Shows Like Empire: 15 FAQs Answered
Empire, a popular television drama series created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, has gained immense popularity since its premiere in 2015. The show revolves around the Lyon family, who own a successful hip-hop music and entertainment company called Empire Entertainment. Filled with drama, music, and power struggles, Empire has captivated audiences around the world. If you’re a fan of Empire and looking for similar shows to binge-watch, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will explore several shows that share similarities with Empire, along with five unique facts about the show. Additionally, we will answer 15 frequently asked questions related to Empire and its counterparts.
Shows Like Empire:
1. Power: Created by Courtney A. Kemp, Power is a crime drama series that follows the life of James St. Patrick, nicknamed “Ghost,” who is a successful nightclub owner and a major player in the drug trade. Like Empire, Power explores themes of family, power struggles, and the complexities of the music industry.
2. Nashville: This musical drama series created by Callie Khouri revolves around the lives of country music superstars, focusing on the rivalry between two talented female singers. Nashville shares Empire’s musical elements and explores the behind-the-scenes drama of the music industry.
3. The Get Down: Created by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis, The Get Down is a musical drama series set in the 1970s South Bronx. It depicts the rise of hip-hop, disco, and graffiti art, while also exploring themes of family, love, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The Get Down’s vibrant musical performances are reminiscent of Empire.
4. Star: Created by Lee Daniels and Tom Donaghy, Star is a musical drama series that follows the lives of three talented young singers as they navigate the music industry in Atlanta. With its focus on music, ambition, and the challenges faced by aspiring artists, Star shares similarities with Empire.
5. Power Book II: Ghost: A spin-off of the original Power series, Power Book II: Ghost continues the story after the events of the original show’s finale. It follows Tariq St. Patrick, Ghost’s son, as he navigates the criminal underworld and tries to clear his mother’s name. With its exploration of power dynamics and family ties, Power Book II: Ghost captures the essence of Empire.
Unique Facts about Empire:
1. Real-life Inspiration: Empire draws inspiration from the life of music executive Jay-Z, who also faced various challenges and power struggles while building his empire in the music industry.
2. Record-Breaking Soundtrack: Empire’s original soundtrack has been a huge hit, with several songs reaching high positions on music charts. The show’s cast, including Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, have showcased their musical talents through their performances.
3. Guest Appearances: Empire has featured several high-profile guest stars, including Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson. These appearances added to the show’s popularity and brought in a wider audience.
4. Cultural Impact: Empire has been praised for its representation of diverse characters and tackling important social issues such as hom*ophobia and racial inequality. The show has had a significant impact on popular culture, sparking conversations and raising awareness.
5. International Success: Empire has garnered a massive international following, with fans from around the globe captivated by its compelling storylines and addictive music. The show’s popularity has led to numerous international adaptations and remakes.
FAQs about Empire:
1. Are there any plans for an Empire movie or spin-off series?
– As of now, there are no official plans for an Empire movie or spin-off series, but the creators have expressed interest in exploring these possibilities in the future.
2. Is the music in Empire performed by the actors themselves?
– Yes, the majority of the songs featured in Empire are performed by the actors themselves, showcasing their musical talents alongside their acting skills.
3. How many seasons of Empire are there?
– Empire ran for six seasons, with the final episode airing in April 2020.
4. Is Empire based on a true story?
– While Empire draws inspiration from real-life music executives like Jay-Z, the show itself is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction.
5. Where can I watch Empire?
– Empire is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Fox’s official website.
6. Who plays the lead roles in Empire?
– Terrence Howard portrays Lucious Lyon, the head of the Lyon family, while Taraji P. Henson plays his ex-wife, Cookie Lyon.
7. Is Empire suitable for all ages?
– Empire is rated TV-14, indicating that it may not be suitable for children under the age of 14 due to its adult themes, language, and violence.
8. Did Empire win any awards?
– Yes, Empire has won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Taraji P. Henson’s performance as Cookie Lyon.
9. What is the main theme song of Empire?
– The main theme song of Empire is titled “Good Enough” and is performed by Jussie Smollett, who portrays Jamal Lyon on the show.
10. How many original songs were created for Empire?
– Over the course of its six seasons, Empire featured more than 100 original songs, showcasing the show’s emphasis on music.
11. Are there any plans for an Empire reunion special?
– There have been no official announcements regarding an Empire reunion special, but the creators have expressed openness to the idea in interviews.
12. Is Empire available on DVD?
– Yes, all six seasons of Empire are available on DVD for those who prefer physical copies.
13. What is the running time of each episode of Empire?
– The average running time of an episode of Empire is approximately 43 minutes.
14. Was Empire affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
– Yes, like many other television productions, Empire faced delays and had to adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an early finale for the show.
15. Where was Empire filmed?
– Empire was primarily filmed in Chicago, Illinois, capturing the city’s vibrant music scene and iconic locations.
In conclusion, Empire has left an indelible mark on television, combining compelling drama with addictive music. If you’re seeking shows similar to Empire, Power, Nashville, The Get Down, Star, and Power Book II: Ghost are excellent choices. These shows share common themes, such as power struggles, family dynamics, and the music industry. With its real-life inspiration, record-breaking soundtrack, and cultural impact, Empire has become an iconic series in its own right.
