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The Best Episodes of Empire

Every episode of Empire ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Empire!

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A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Empire Season 4 Episode 2 - Full Circle
    10.0/10(199 votes)

    #1 - Full Circle

    S4:E2

    With Leah still insisting that he is a monster, Lucious sneaks away in hopes of finding out what type of person he was before the explosion. Cookie panics that Lucious has gone missing on Claudia's watch, until she realizes he found his way to Uncle Eddie, a music icon who has since become family to the Lyons. Meanwhile, with Anika still behind bars, Hakeem and Tiana grow more comfortable as a family, and Becky makes a rash decision regarding Jamal's new song.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writers:Eric Haywood, Craig Brewer

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  2. Empire Season 4 Episode 5 - The Fool
    10.0/10(200 votes)

    #2 - The Fool

    S4:E5

    When the secret about Lucious' memory is exposed, Cookie attempts to convince the board that he is fine by inviting the press to watch him produce the first 20 for 20 album. Eddie Barker jumps in to help Lucious get back in his groove and make music in the studio. Just as Andre's feelings for Detective Pamela Rose intensify, she reveals information that's been uncovered regarding the explosion. Meanwhile, Hakeem worries about his secret involvement with the DuBois family and Claudia helps Lucious with a breakthrough.

    Director:Howard Deutch
    Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James

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  3. Empire Season 4 Episode 7 - The Lady Doth Protest
    10.0/10(193 votes)

    #3 - The Lady Doth Protest

    S4:E7

    Production comes to a halt on Empire's 20-For-20 when Calvin and Portia, feeling overworked by their new producer, Eddie Barker, call for a strike, leaving Cookie to find a solution to the issue. In an attempt to prove that he can still be the man he was before the explosion, Lucious arranges a deal on Hakeem's behalf, not knowing the repercussions that could follow. Meanwhile, love is in the air for Jamal and Andre, who each express their feelings for their significant others, not knowing the secrets that are being kept from them.

    Director:Karen Gaviola
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Eric Haywood

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  4. Empire Season 4 Episode 8 - Cupid Painted Blind
    10.0/10(248 votes)

    #4 - Cupid Painted Blind

    S4:E8

    Cookie and Lucious take matters into their own hands as they watch Diana DuBois' master scheme unfold. Meanwhile, Andre begins to spiral out of control, wondering what she could have in store for him. Also, Jamal's sobriety is put to the test and Shine gives Hakeem advice on how to maintain a balance between his work and personal life.

    Director:Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
    Writers:Diane Ademu-John, Carlito Rodriguez

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  5. Empire Season 4 Episode 11 - Without Apology
    10.0/10(182 votes)

    #5 - Without Apology

    S4:E11

    On the brink of a lucrative tech deal, Eddie realizes that he must work on rebranding Empire. Cookie springs into action when a girl group from the past re-unites and threatens to expose secrets about Empire and Lucious. Meanwhile, Hakeem makes a major move with Tiana, Andre continues to struggle with his guilt and Becky is faced with a difficult situation.

    Director:Dianne Houston
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Joshua Allen

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  6. Empire Season 5 Episode 4 - Love All, Trust a Few
    10.0/10(159 votes)

    #6 - Love All, Trust a Few

    S5:E4

    The Lyon family works to get back in their groove with a brand-new project underway. As Cookie and Portia attempt to sign Devon, who has just the sound they're looking for, Andre tries to prove himself useful to Lucious on the business side of things. Not having heard from Kai, Jamal panics and looks back at their history together. At Empire, the new management entangles itself with a dangerous tie from the Lyon family's past.

    Director:Mario Van Peebles
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Cameron Johnson

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Empire

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  7. Empire Season 5 Episode 5 - The Depth of Grief
    10.0/10(155 votes)

    #7 - The Depth of Grief

    S5:E5

    Lucious and Cookie prep their new artist Devon (guest star Mario) for a premiere listening party, but worry he may not be ready for that kind of pressure. Hakeem is determined to convince Tiana that he's matured, but she has a hard time letting go of everything they've struggled through the past couple years. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes concerned about Jamal.

    Director:Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
    Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Janeika James, Jasheika James

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  8. Empire Season 2 Episode 10 - Et Tu, Brute
    9.5/10(568 votes)

    #8 - Et Tu, Brute

    S2:E10

    Lucious makes a reckless play for the streaming service that he believes will make him the most powerful man in music, only to learn that the entire business strategy was part of a scheme that might bring Hakeem’s ex, Camilla, back into the picture. Meanwhile, Cookie decides to plan a concert at the prison where she spent 17 years locked away from her family and a tragic “accident” leaves Rhonda in a scary state.

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writer:Radha Blank

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  9. Empire Season 1 Episode 6 - Out, Damned Spot
    9.4/10(737 votes)

    #9 - Out, Damned Spot

    S1:E6

    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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  10. Empire Season 1 Episode 10 - Sins of the Father
    9.2/10(641 votes)

    #10 - Sins of the Father

    S1:E10

    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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  11. Empire Season 2 Episode 8 - My Bad Parts
    9.2/10(425 votes)

    #11 - My Bad Parts

    S2:E8

    Lucious, eager to assert his power, releases a rap by Freda challenging Hakeem as his heir. Not to be outdone in Lucious' eyes, Hakeem fires back at Freda with a rap battle challenge that could put Lyon Dynasty's future in danger. Meanwhile, Cookie gets a special visit from her spitfire sister, Candace, Jamal is working on landing a major sponsorship deal and Anika receives some life changing news

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writer:Malcolm Spellman

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  12. Empire Season 2 Episode 16 - The Lyon Who Cried Wolf
    9.2/10(355 votes)

    #12 - The Lyon Who Cried Wolf

    S2:E16

    A wrench is thrown into Lucious’ deeply personal music video about his mother, when Andre discovers a dark secret. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Jamal are compromised after tempting themselves with new or rekindling, but secretive affairs. Then, Rhonda starts to suspect who her attacker was.

    Director:Millicent Shelton
    Writer:Joshua Allen

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  13. Empire Season 3 Episode 14 - Love Is a Smoke
    9.0/10(210 votes)

    #13 - Love Is a Smoke

    S3:E14

    Cookie gives Lucious unexpected news that makes him feel uneasy about the future. Hoping to make Cookie jealous, Giuliana moves in on Lucious and persuades him to comply with her new plans. Meanwhile, Anika and Tariq devise a new plan and Charlotte Frost holds the Empire Las Vegas dream in her hands.

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writers:Diane Ademu-John, Cherien Dabis

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  14. Empire Season 3 Episode 15 - Civil Hands Unclean
    9.0/10(218 votes)

    #14 - Civil Hands Unclean

    S3:E15

    Angelo's relationship with Cookie turns toxic and leaves her questioning her decisions. Hakeem makes a public plea for Lucious to give him paternity of Bella during his return to Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes increasingly more suspicious of Lucious' intentions with Giuliana and Empire's future in Vegas, and Lucious and Jamal work overtime to finish their albums.

    Director:Howard Deutch
    Writers:Ilene Chaiken, Carlito Rodriguez

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  15. Empire Season 2 Episode 3 - Fires of Heaven
    8.8/10(469 votes)

    #15 - Fires of Heaven

    S2:E3

    Anika secretly work together behind Lucious’ back to pull off a surprise performance that catches the eye of Pitbull. Meanwhile, Lucious tracks down Frank Gathers’ daughter, Young Ma, to try to convince her to sign with him at Empire, while Hakeem is hard at work on his girl group, Ménage a Trois. Also, Andre and Rhonda hope their baby-on-the-way will be the key that unlocks Lucious’ cold heart and opens the door for Andre to return to the Empire fold.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writer:Attica Locke

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  16. Empire Season 2 Episode 6 - A High Hope for a Low Heaven
    8.8/10(435 votes)

    #16 - A High Hope for a Low Heaven

    S2:E6

    Lucious and Cookie must put aside their differences and work together as parents to protect their family and keep them out of danger. Jamal does his best to get back in the studio and break away from being defined solely as a gay artist, while Hakeem struggles with how to feel and act like a man. Meanwhile, Andre works to shut down a division at Empire, until he discovers a disciple in the midst of Lucious' Gutter Life records.

    Director:Mario Van Peebles
    Writer:Robert Munic

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  17. Empire Season 2 Episode 9 - Sinned Against
    8.8/10(409 votes)

    #17 - Sinned Against

    S2:E9

    Cookie and her sister, Candace, team up with a former prison mate to rescue their sister, Carol. Back at Empire, Jamal and critically acclaimed pop star Skye Summers begin collaborating and soon share a deep connection. Meanwhile, Laz has truly fallen for Cookie, but things get complicated when she finds out the truth about him.

    Director:Paul McCrane
    Writer:Eric Haywood

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  18. Empire Season 3 Episode 5 - One Before Another
    8.7/10(260 votes)

    #18 - One Before Another

    S3:E5

    Lucious and Andre are on high alert as they wait for Shine to retaliate after their latest business encounter went south. Jamal, who has yet to perform in front of his fans, teams up with Hakeem for a performance that he thinks could help him face his fears. Meanwhile, Cookie is caught off-guard during a routine meeting with her probation officer

    Director:Mario Van Peebles
    Writers:Joshua Allen, Carlito Rodriguez

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  19. Empire Season 3 Episode 10 - Sound & Fury
    8.7/10(279 votes)

    #19 - Sound & Fury

    S3:E10

    After launching a deadly missile at Angelo, Lucious announces his new music project, Inferno, and puts everyone on notice - especially Cookie, who then vows to knock him off his throne for good. Meanwhile, Jamal befriends musician Tory Ash during his stay in rehab, Andre continues with his plan to take over EMPIRE, and Hakeem and Tiana battle Nessa for a spot in the music showcase.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writers:Eric Haywood, Carlito Rodriguez

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  20. Empire Season 3 Episode 11 - Play On
    8.7/10(226 votes)

    #20 - Play On

    S3:E11

    Cookie tries to move forward with Angelo, while struggling with guilt over her run-in with Lucious. Meanwhile, Leah seeks out Tariq's help in taking down Anika, and Jamal and Tory team up in the studio.

    Director:Benny Boom
    Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James

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  21. Empire Season 3 Episode 12 - Strange Bedfellows
    8.7/10(224 votes)

    #21 - Strange Bedfellows

    S3:E12

    Angelo makes an unsettling discovery and is concerned that Cookie's past isn't in the past and will hurt his chances of becoming the Mayor. Anika is faced with a life-changing decision after Tariq reveals what he is really after. Meanwhile, Hakeem's 21st birthday party takes an unexpected turn.

    Director:Bille Woodruff
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Attica Locke

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  22. Empire Season 3 Episode 16 - Absent Child
    8.7/10(213 votes)

    #22 - Absent Child

    S3:E16

    The Lyons fear that the Dubois family is to blame for their latest family crisis, so when no one is willing to give up any information, Cookie takes matters into her own hands. Jamal and Lucious reach a breakthrough in a song on which they have been working, and Andre lashes out. Meanwhile, Cookie sets her eyes on a new plan for Empire in Vegas.

    Director:Millicent Shelton
    Writers:Attica Locke, Malcolm Spellman

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  23. Empire Season 3 Episode 17 - Toil and Trouble (1)
    8.7/10(230 votes)

    #23 - Toil and Trouble (1)

    S3:E17

    When Cookie is banned from Leviticus Vegas, she pulls together a team of her own allies to seek revenge on Giuliana and steal her secret weapon. Meanwhile, Jamal is encouraged to put his album on hold, so as not to compete with Lucious' "Inferno".

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writers:Eric Haywood, Diane Ademu-John

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  24. Empire Season 1 Episode 8 - The Lyon's Roar
    8.6/10(821 votes)

    #24 - The Lyon's Roar

    S1:E8

    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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  25. Empire Season 3 Episode 2 - Sin That Amends
    8.6/10(294 votes)

    #25 - Sin That Amends

    S3:E2

    In an attempt to cope with life after being shot, Jamal teams up with businessman Angelo Dubois, to talk about gun violence and host a summit for awareness. When he tries to perform again, things don’t go as planned. Meanwhile, Lucious attempts to win over Cookie, Hakeem starts to record new songs with Shine, and Andre runs into some trouble with the police.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writer:Cherien Dabis

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Best Episodes Summary

"Full Circle" is the best rated episode of "Empire". It scored 10/10 based on 199 votes. Directed by Craig Brewer and written by Eric Haywood, Craig Brewer, it aired on 10/4/2017. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Fool".