The Best Episodes of Empire Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.8/10(1224 votes)

   #1 - Pilot

   S1:E11/7/2015

   Lucious Lyon is 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, Jamal or Hakeem. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious’ ex-wife, Cookie, who emerges from prison to claim her share.

   Director:Lee Daniels

   Writers:Danny Strong, Lee Daniels

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   Director:Lee Daniels

   Writers:Danny Strong, Lee Daniels
2. 

   7.9/10(885 votes)

   #2 - The Outspoken King

   S1:E21/14/2015

   Lucious has to defend Empire's IPO launch after one of his artists is involved in a shooting; Cookie hears about Lucious' plans for a huge performance for Hakeem, but not Jamal; Bunkie's murder is investigated.

   Director:Lee Daniels

   Writers:Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken

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   Director:Lee Daniels

   Writers:Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken
3. 

   7.9/10(782 votes)

   #3 - The Devil Quotes Scripture

   S1:E31/21/2015

   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.

   Director:Sanaa Hamri

   Writers:Joshua Allen, Ilene Chaiken

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   Director:Sanaa Hamri

   Writers:Joshua Allen, Ilene Chaiken
4. 

   7.9/10(736 votes)

   #4 - False Imposition

   S1:E41/28/2015

   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.

   Director:Rosemary Rodriguez

   Writer:Wendy Calhoun

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   Director:Rosemary Rodriguez

   Writer:Wendy Calhoun
5. 

   8.3/10(783 votes)

   #5 - Dangerous Bonds

   S1:E52/4/2015

   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.

   Director:John Singleton

   Writer:Malcolm Spellman

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   Director:John Singleton

   Writer:Malcolm Spellman
6. 

   8.1/10(732 votes)

   #6 - Out, Damned Spot

   S1:E62/11/2015

   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.

   Director:Michael Engler

   Writer:Eric Haywood

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   Director:Michael Engler

   Writer:Eric Haywood
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7. 

   8.5/10(803 votes)

   #7 - Our Dancing Days

   S1:E72/18/2015

   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.

   Director:Sanaa Hamri

   Writer:Attica Locke

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   Director:Sanaa Hamri

   Writer:Attica Locke
8. 

   8.6/10(817 votes)

   #8 - The Lyon's Roar

   S1:E82/25/2015

   It’s time for the Lyon family to come together and record a legacy album with Lucious, Hakeem and Jamal. Cookie and Camilla finally come face-to-face, Andre struggles with some inner demons and Jamal steps into the spotlight with news that surprises everyone.

   Director:Danny Strong

   Writer:Danny Strong

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   Director:Danny Strong

   Writer:Danny Strong
9. 

   8.6/10(815 votes)

   #9 - Unto the Breach

   S1:E93/4/2015

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

   Director:Anthony Hemingway

   Writer:David Rambo

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   Director:Anthony Hemingway

   Writer:David Rambo
10. 

    8.2/10(637 votes)

    #10 - Sins of the Father

    S1:E103/11/2015

    Andre forms a new musical relationship with Michelle, and a woman from Lucious' past, Angie, 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, 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 arrives.

    Director:Rob Hardy

    Writers:Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft

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    Director:Rob Hardy

    Writers:Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft
11. 

    8.1/10(636 votes)

    #11 - Die But Once

    S1:E113/18/2015

    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.

    Director:Mario Van Peebles

    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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    Director:Mario Van Peebles

    Writer:Ilene Chaiken
12. 

    8.3/10(694 votes)

    #12 - Who I Am

    S1:E123/18/2015

    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.

    Director:Debbie Allen

    Writers:Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken

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    Director:Debbie Allen

    Writers:Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken