Trai Byers

Lucious Lyon's reign as the head of Empire Entertainment 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. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious' ex-wife, Cookie, who emerges from prison to claim her share.

Cookie and her allies within the Lyon family make a desperate attempt to seize control of the company. But as the Lyons continue to battle each other, a bigger external threat emerges that could force them to unite.

Lucious pursues his music legacy with his streaming service, while also clashing with his half-brother, Tariq, who is leading a federal task force investigating him. Cookie aims to start over, and the Lyon brothers struggle with fame and ambition in a battle for the soul of the family.

Lucious makes his first public appearance since the explosion, but still has no memory of his life before the accident. Cookie struggles to rebuild her relationship with him, while keeping a close eye on his nurse, Claudia. Meanwhile, Andre is faced with an investigation by the LAPD, and Diana DuBois continues her war against the Lyons.

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.

Lucious is now a wanted fugitive, 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 centre. Andre, currently sitting on the Empire throne, is confronted by several people who now want to get in on the company action.