Posted by | Ray Cornelius
A big congratulation goes to Lee Daniels and the cast of Fox’s new one-hour drama, “Empire.” According to PopGlitz.com, the show’s premiere pulled in 9.9 million viewers, beating out ABC’s “Modern Family” and making it the biggest Fox debut in three years as well as one of the top launches of the 2014-2015 season.
As previously reported, “Empire” follows a family-run-hip-hop dynasty governed by Lucious Lyons (Terrence Howard) who is attempting to take his record company, Empire Entertainment public. His plans come to screeching halt when his ex-wife, Cookie Lyons (Taraji P. Henson) emerges from prison for drug trafficking and an all-out family war ensues. Lyons must groom one of his three sons Andre, the shrewd music executive; Jamal, the talented gay singer-songwriter; and Hakeem, the headstrong rapper, to take control of the business before Cookie does.
The show stars Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Y. Gray, Malik Yoba, and Gabby Sidibe. There is also guest appearances by Gladys Knight, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Macy Gray. Timbaland serves as the show’s music producer which features original and current music.
Check out photos from the recent L.A. premiere of the show:
“Empire” L.A. Premiere
Taraji P. Henson stars as Cookie Lyons
“Empire” stars Malik Yoba and Terrence Howard
“Empire” star Jussie Smollett
“Empire” stars Bryshere Y. Gray, Terrence Howard and Trai Byers
“Empire” starlet Grace Gealey
“Empire” is directed by Lee Daniels
Empire’s child star Genis Wooten
EMPIRE airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Fox
Photo Credits: LiquidSoulMedia