Episode 1
Aired Sep 23, 2015
The Devils Are Here
Three months after his arrest, Lucious tries to run Empire Entertainment while in federal lockup; Cookie stages a star-studded concert in support of Lucious while Andre, Hakeem, Anika and Mimi Whiteman (Marisa Tomei) attempt a hostile takeover.
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Episode 2
Aired Sep 30, 2015
Without a Country
Cookie tries to start a small record label with her cohorts, but conflicting visions cause problems; Hakeem woos an attractive singer; Lucious hires a new lawyer and records a track in jail.
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Episode 3
Aired Oct 7, 2015
Fires of Heaven
Cookie and Anika arrange a surprise performance that catches Pitbull's attention; Lucious tries to persuade Frank Gathers' daughter to sign with him; Andre and Rhonda hope their news will win Lucious' favor.
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Episode 4
Aired Oct 14, 2015
Poor Yorick
Despite their feud, the Lyons decide to collaborate on a project that will benefit both companies; Lucious wants to make Vernon disappear.
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Episode 5
Aired Oct 21, 2015
Be True
Cookie and Anika work with Laz to throw an event to launch their company, showcase their artists, and premiere a song written by Hakeem; Jamal works on his music with Ne-Yo; Hakeem begins a relationship.
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Episode 6
Aired Nov 4, 2015
A High Hope for a Low Heaven
Cookie and Lucious have to work together to protect their children; Jamal wants to get back into the studio; Andre discovers a disciple.
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Episode 7
Aired Nov 11, 2015
True Love Never
Lucious considers a partnership with Jago (Patrick Mulvey), the founder of a streaming music company; Andre must achieve a delicate balance between his new values and his career; Hakeem tries to turn Laura into a star.
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Episode 8
Aired Nov 18, 2015
My Bad Parts
Lucious releases a rap by Freda, which causes Hakeem to issue a rap-battle challenge; Cookie's sister (Vivica A. Fox) visits; Jamal tries to land a big sponsorship deal; Anika receives life-altering news.
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Episode 9
Aired Nov 25, 2015
Sinned Against
A former prison mate (Rosie O'Donnell) helps Cookie and her sister, Candace (Vivica A. Fox); a deep connection forms when Jamal works with a critically acclaimed pop star (Alicia Keys); Cookie makes a discovery about Laz (Adam Rodriguez).
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Episode 10
Aired Dec 2, 2015
Et Tu, Brute?
Lucious makes a reckless move that could jeopardize everything; Cookie plans a concert at a prison.
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Episode 11
Aired Mar 30, 2016
Death Will Have His Day
Lucious declares he will do anything to regain his power, but Cookie has her own ideas; a major tragedy changes the lives of the Lyon family.
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Episode 12
Aired Apr 6, 2016
A Rose by Any Other Name
Camilla sinks her claws into Hakeem, the acting Empire CEO, while the rest of the Lyon family members try to get him back on their side; Jamal gets backlash from his fans; Rhonda and Andre's marriage is tested.
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Episode 13
Aired Apr 13, 2016
The Tameness of a Wolf
Tensions rise between Lucious and his sons; Lucious recreates a traumatic interaction with his mother for a new music video; Tiana and Laura fight to be spotlighted during the Mirage a Trois tour.
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Episode 14
Aired Apr 20, 2016
Time Shall Unfold
Lucious releases his video and tries to maneuver his way back into the CEO position at Empire; Andre learns about his grandmother's mental illness as a way to better understand his own struggle; Anika makes a revelation.
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Episode 15
Aired Apr 27, 2016
More Than Kin
Lucious holds a fundraiser as part of a campaign to prove he should return as Empire's CEO; Hakeem considers whether or not to be a father to Anika's child.
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Episode 16
Aired May 4, 2016
The Lyon Who Cried Wolf
The discovery of a dark secret throws a wrench into Lucious' deeply personal music video about his mother; secret affairs compromise Hakeem and Jamal; Rhonda thinks she knows the identity of her attacker.
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Episode 17
Aired May 11, 2016
Rise by Sin
Hakeem struggles to find a place for his fiancé, Laura, in his career and family; Cookie reveals the truth about Freda's father to Jamal; Jamal makes a sacrifice for Lucious.
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Episode 18
Aired May 18, 2016
Past Is Prologue
In an effort to end the cycle violence, Jamal refuses to make music until his family makes peace; the Feds want Anika to testify against Lucious; Cookie calls a meeting at Hakeem and Laura's wedding.
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