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The Worst Episodes of Empire

Every episode of Empire ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst 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 Worst Episode
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    Empire Season 5 Episode 12 - Shift and Save Yourself
    5.4/10(176 votes)

    #1 - 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

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  2. Empire Season 6 Episode 18 - Home Is on the Way
    5.7/10(194 votes)

    #2 - Home Is on the Way

    S6:E18

    In the midst of the Bossyfest launch and the fight to regain control of Empire, Cookie reflects on her life and the woman she has become. Lucious finds it impossible to deny his feelings for Cookie, while continuing to support Yana and her rise to stardom. When the Lyons face their biggest threat yet, Lucious prepares for the battle of his life and realizes that in the end, family is what matters the most.

    Directors:Bille Woodruff, Geary McLeod
    Writers:Matt Pyken, Yolonda E. Lawrence, Michael C. Martin, Indira G. Wilson

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

    #3 - 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

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

    #4 - 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

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

    #5 - 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

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

    #6 - 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

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

    #7 - 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

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  8. Empire Season 3 Episode 12 - Strange Bedfellows
    6.7/10(219 votes)

    #8 - 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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  9. Empire Season 6 Episode 1 - What Is Love
    6.7/10(138 votes)

    #9 - What Is Love

    S6:E1

    Lucious, who is now a wanted fugitive, is on the run from the Feds. Cookie keeps busy by focusing on her brand outside of Empire, which now includes a daytime talk show and a community center. Andre, currently sitting on the Empire throne, is confronted by several people who now want to get in on the company and Hakeem sets his sights on the lead role in the first EMPIRE movie. Meanwhile, Becky and Giselle search for their first Bossy Media artist.

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writers:Dianne Houston, Brett Mahoney

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  10. Empire Season 4 Episode 12 - Sweet Sorrow
    6.8/10(165 votes)

    #10 - Sweet Sorrow

    S4:E12

    A Lyon health scare shakes up Empire, as Cookie holds down the fort, in spite of it all. Both Andre and Jamal try to right their wrongs, and Jamal makes a shocking revelation on live TV with Robin Roberts. Eager to take Empire to new heights, Eddie's motives are questioned when numbers don't add up. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana find common ground and Becky reveals the secret she's been keeping from J. Poppa.

    Director:Eric Haywood
    Writers:Jamie Rosengard, Eric Haywood

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

    #11 - 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

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

    #12 - 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

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

    #13 - 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

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  14. Empire Season 4 Episode 14 - False Face
    6.9/10(169 votes)

    #14 - False Face

    S4:E14

    Lucious and Thirsty try to squash Eddie's takeover by confronting him with legal papers. Cookie recalls her complex relationship with her mother, while she continues her search for her friend's orphaned daughter. Meanwhile, Andre flounders, Hakeem anxiously prepares a release strategy for his 20 for 20 single and Jamal and Tory try to find a new team to make their own first non-Empire single.

    Director:Millicent Shelton
    Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James

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

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

    #16 - 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

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

    #17 - 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

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  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

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  19. Empire Season 6 Episode 11 - Can't Truss 'Em
    7.0/10(110 votes)

    #19 - Can't Truss 'Em

    S6:E11

    The Lyons' world is turned upside down as they face a loss, which forces one Lyon to deal with an unresolved trauma from the past. Meanwhile, Andre makes an important decision about his health, family and career and Devon confronts Tiana about her relationship with Hakeem. Also, a shocking revelation about the future of the Lyons is revealed.

    Director:Clement Virgo
    Writers:Cameron Johnson, Michael C. Martin

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  20. Empire Season 3 Episode 11 - Play On
    7.1/10(222 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 4 Episode 13 - Of Hardiness is Mother
    7.1/10(165 votes)

    #21 - Of Hardiness is Mother

    S4:E13

    Although Lucious pressures Cookie to take it easy, she can't help but take matters into her own hands when she receives unsettling news about an old friend. Meanwhile, Tiana's new 20 for 20 single takes off, leading to an unexpected change in her demeanor. Also, Jamal struggles to rebrand his image, Hakeem adopts a new role as musical mentor and Andre recruits Lucious to help him uncover the truth about Eddie's intentions.

    Director:Craig Brewer
    Writers:Dianne Houston, Carlito Rodriguez

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

    #22 - 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

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  23. Empire Season 6 Episode 12 - Talk Less
    7.1/10(106 votes)

    #23 - Talk Less

    S6:E12

    Lucious hunts for a record deal for Yana, but is met with surprising feedback from the label execs. Meanwhile, Cookie struggles with her inability to shake memories of the secret she's kept for so many years. Also, Lala, feeling neglected by her team at Bossy Media, pulls a dangerous stunt to take promotion into her own hands, and Andre suffers from brownouts and lapses of judgement as Kingsley pushes for more control.

    Director:Dawn Wilkinson
    Writers:Stacy A. Littlejohn, Marcus Guillory

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  24. Empire Season 6 Episode 14 - I Am Who I Am
    7.1/10(117 votes)

    #24 - I Am Who I Am

    S6:E14

    While on a road trip, Cookie, Candace and Carol take a painful trip down memory lane, shedding light on their childhood and exposing heartbreaking secrets from the past. Lucious uses something special from the past to help give Yana her big break. Meanwhile, Maya hatches a scheme to generate more buzz for the "Birth of an Empire" movie and Teri becomes increasingly more fearful of Andre.

    Director:Ishai Setton
    Writers:Paul Eriksen, Colin Waite

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  25. Empire Season 6 Episode 16 - We Got Us
    7.1/10(117 votes)

    #25 - We Got Us

    S6:E16

    After witnessing Andre's breakdown, Cookie and Lucious have him committed to the same treatment facility as Leah and the guilt Cookie feels from Andre's situation causes her to wonder how different life would be if she had not gone to prison. Meanwhile, Becky struggles with balancing her personal and professional relationships and Hakeem and Maya find themselves in a less-than-ideal situation after a drunken night in Vegas.

    Director:Clement Virgo
    Writers:Janeika James, Jasheika James

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Shift and Save Yourself" is the worst rated episode of "Empire". It scored 5.4/10 based on 176 votes. Directed by Dianne Houston and written by Matt Pyken, Thomas Westfall, it aired on 3/27/2019. This episode scored 0.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Home Is on the Way".