Empire backdrop
Drama•Soap

The Best Episodes of Empire Season 5

Every episode of Empire Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Empire Season 5!

Binge this in 12h 54m•Peaking at 7.5/10

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

Airs on
FOX
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons6

All123456

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Empire Season 5 Episode 1 - Steal from the Thief
    7.2/10(194 votes)

    #1 - Steal from the Thief

    S5:E1

    Two years after losing Empire to Eddie Barker, Cookie and Lucious are still in the midst of picking up the pieces. The family is now completely dispersed and coping in their own ways after experiencing unimaginable tragedies. Meanwhile, in an effort to reclaim the Lyons' position in the music industry, Cookie sets her eyes on a talented new singer and rapper, Treasure.

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writers:Dianne Houston, Brett Mahoney

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Empire Season 5 Episode 2 - Pay for Their Presumptions
    7.0/10(160 votes)

    #2 - Pay for Their Presumptions

    S5:E2

    Cookie and Lucious learn the difficulties of launching an artist without Empire Entertainment's resources, and their future with new artist Treasure is jeopardized. So when they receive two interesting offers that will launch them back into power in the music industry, they make a surprising decision. Meanwhile, Jamal decides to put his family first and move back to New York, leaving Kai with some tough decisions.

    Director:John Krokidas
    Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Empire Season 5 Episode 3 - Pride
    6.8/10(158 votes)

    #3 - Pride

    S5:E3

    Cookie and Lucious push to get back in the music game, but they'll need the whole family and some old allies to make serious sacrifices in order to do so. Meanwhile, Andre finds a risky way to make a name for himself among his fellow inmates.

    Director:Clement Virgo
    Writers:Joshua Allen, Diane Ademu-John

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Empire Season 5 Episode 4 - Love All, Trust a Few
    7.3/10(157 votes)

    #4 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Empire Season 5 Episode 5 - The Depth of Grief
    6.9/10(153 votes)

    #5 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Empire Season 5 Episode 6 - What Is Done
    6.8/10(158 votes)

    #6 - What Is Done

    S5:E6

    In an effort to sign more artists, Cookie and Lucious make a bet to see who can find someone first. While Lucious bets on the chance to meet an up and coming rapper in a high stakes poker game, Cookie takes to the streets to find untapped talent in a set of auditions. Meanwhile, Hakeem refuses to leave the studio when his rage inspires what he considers his best music yet and Jamal finds himself at a crossroads when Becky claims he's spending too much time with Kai.

    Director:Jussie Smollett
    Writers:Felicia D. Henderson, Thomas Westfall

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Empire

    READ
  7. Empire Season 5 Episode 7 - Treasons, Stratagems, and Spoils
    6.8/10(159 votes)

    #7 - Treasons, Stratagems, and Spoils

    S5:E7

    In an effort to bridge the gap between Lyon Family Management and Empire, Lucious must play nice with Jeff Kingsley, so that the two companies can get girl group TBD back on the map. Meanwhile, Jamal grows frustrated with Cookie when she tries to steal his London artist, Wynter, out from under him, Andre works with the mother of one of his old inmates to help free her innocent son and Cookie realizes her sister is in danger.

    Director:Tamra Davis
    Writers:Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Empire Season 5 Episode 8 - Master of What is Mine Own
    7.3/10(165 votes)

    #8 - Master of What is Mine Own

    S5:E8

    The cost of running Lyon Family Management starts to put pressure on Cookie and Lucious' relationship. When Kingsley pulls a power move of his own that has major financial repercussions for Lucious, Cookie thinks back to their early struggles. Kai becomes upset when Jamal announces their engagement on live TV and Tiana hits a crossroad with Hakeem, who refuses to set aside his beef with Blake. Meanwhile, Candace becomes vindictive after feeling betrayed by Cookie and Giselle uncovers a key to her future.

    Director:Dianne Houston
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Yolonda E. Lawrence

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Empire Season 5 Episode 9 - Had It From My Father
    7.5/10(181 votes)

    #9 - Had It From My Father

    S5:E9

    The financial security of the Lyon family is on the line as their LFM showcase quickly approaches. Kai's research for an expose on Empire uncovers some dirty activity within the company and causes conflict with Jamal. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana finally reach an agreement on how best to move forward with their relationship, Andre struggles with his decision to let a new love interest in and Kingsley strikes a deal with Giselle.

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writers:Carlito Rodriguez, Diane Ademu-John

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Empire Season 5 Episode 10 - My Fault Is Past
    5.9/10(179 votes)

    #10 - My Fault Is Past

    S5:E10

    With the control of Empire within reach again, the Lyons must pull out all the stops to prove Lucious and Becky's innocence in the datamining scandal. Meanwhile, Cookie struggles with Lucious' past and Jeff Kingsley's place in it, Jamal and Kai try to figure out where they stand and a mystery begins to unravel.

    Director:Michael Goi
    Writers:Craig Brewer, Cameron Johnson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Empire Season 5 Episode 11 - In Loving Virtue
    5.8/10(167 votes)

    #11 - In Loving Virtue

    S5:E11

    With the reputation of the family business on the line, the Lyons strategize on how to clean up Kingsley's mess and introduce a new and improved Empire. As Lucious and Cookie hire an old acquaintance to help track down the money Eddie stole, Andre tries to convince Devon's record label to let him record with Empire. Meanwhile, Treasure and Tiana fight for the female vocalist track on Jamal's new song.

    Director:Clement Virgo
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Empire Season 5 Episode 12 - Shift and Save Yourself
    5.4/10(176 votes)

    #12 - Shift and Save Yourself

    S5:E12

    Cookie is offered a career game-changer that would put her future in the family business in jeopardy. Jamal works diligently to try to make Tiana and Treasure's track a success, as Lucious, Cookie and Giselle deliberate future plans for Hakeem and the rest of the artists at Empire. Meanwhile, the feds pressure Thirsty, due to his affiliation with Lucious and Damon Cross, and Andre receives startling news.

    Director:Dianne Houston
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Thomas Westfall

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Empire Season 5 Episode 13 - Hot Blood, Hot Thoughts, Hot Deeds
    6.9/10(159 votes)

    #13 - Hot Blood, Hot Thoughts, Hot Deeds

    S5:E13

    When Empire launches its national tour in Philly, things heat up and egos clash. Jamal and Kai's relationships gets complicated and Treasure has an embarrassing mishap on stage. Cookie tries to grapple with her feelings for Damon, while the Feds start investigating Empire.

    Director:Gabourey Sidibe
    Writers:Diane Ademu-John, Evan Price

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Empire Season 5 Episode 14 - Without All Remedy
    6.4/10(143 votes)

    #14 - Without All Remedy

    S5:E14

    After receiving news about Andre's health, the Lyon family does everything in its power to support him, while continuing the tour. As Cookie and Lucious hash out their wrongdoings, Kai comforts Jamal through this process. Meanwhile, Maya comes to terms with where she stands with Blake and the others, and the rest of Empire must make sure the tour stays afloat.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writer:Jamie Rosengard

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Empire Season 5 Episode 15 - A Wise Father That Knows His Own Child
    6.6/10(136 votes)

    #15 - A Wise Father That Knows His Own Child

    S5:E15

    As the Feds close in on Empire, Jeff Kingsley seeks the truth about what really happened between Lucious and Tracy Kingsley. Meanwhile, Teri and the Lyons pray for Andre's health, and Cookie faces the truth about her relationship with Damon Cross. Jamal and Kai reach an understanding, while Hakeem attempts to figure out where he stands among his relationships.

    Director:Dawn Wilkinson
    Writers:Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Empire Season 5 Episode 16 - Never Doubt I Love
    6.1/10(159 votes)

    #16 - Never Doubt I Love

    S5:E16

    It's a special day for Jamal and Kai, but drama might ruin it when AUSA's Meghan Conway continues to pursue the Lyons by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Damon shows up, threatening to expose Cookie's secret; Teri confides in Cookie, sharing a big secret; and Andre asks Lucious for help with a life-altering task.

    Director:Darren Grant
    Writers:Joshua Allen, Thomas Westfall

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Empire Season 5 Episode 17 - My Fate Cries Out
    7.1/10(148 votes)

    #17 - My Fate Cries Out

    S5:E17

    Cookie gets picked up by AUSA Conway, while Lucious is visited by his past. Becky, Hakeem and Andre devise a plan to save Empire by putting on a show with special guests Sevyn Streeter and Ty Dolla $ign. Meanwhile, Andre helps Empire by getting help from the last person the Lyons expect and Cookie may never forgive Lucious for what he's done.

    Director:Paul McCrane
    Writers:Cameron Johnson, Janeika James, Jasheika James

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Empire Season 5 Episode 18 - The Roughest Day
    7.0/10(156 votes)

    #18 - The Roughest Day

    S5:E18

    As Cookie and Lucious deal with each other's betrayals, they wonder if this could be the end for their relationship. Meanwhile, Andre's life hangs in the balance and the future of Empire is in jeopardy as the Feds close in and the mystery of who is in the coffin is finally.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writers:Felicia D. Henderson, Brett Mahoney

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 5 Ratings Summary

"Steal from the Thief" is the best rated episode of "Empire" season 5. It scored 7.2/10 based on 194 votes. Directed by Sanaa Hamri and written by Dianne Houston, Brett Mahoney, it aired on 9/26/2018. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Pay for Their Presumptions".