Empire Season One Episode Guide

Episode 1×11 and 1×12 “Die But Once/Who I Am” (Season Finale)

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.

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 in the two-hour “Die But Once/Who I Am” Season Finale episode of Empire.

Original Air Date: 03/18/2015

Episode 1×10 “Sins of the Father”

Andre forms a new musical relationship with Michelle (guest star Jennifer Hudson), and a woman from Lucious’ past, Angie (guest star Mary J Blige), 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 (guest star Naomi Campbell), 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 (guest star Raven-Symoné) arrives.

Original Air Date: 03/11/2015

Episode 1×09 “Unto the Breach”

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 (guest star Judd Nelson). As the Lyon family rallies to save Empire Entertainment, all three sons take drastic measures: Jamal gets close with famous artist Delphine (guest star Estelle), Hakeem works hand-in-hand with Cookie and Andre is pushed way beyond his limits.

Original Air Date: 3/4/2015

Episode 1×08 “The Lyon’s Roar”

It’s time for the Lyon family to come together and record a legacy album with Lucious, Hakeem and Jamal. Cookie and Camilla (guest star Campbell) will finally come face-to-face. Meanwhile, Andre will struggle with some inner demons as Jamal steps into the spotlight with news that surprises everyone.

Original Air Date: 2/25/2015

Episode 1×07 “Our Dancing Days”

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.

Original Air Date: 2/18/2015

Episode 1×06 “Out, Damned Spot”

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.

Original Air Date: 2/11/2015

Episode 1×05 “Dangerous Bonds”

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.

Original Air Date: 2/4/2015

Episode 1×04 “False Imposition”

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.

Original Air Date: 1/28/2015

Episode 1×03 “The Devil Quotes Scripture”

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.

Original Air Date: 1/21/2015

Episode 1×02 “The Outspoken King”

Lucious must defend Empire’s IPO launch after controversies arise around one of his artists being involved in a shooting, and Cookie proves to be invaluable by helping Lucious turn a crisis into a triumph. Competition between Lucious and Cookie heats up when Cookie hears of Lucious’s plan to stage a huge performance for Hakeem – but not Jamal. Meanwhile, the police begin to investigate Bunkie’s murder.

Original Air Date: 1/14/2015

Episode 1×01 “Pilot”

Empire is a powerful new drama that follows Lucious Lyon (Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard, “Crash,” “Hustle & Flow”), 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 (Trai Bryers, “90210”), Jamal (Jussie Smollett, “North,” “The Mighty Ducks”) or Hakeem (acting newcomer Bryshere Gray, a.k.a. Yazz The Greatest). Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie (Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, “No Good Deed,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), who emerges from prison to claim her share.

Original Air Date: 1/7/2015