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. 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
  3. 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]
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