7.8/101,196 votes#1 - Pilot
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/7/2015
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
Writer: Lee Daniels, Danny Strong
7.9/10871 votes#2 - The Outspoken King
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/14/2015
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
Writer: Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken
7.9/10767 votes#3 - The Devil Quotes Scripture
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/21/2015
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
Writer: Ilene Chaiken, Joshua Allen
7.9/10710 votes#4 - False Imposition
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/28/2015
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
8.3/10763 votes#5 - Dangerous Bonds
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/4/2015
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
8.1/10717 votes#6 - Out, Damned Spot
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/11/2015
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
8.5/10788 votes#7 - Our Dancing Days
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/18/2015
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
8.6/10799 votes#8 - The Lyon's Roar
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 2/25/2015
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
8.6/10801 votes#9 - Unto the Breach
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/4/2015
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
8.2/10625 votes#10 - Sins of the Father
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/11/2015
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
Writer: Eddie Gonzalez, Jeremy Haft
8.1/10624 votes#11 - Die But Once
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 3/18/2015
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
8.3/10680 votes#12 - Who I Am
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 3/18/2015
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
Writer: Danny Strong, Ilene Chaiken
The Best Episodes of Empire Season 1
Every episode of Empire Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Empire Season 1!
A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.
Genres:DramaSoap
Network:FOX
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot" is the best rated episode of "Empire" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 1196 votes. Directed by Lee Daniels and written by Lee Daniels, Danny Strong, it aired on 1/7/2015. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "The Outspoken King".