Empire: Season 4 (2017 - 2018)

In the Season 4 premiere, Lucious makes his first public appearance since the explosion in Las Vegas to help celebrate Empire's 20th anniversary, but still has no memory of his family, Empire or his life before the accident. A devastated Cookie struggles to rebuild her relationship with him, while keeping a close eye on his nurse. Meanwhile, Andre is faced with an investigation by the LAPD; Diana DuBois continues her war against the Lyons; and Carlotta comes face-to-face with Cookie and Lucious.

With Leah still insisting that he is a monster, Lucious sneaks away in hopes of finding out what type of person he was before the explosion. Cookie panics that Lucious has gone missing on Claudia's watch, until she realizes he found his way to Uncle Eddie, a music icon who has since become family to the Lyons. Meanwhile, with Anika still behind bars, Hakeem and Tiana grow more comfortable as a family, and Becky makes a rash decision regarding Jamal's new song.

When Cookie is denied a line of credit, she flashes back to her years in prison and compares her past struggles to her life now. Lucious continues to struggle with demons of his own and begs his family to tell him about the ways he's wronged them, but they are reluctant to tell him the truth. Meanwhile, the NYPD is still on Andre's case about the events that transpired in Vegas and one officer in particular catches his eye.

Cookie announces that the number one album for Empire's 20-For-20 will be a competition between all of the label's top artists, which gives Jamal a bold idea for his newest song. On the heels of Bella's first birthday, the family plans a special "Prince and Princesses" themed birthday party, including a special Prince tribute, but the special day brings back haunting memories for one of the Lyons. Meanwhile, Lucious is at a crossroads, as he tries to put to rest the anger from his past life.

When the secret about Lucious' memory is exposed, Cookie attempts to convince the board that he is fine by inviting the press to watch him produce the first 20 for 20 album. Eddie Barker jumps in to help Lucious get back in his groove and make music. Just as Andre's feelings for Detective Pamela Rose intensify, she reveals information that's been uncovered regarding the explosion. Meanwhile, Hakeem worries about his involvement with the DuBois clan and Claudia helps Lucious with a breakthrough.

The Lyon family stands together as Anika and Hakeem begin a custody battle for Bella. Although they're confident in Hakeem's ability as a father, no one is prepared for the revelations her team brings to the trial. Meanwhile, Claudia grows more possessive over Lucious, who has unlocked a new way to understand music through his paintings. Also, Jamal introduces Warren to Lucious; Andre begins seeing a new therapist; and one of Becky's old flames returns.

Production comes to a halt on Empire's 20-For-20 when Calvin and Portia, feeling overworked by their new producer, Eddie Barker, call for a strike, leaving Cookie to find a solution to the issue. In an attempt to prove that he can still be the man he was before the explosion, Lucious arranges a deal on Hakeem's behalf. Meanwhile, Jamal and Andre express their feelings for their significant others.

Cookie and Lucious take matters into their own hands as they watch Diana DuBois' master scheme unfold. Meanwhile, Andre begins to spiral out of control, wondering what she could have in store for him. Also, Jamal's sobriety is put to the test; and Shine gives Hakeem advice on how to maintain a balance between his work and personal life.

Cookie and Lucious devise an elaborate plan to take down Diana Dubois and her family once and for all; Andre recovers from his mental breakdown in the hospital; Shine tries desperately to protect his secret; and Eddie Barker is concluding his tenure at Empire. And, amidst the chaos, someone's life hangs in the balance.