. I hated the show when I watched it. The fact that she is in it made it hard for me to even watch it the times I did, but in all fairness wanted to give it a chance. I watched, I hated it, I hate her, I'm done. I just wish I could give it negative 100.… Expand
  16. 22Mommie22
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    10! Fantastic series! Hooked from the previews. Two thumbs up! Acting is amazing!! Story line is edgy and keeps you engaged from start to finish, If you haven't watched it tune in!
  17. slock
    Mar 9, 2015
    8
    A great ride in an over the top, theatrical, eye & ear candy, type way. Campy but also at times poignant and interesting in the layering & explication of individual character and the pull of family. In my view the show rIdes on Taraji P Henson's , Terence Howard's, Jussie Smollett's and Bryshere Gray's characters with the relationship of these 4 being most interesting. Tarajii Henson isA great ride in an over the top, theatrical, eye & ear candy, type way. Campy but also at times poignant and interesting in the layering & explication of individual character and the pull of family. In my view the show rIdes on Taraji P Henson's , Terence Howard's, Jussie Smollett's and Bryshere Gray's characters with the relationship of these 4 being most interesting. Tarajii Henson is magnetic in every scene. Costumes are great. It sort of has a but of Sopranos meets Dynasty, Dirty sexy Money & even a little Glee thrown in. You can't help but wait for each next song. Really fun.… Expand
  18. emperorpenguin
    Apr 9, 2015
    10
    First, the acting on this show is superb. We know that Taraji/Cookie is the star of the show, but the rest of characters are so different and interesting to follow (great actors too). Every characters has different issues to deal with and they are so relatable these days. Other than Empire, I guess there's not that many TV Drama with ensemble cast that could keep equally good writing forFirst, the acting on this show is superb. We know that Taraji/Cookie is the star of the show, but the rest of characters are so different and interesting to follow (great actors too). Every characters has different issues to deal with and they are so relatable these days. Other than Empire, I guess there's not that many TV Drama with ensemble cast that could keep equally good writing for each characters.
    What makes this show better than other soap operas is that Empire has a very strong story line and we could kinda see how this show ends. As long as the writing is still strong and not gonna end up being "all over the place", Empire is on the right track. Oh, and the music is so goood!!    … Expand
  19. eagleeyeviking
    Jun 17, 2016
    7
    Good but not groundbreaking, the addicting Empire nevertheless thrills with interesting characters, an unpredictable plot and brilliant music to complement the show.
  20. AGarcia732
    Feb 7, 2015
    8
    Empire seems to be headed in the right direction, and it’s definitely doing something right--all of the episodes so far have INCREASED in viewership ratings. For those who don’t know much about TV shows, ratings usually decrease with every episode or stay pretty consistent. Empire debuted to around 9.90 million US viewers, and as of episode 5 has 11.47 million viewers. An increase in liveEmpire seems to be headed in the right direction, and it’s definitely doing something right--all of the episodes so far have INCREASED in viewership ratings. For those who don’t know much about TV shows, ratings usually decrease with every episode or stay pretty consistent. Empire debuted to around 9.90 million US viewers, and as of episode 5 has 11.47 million viewers. An increase in live viewers is a rare feat, hard to pull off. Ratings will eventually begin to stop growing, but they will definitely stay high. Fox will not cancel this show anytime soon--it has already been renewed for Season 2!

    Empire is lifted up, in particular, by the solid acting talent featured on the show. Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson notably contribute to this. However, one of the criticisms I have for the show (so far) is that because of its large cast and scope, it is a bit difficult to give fair attention to certain aspects of the show. I think some characters could have a bit more development, which is why I kind of wish episodes could be longer than 42 minutes (which is every episode’s duration minus the commercials).

    Empire never slows down its dramatic pace, and it keeps you engaged. Empire takes as many compelling story arcs as possible (poverty, crime, LGBT issues, one’s legacy and future, family, betrayal, and coming of age) and places them within the show. Arguably, this leads to the plot feeling somewhat overstuffed. The musical family drama has the growing pains of many other dramas before it (featuring some over-the-top acting, stereotypes, and cliches). Certain things on the show require a bit of suspension-of-disbelief (like how do so many people on the show have diseases? Lucious has ALS and Andre, the oldest son, has something as well). Nevertheless, it is always entertaining and captivating to watch. The music doesn’t feel contrived or out of place on the show, it feels organic; and I happen to like the music (made by Timbaland).

    I think “Empire” is heading for good things, but I happened to feel a slight dip in quality with episodes 3&4. Maybe it’s because Lee Daniels and Danny Strong weren’t involved with the latter, but most of my criticisms were due to the two recent episodes. However, I will still stay with the show until the end, and I hope other viewers will too. A look at the struggles artists face within the competitive music industry, talented stars, good music, and compelling drama all make this seem like a “win” for Lee Daniels and Fox.

    I have reviewed 39 other movies, including the 2014 and 2015 films: Taken 3, The Interview, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Dracula Untold, The Maze Runner, Nightcrawler, The Equalizer, The Expendables 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Giver, Sharknado 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Edge of Tomorrow, X-Men Days of Future Past, Godzilla, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Divergent, Transcendence, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and more.

    I review TV shows, such as: The Flash, Arrow (Season 3), Gotham, The Last Ship, Sleepy Hollow, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD (Season 1 and 2), The 100, I Wanna Marry Harry, Crisis, Gang Related, and more. I also have reviewed the mobile Android games Minecraft Pocket Edition, Clash of Clans, and Five Night's at Freddy's.

    Score: 8.9    … Expand
  21. OVOsound
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    Great show! Stellar acting and cast; (T.Howard & T.P. Henson, guest stars -Naomi Campbell, Courtney Love, etc.), intriguing plot (especially for Music/Hip-Hop fans). Uplifting, tragic, comedic, suspenseful, action, musical, all rolled into one. I love that it is on Fox, giving Fox a fresh, outside their comfort zone show to add to there arsenal or lack of. Music production by GrammyGreat show! Stellar acting and cast; (T.Howard & T.P. Henson, guest stars -Naomi Campbell, Courtney Love, etc.), intriguing plot (especially for Music/Hip-Hop fans). Uplifting, tragic, comedic, suspenseful, action, musical, all rolled into one. I love that it is on Fox, giving Fox a fresh, outside their comfort zone show to add to there arsenal or lack of. Music production by Grammy award winning producer/artist Timbaland . Cookie (Henson) nails her role as the anti-hero complemented by protagonist Luscious Lyon. Must watch!… Expand
  22. chillidogg5150
    Feb 25, 2015
    9
    It's like Scarface ? Hola this guy doesn't know what he's talking bout. It's pretty good, and t.v don't make violence go up, dumb people do. I will continue to watch till the show gets played out or goes of the air but till then consider me a loyal fan.
  23. BrentF
    Feb 26, 2015
    9
    The music. The music is what makes this show what it is. If you were to strip it down to only the characters and the storey the show would fail to grab everyone the way it does. So much of the emotion of a key point in the show happens through song or performance. A very refreshing change to all the reality TV and Police/Hospital drama's on TV currently.
  24. NataliaNaima
    Mar 5, 2015
    9
    I love how this show keeps me interested and wondering what will happen next. The music is wonderfu....I find myself singing it the next day. I will be buying soundtrack from iTunes. I'm glad Fox has finally brought on a show like this. I usually don't watch much TV, but Empire is now my show!!
  25. TheEpicZenrik
    Mar 15, 2015
    8
    The one thing i love about this show is Cookie and i think its the only reason to love it. It may come off as a bit of musical dark soap opera but its a very funny show and its not even a comedy.
  26. johnny1994
    Apr 19, 2015
    9
    TV Show “Empire” Review

    If shows as such as “CSI” or “Gotham” are becoming increasingly tedious to watch because the predictions are easily met, you can be absolutely sure that Fox’s new hit,“Empire”, will definitely not be a disappointment. It’s an innovative show that can be as twisted as Gillian Flynn’s, “Gone Girl”. The show entails the story of Lucious and Cookie Lyon, a couple of    TV Show “Empire” Review

    If shows as such as “CSI” or “Gotham” are becoming increasingly tedious to watch because the predictions are easily met, you can be absolutely sure that Fox’s new hit,“Empire”, will definitely not be a disappointment. It’s an innovative show that can be as twisted as Gillian Flynn’s, “Gone Girl”. The show entails the story of Lucious and Cookie Lyon, a couple of black drug dealers who are also musicians in Philadelphia. In order to keep themselves and their three children alive in the rough streets, dealing drugs is the sole option. In a busted deal, Cookie takes the fall and goes to prison for seventeen years. While in jail, Lucious divorces her and opens up a record label with her $400,000 that becomes known as Empire. As those years pass, Cookie is released from prison and goes after what is rightfully hers. The show is a spectacle due to the fact that every single episode has you on the edge of your seat wondering which character will truly do anything to become the head of Empire .
    The music business has always been infamous for its devious, filthy culture. “Empire” demonstrates that perfectly. Lucious murders his own best friend, Buckey, due to his famine for wealth and power. When threatened by Buckey in order to extract money from him, Lucious does not think twice obliterating him from his path in order to attain his ultimate goal. Another example of this can be seen when Aneeka, Lucious’s fiancé, is discovered to be engaged to him as a way of discovering information in order to supply it to a competing record label. Throughout the show, Aneeka appears to be the supportive, perfect wife-to-be. It becomes a shocking surprise when her secret is discovered. The music business would not be the music business without the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Vernon, Lucious’s long time friend and business partner, struggles with cocaine use. This addiction ruins him to the point that at some point, he is no longer a serious man that controls his own life and actions.
    Current social issues are addressed in this show in relatable ways that everyone can connect to. Jamal, Lucious’s middle child, is a homosexual. His father cannot stand the fact, often stating that he chose to be this way and will not accept him. He further dropped all the financial support to Jamal when he decided to come out of the closet. On the other hand, Cookie accepts and fully supports her son on his decision. With the current dilemma of same-sex marriage in this nation, “Empire” shines the lime light on the personal side of it. Racism is also something that is discussed thoroughly in many episodes. Andre, the oldest child, is married to the perfect white girl next door, Rhonda. The animosity towards the marriage can be seen in his parents’ racist ideals. Both Cookie and Lucious question Andre’s matrimony. They insist that, “No matter how much you try, they will never accept you. You can make as much money as them, you can sleep with their daughter, but they will never accept you”. Andre and Rhonda truly love each other, and it becomes apparent how his parents’ racism affects how they interact as a family.
    The Empire was built on blood, sweat, and tears of the family’s sacrifice. Lucious will not allow anything nor anyone ruin his life’s work. His obsession with money illustrates one of the main issues that families deal with, the materialism. Lucious will deny spending quality time with his own sons in order to have a meeting with a new artist to the record label. His unsatisfiable hunger for money utterly blinds him to the fact that his family is in need of his emotional support. His youngest, Hakeem, has abandonment issues because he did not grow up with his mother. Instead of trying to work those issues out, he simply wants to produce Hakeem as a new rapper in order to keep bringing in more money. Jamal is in need of his time and care, however Luciou’s idea of spending quality time is making Jamal drop a new album. Lastly, Andre suffers from bipolar disorder and is taken to the hospital. Lucious does not step his foot there is order to visit his son because he was too worried about the company going public. His professional success increasingly takes a toll on the unity his family.
    “Empire” is the show that digs up all the dirt that a the music business has to offer. It further exploits at which price in which people’s loyalty, dignity, and integrity can be bought. Showing the current social issues, this show brings to light how even power people suffer the struggles. Materialism is the most appropriate label for this show. It keeps the spectator thirsty for it’s new jaw dropping revelations every Wednesday night.

    -John Amparo    … Expand
  27. lindasays
    Sep 22, 2015
    10
    Loved season one. All the actors were amazing!!! Great story line! Excellent music!! I was very impressed with season one. Cant wait for season two.
  28. cassyj00
    Oct 8, 2015
    10
    I love this show its so real and intriguing and just reels me into every episode. Some people dislike it purely because its so truthful and is filled with drama but if you cant handle the heat.. get out of the kitchen. lol. Either way I think you should always watch and see for yourself I have no doubts you'll like it even the slightest bit.
  29. Benja
    Jan 27, 2016
    9
    Empire's season 1 is great and it feels fresh. Taraji P. Henson brings us one of the most interesting and iconic character of the year aka. Cookie. I'm not the biggest fan of every song on this series but as a TV show everything works perfectly
  30. MatthewRobinson
    Jul 26, 2017
    9
    Empire is easily one of the best shows on television. With this show you have a great cast, drama up the ying-yang, and suspense in just about every scene to keep you glued to the television. I could care less about what is else on TV at 9 PM on Wednesdays, because that is Empire time in my house. Meanwhile, this show is clearly a vehicle for Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and BryshereEmpire is easily one of the best shows on television. With this show you have a great cast, drama up the ying-yang, and suspense in just about every scene to keep you glued to the television. I could care less about what is else on TV at 9 PM on Wednesdays, because that is Empire time in my house. Meanwhile, this show is clearly a vehicle for Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Bryshere Y. Gray because those three get the best quotes, best scenes, and the most face time. One of the things I've always loved about this show is that it always shows that you can't even trust family when it comes to business, money, and caring about your well being. Empire has never tried to act like some cheesy soap opera or be caught up in its own hype. Empire since its inception, has been concerned with showing the viewer that life is hard no matter how much money and fame you got, or how insulated you think you are from life's troubles.… Expand
  31. scrambledeggs
    Jun 13, 2018
    7
    Personally there's too much drama for my taste. But I admire the work they put into this show. It's rather refreshing in a whitewashed industry.
  32. RNelson44
    Oct 2, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You did something right, you gave us something we have been yearning for, Empire, a show with great actors, laughter, song, & diversity; it is a show that keeps it real. Your ratings are outstanding because of us, because we want this; we deserve a variety of shows on television that feature black actors, regardless of how simply ridiculous the show is at times. This show has a group of actors with chops, and a few more with potential. There is a great set up and a basis for more than just entertainment on one level. We want a solid show too; we deserve this show to be better, simple and plain. We need better writing and character development.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best TV Season of 2015
44
#44 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
48
#48 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Steve Macfarlane
    Feb 5, 2015
    88
    Empire coasts with the chutzpah of a series that knows exactly what it wants to say and how to say it, leaving viewers no quarter except to pick their jaws up off the floor between commercial breaks.
    Read full review
  2. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    It is good, or, at least, it’s effective--unapologetic melodramatic fun, to judge from the first two episodes.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 12, 2015
    80
    Doesn't really matter if hip-hop is your musical genre of choice, because the beat the deliciously entertaining Empire grooves to echoes the more traditional and timeless rhythms of grand soap operas. [5-18 Jan 2015, p.16]
See all critic reviews »