Home > Empire > Season 2 « TV Series Page Empire: Season 2 (2015 - 2016) SEASON: Season 2 Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Season 6 Want to see Episode List Season 2 Empire Critics Consensus With masterfully melodramatic writing and gloriously glam performances, Empire is not backing down on the soapy spectacle in its second season. 87% TOMATOMETER Critic Ratings: 36 69% Audience Score User Ratings: 386 See score details Rate And Review Submit review Want to see Edit Submit review Super Reviewer Verified Super Reviewer Verified Edit Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit Continue Super Reviewer Step 2 of 2 How did you buy your ticket? Let's get your review verified. Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket. Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit How did you buy your ticket? Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Episodes 1 100% The Devils Are Here Air date: Sep 23, 2015 Season 2 picks up three months after the arrest and incarceration of Lucious, who is trying to run Empire Entertainment from inside federal lockup. Elsewhere, a headline-grabbing state prosecutor hangs her political ambitions on bringing Lucious down; and Cookie stages a star-studded concert in support of her ex, while at the same time she's plotting with Andre, Hakeem, Anika and Mimi Whiteman to finalize the hostile takeover of his company. More 2 100% Without a Country Air date: Sep 30, 2015 Cookie and her cohorts decide to start their own small record label, but their opposing visions make for a bumpy start to the venture. Meanwhile, Hakeem woos a hot Latina singer for the girl group he wants to form; Lucious hires a new lawyer and records an epic track from inside jail; and Jamal proves to be just as ruthless as his father when making business moves. More 3 83% Fires of Heaven Air date: Oct 7, 2015 Cookie and Anika work behind Lucious' back to pull off a performance that will catch Pitbull's eye; at the same time, Lucious tries to convince Frank Gather's daughter to sign with him; and Hakeem focuses his energy on making Ménage a Trois a success. Meanwhile, Andre and Rhonda pin their hopes of a return to Empire on their baby to come. More 4 85% Poor Yorick Air date: Oct 14, 2015 The Lyons collaborate on a music video, putting aside their differences long enough to capitalize on Hakeem and Jamal's duet from Hakeem's leaked album. Meanwhile, Lucious, who has the federal murder case hanging over his head, decides the answer to his problems is to find Vernon and make him permanently disappear. More 5 87% Be True Air date: Oct 21, 2015 Cookie and Anika work with Laz to organize a big block party to launch their company, an event that will be highlighted by a signature anthem written by Hakeem, who finds himself entering into a tender romance with the lead singer of his girl group. Meanwhile, Jamal collaborates with Ne-Yo; and Andre takes steps to rid his soul of past sins. More 6 71% A High Hope for a Low Heaven Air date: Nov 4, 2015 Lucious and Cookie put aside their differences for the sake of their family who need them to work together to stay out of danger; Jamal does his best to get back in the studio and break away from the "gay artist" label; and Hakeem struggles with how to feel and act like a man. More 7 50% True Love Never Air date: Nov 11, 2015 Lucious explores the possibility of partnering with Jago as he maps out a plan to turn Empire into a global music monolith; at the same time, Andre struggles to find a balance between his newfound values and demanding career. Elsewhere, Hakeem molds Laura into a star; and Cookie pushes to get Lyon Dynasty involved in a major televised charity concert. More 8 73% My Bad Parts Air date: Nov 18, 2015 Battle lines are drawn when Lucious attempts to assert his power by releasing a rap by Freda challenging Hakeem as his heir. Meanwhile, Cookie's spitfire sister pays her a special visit; Jamal works on landing a major sponsorship deal; and Anika receives some life-changing news. More 9 No Score Yet Sinned Against Air date: Nov 25, 2015 Cookie and Candace recruit an ex-con to help them rescue their sister Carol; and Laz's romantic relationship with Cookie gets complicated when she finds out the truth about him. Meanwhile at Empire, Jamal collaborates with a pop star who connects with him on a deep level. More 10 76% Et Tu, Brute? Air date: Dec 2, 2015 Lucious makes a reckless play for the streaming service that he believes will put him on the map as the most powerful man in music, but in the end this move could cost him big time; and Cookie decides to stage a concert at the prison where she was locked away from her family for 17 years. More Show More Episodes Empire: Season 2 Videos Empire: Season 2 Promo - Rising Above View All Videos (1) Empire: Season 2 Photos View All Photos (240) Tv Season Info The second season of the hip-hop drama centers on a battle for control over Empire Entertainment. The premiere opens three months following the shocking arrest and incarceration of Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), who is attempting to control his record label from inside federal lockup. At the same time, his ex-wife, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson), is still plotting a hostile takeover of the lucrative biz, while also trying to establish a small startup. Neither goes smoothly. But success does come to Lucious when he records an epic track from prison. Guest appearances include Ne-Yo, Ludacris, William Fichtner, Adam Rodriguez, Kelly Rowland, Chris Rock, Andre Royo and Marisa Tomei. Genre: Drama Network: FOX Premiere Date: Sep 23, 2015 Creators: Danny Strong, Lee Daniels Exec. Producers: Brian Grazer, Danny Strong, Francie Calfo, Lee Daniels Cast Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon Bryshere Y. Gray as Hakeem Lyon Trai Byers as Andre Lyon Grace Byers as Anika Calhoun Grace Gealey as Anika Calhoun Kaitlin Doubleday as Rhonda Lyon Gabourey Sidibe as Becky Ta'Rhonda Jones as Porsha Serayah as Tiana Rafael De La Fuente as Michael Sanchez Andre Royo as Thirsty Rawlings Jamila Velazquez as Laura Malik Yoba as Vernon Turner Bre-Z Murray as Freda Gatz AzMarie as Chicken Naomi Campbell as Camilla Kelly Rowland as Leah Walker Marisa Tomei as Mimi Whiteman Adam Rodriguez as Laz Delgado Raquel Castro as Marisol Tyra Ferrell as Roxanne Ford Yanira Marin as Carmen Vivica A. Fox as Candace Morocco Omari as Tariq Leslie Uggams as Leah Walker Tobias Truvillion as Derek Major Patrick Mulvey as Jago Tyler Ravelson as Tay-O Alicia Keys as Skye Summers William Fichtner as Jamesion Mike Moh as Steve Cho Becky G as Valentina Francisco Posada as Trap Tasha Smith as Carol Veronika Bozeman as V Annie Ilonzeh as Harper Scott Mo McRae as J Poppa Claudette Burchett as Juanita Dan Flannery as Tony "Tricky" Trichter Marcell Johnson as Marcel Jessica Klaas as Lucious's Assistant Sara Sevigny as Edna Reggie Baker as Ralph Anderson Will Kinnear as Leonard Bernstein Chris Rock as Frank Gathers Chris "Ludacris" Bridges as Officer Mcknight Rosie O'Donnell as Pepper O'Leary Ne-Yo as Himself Don Lemon as Himself Yani Marin as Carmen Lee Daniels as Himself Charles Malik Whitfield as Reverend L.C. Price Charlamagne Tha God as Himself Lihtz Kamraz as Homeboy Al Sharpton as Himself Kevin Wigfall as Webb Andre Leon Talley as Himself James T. Alfred as Tyree Pitbull as Himself Swiss Beatz as Himself Max Beesley as Guy Jane Hannemann as Carmel Dielman Fantastic Negrito as Himself Miss Lawrence as Himself Petey Pablo as Himself Terria Joseph as Judith Leah Jeffries as Lola Shannon Brown as Little Dwight Walker Victor Almanzar as Big Heavy Maurice McRae as J Poppa Sari Sanchez as Raquel Alvarez Andrew Howard as Homeboy Quincy Jones as Huey Jacqueline Williams as Warden Athena Myers Erin Breen as Erika Da Brat as Jezzy Catya "Cat" Washington as Stacee Run-Run Aaron Snook as Lou Kathryn Jaeck as Gladys Tim Decker as Henry Bobby Richards as Engineer Show More Cast News & Interviews for Empire: Season 2 12 TV Shows You Should Binge-Watch This September 15 TV Shows You Should Binge-Watch This September People’s Choice 2017 Winners Announced View All Empire: Season 2 News Episodes 1 100% The Devils Are Here Air date: Sep 23, 2015 Season 2 picks up three months after the arrest and incarceration of Lucious, who is trying to run Empire Entertainment from inside federal lockup. Elsewhere, a headline-grabbing state prosecutor hangs her political ambitions on bringing Lucious down; and Cookie stages a star-studded concert in support of her ex, while at the same time she's plotting with Andre, Hakeem, Anika and Mimi Whiteman to finalize the hostile takeover of his company. More 2 100% Without a Country Air date: Sep 30, 2015 Cookie and her cohorts decide to start their own small record label, but their opposing visions make for a bumpy start to the venture. Meanwhile, Hakeem woos a hot Latina singer for the girl group he wants to form; Lucious hires a new lawyer and records an epic track from inside jail; and Jamal proves to be just as ruthless as his father when making business moves. More 3 83% Fires of Heaven Air date: Oct 7, 2015 Cookie and Anika work behind Lucious' back to pull off a performance that will catch Pitbull's eye; at the same time, Lucious tries to convince Frank Gather's daughter to sign with him; and Hakeem focuses his energy on making Ménage a Trois a success. Meanwhile, Andre and Rhonda pin their hopes of a return to Empire on their baby to come. More 4 85% Poor Yorick Air date: Oct 14, 2015 The Lyons collaborate on a music video, putting aside their differences long enough to capitalize on Hakeem and Jamal's duet from Hakeem's leaked album. Meanwhile, Lucious, who has the federal murder case hanging over his head, decides the answer to his problems is to find Vernon and make him permanently disappear. More 5 87% Be True Air date: Oct 21, 2015 Cookie and Anika work with Laz to organize a big block party to launch their company, an event that will be highlighted by a signature anthem written by Hakeem, who finds himself entering into a tender romance with the lead singer of his girl group. Meanwhile, Jamal collaborates with Ne-Yo; and Andre takes steps to rid his soul of past sins. More 6 71% A High Hope for a Low Heaven Air date: Nov 4, 2015 Lucious and Cookie put aside their differences for the sake of their family who need them to work together to stay out of danger; Jamal does his best to get back in the studio and break away from the "gay artist" label; and Hakeem struggles with how to feel and act like a man. More 7 50% True Love Never Air date: Nov 11, 2015 Lucious explores the possibility of partnering with Jago as he maps out a plan to turn Empire into a global music monolith; at the same time, Andre struggles to find a balance between his newfound values and demanding career. Elsewhere, Hakeem molds Laura into a star; and Cookie pushes to get Lyon Dynasty involved in a major televised charity concert. More 8 73% My Bad Parts Air date: Nov 18, 2015 Battle lines are drawn when Lucious attempts to assert his power by releasing a rap by Freda challenging Hakeem as his heir. Meanwhile, Cookie's spitfire sister pays her a special visit; Jamal works on landing a major sponsorship deal; and Anika receives some life-changing news. More 9 No Score Yet Sinned Against Air date: Nov 25, 2015 Cookie and Candace recruit an ex-con to help them rescue their sister Carol; and Laz's romantic relationship with Cookie gets complicated when she finds out the truth about him. Meanwhile at Empire, Jamal collaborates with a pop star who connects with him on a deep level. More 10 76% Et Tu, Brute? Air date: Dec 2, 2015 Lucious makes a reckless play for the streaming service that he believes will put him on the map as the most powerful man in music, but in the end this move could cost him big time; and Cookie decides to stage a concert at the prison where she was locked away from her family for 17 years. More Show More Episodes Critic Reviews for Empire Season 2 All Critics (36) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (2) The second season isn't the phenomenon of the first. But no other series on network TV this year has better proven the power of diversity. Nov 26, 2019 | Full Review… Eric Deggans NPR Top Critic Empire remains a soap with no pretensions beyond the suds. But there's something melancholy, and forlorn, in its heart: Reach the mountaintop, and the view is still lousy, and worse, everyone wants to push you off. Sep 23, 2015 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… Verne Gay Newsday Top Critic The elements that made Empire a sensation last season have not dimmed. Sep 23, 2015 | Full Review… Hal Boedeker Orlando Sentinel Top Critic The first season of the wildly popular Fox dramarama was soapy in all the right ways, but, like the best soaps, teetered between being, like, the greatest and a big mess. This season walks the same precarious path. Sep 22, 2015 | Full Review… Molly Eichel Philadelphia Inquirer Top Critic "Empire" rules, bigger and badder than ever. Sep 15, 2015 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… Jacqueline Cutler New York Daily News Top Critic If the premiere is any indication, we can look forward to the usual Empire fare: sexual intrigue, LGBTQ issues, fabulous wardrobe, slick pop tunes and rap hits, and - of course - a seemingly endless succession of double and triple crossings. Sep 25, 2015 | Full Review… Desirae Embree PopMatters Top Critic [Strong's] structure injects the drama with something more, and the new season music absolutely is moving this series into the legend category. Aug 20, 2018 | Full Review… Lapacazo Sandoval New York Amsterdam News Much like its centerpiece, Cookie, this is a show that knows its strengths and flaunts them. Sep 21, 2017 | Full Review… Judy Berman Flavorwire The show's sophomore season improves on the first in its sense of scope. Sep 23, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… Chris Cabin City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul The three episodes FOX sent to critics are impressively well-balanced, not to mention coherent by Empire standards. Sep 22, 2015 | Rating: B+ | Full Review… Alan Sepinwall HitFix Simultaneously refined and deliciously pulpy, Fox's mega-hit Empire roars back to life in its second year, with all the brand-specific viciousness and gasp-earning twists fans have come to expect from the Lyons. Sep 20, 2015 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review… Mitchel Broussard We Got This Covered Empire is succeeding at the game it's playing, and if that's our criteria, then yes, it's a good show. Sep 17, 2015 | Full Review… Merrill Barr Forbes View All Critic Reviews (36) Audience Reviews for Empire: Season 2 Oct 01, 2017 Never have a seen such s poorly written piece of trash that panders to the lowest common denominator. The plot is spoon fed and predictable, and it perpetuates stereotypes that most of us do not aspire to. Not all black folks are like this people, and your kids shouldnt look up to these type of nonsense characters. I love Terrence Howard and Taraji, this show is no better than here comes honey boo boo. These rolls are beneath Terrence and taraji, they deserve so much better. Evey P May 22, 2017 Empire's glossy melodramatic flair has worn out its welcome, at least for myself. Taraji Hensen, while a capable actress, is exhausting to watch and near-impossible to like as Cookie Lyon and each of the male leads act like a child half their respective ages. Add that to the producer's insistence on trying to keep up some gang elements in their portrayals, as well as an unfortunate step back to the quality of this season's soundtrack, and Empire S2 is hard to recommend as anything besides a guilty pleasure. David J Apr 05, 2017 After a strong and shocking start,Empire waste its talented cast and made it another boring soap opera.It lost energy by wasting cliffhangers and wasting entire episodes with boring sub plots and honestly forcing some cast members to become useless. joseph h Sep 18, 2016 Even better than the previous season. The tagline MUSIC FAMILY POWER was really visible to the eyes of the viewers. The characters of Lucius, Cookie, Andre, Jamal and Hakeem are connected but the individuality of each can stand alone without the other. And amazing performance for Taraji. A well-deserve defeat of Viola. Two thumbs up. Paul John L Jul 25, 2016 I couldn't stop watching!!!! I loved it???? Monique L May 20, 2016 ummmm..... this was a disaster. A big disaster and it is nearly impossible to fix now. I will keep watching, but wow what a disaster. Cookie keeps on making this interesting though i am still so frustrated. I really have no idea what to give this so i will give my undecisive 2.5/5. The writers need to stop turning this into a bad soap (which it is headed for) and make this the intense and addictive show it almost was in season 1. Mark J May 20, 2016 The Empire has officially fallen this season. This whole season their has not been one great episode they took along break just to show us more disappointing episodes. Especially the season finale like what made them decide to have Rhonda and Anika the main focus at the end when that is more of a side story. Did anybody else see the horrible acting from Hakeem when his wife called the wedding at the last minute, he reacted like he dropped his last chip or something.I do not think it worse acting than Tiana when she got robbed for her purse earlier in the season. Mohmed G May 18, 2016 While Season 2 is heavily flawed and no where near as good as it could've been when it's great it's great getting more into characters pasts and why they are they way they especially for Lucious Lyon but of course the real MVP of the season is Taraji P. Henson who further who pours tons of pathos into her performance. However where Season 2 struggles is sticking to storylines as well as moving way too fast and many times gets too over the top for it's own good but ends the season in a confident new direction that hopefully for the show's sake works out moving forward. Overall Grade of the Season: B- Kevin F May 04, 2016 really bad. dont know why people even watch this Warren S Apr 26, 2016 Fed up of the musical chairs to be "Chairman" so stopped watching! 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