Watch Empire

Empire is an American musical drama television series that premiered on Fox in 2015 and was later added to Acorn TV's lineup. The series stars Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon, a former drug dealer-turned-hip hop music mogul who must choose a successor among his three sons as he struggles with his health and his past. Alongside him is his ex-wife Cookie Lyon, played by Taraji P. Henson, who returns home from prison after serving a 17-year sentence for drug dealing and has her own plans for the company.

The show is set in New York City and revolves around the Lyon family and their media company, Empire Entertainment. Each episode features a musical performance, which is a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The show is well known for its musical performances and has showcased some of the biggest names in music, including Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Alicia Keys.

The story of Empire revolves around the Lyon family's struggle for control of their business and their personal lives. As the series progresses, they face several challenges, including legal and financial issues, health problems, and personal tragedies. The show also explores themes such as racism, homophobia, and mental illness.

One of the key themes in Empire is the relationship between Lucious and Cookie Lyon. Despite their acrimonious divorce, they continue to work together to ensure their company's success. Their interactions are often fraught with tension, as they both have different ideas about how the company should be run. However, they also share a deep connection and love for each other that is evident throughout the series.

Another major storyline in Empire is the relationship between Lucious and his three sons: Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem. Each son has their own strengths and weaknesses, and their relationships with their father are complex. Andre, the oldest son, is ambitious and wants to take over the company. Jamal, the middle son, is a talented musician who struggles with his sexuality and his complicated relationship with his father. Hakeem, the youngest son, is a talented rapper who is often impulsive and struggles to find his place in the family.

The show also features several other characters, including Lucious's love interests, Anika Calhoun and Giuliana Green, and his longtime friend and business partner, Vernon Turner. Each character has their own motivations and conflicts, which add depth and nuance to the story.

Empire's production values are top-notch, and the show features stunning cinematography and a stylish aesthetic. The musical performances are also incredibly well-produced and showcase the incredible talent of the show's cast.

Overall, Empire is a compelling and engaging drama that explores complex themes and features standout performances from its cast. With its addictive storyline and incredible music, it is easy to see why it became a cultural phenomenon during its six-season run.