Empire (TV series, 2015)

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Television series
German title Empire
Original title Empire
Country of production United States
original language English
Year (s) 2015-2020
Production
company
Imagine Television
Lee Daniels Entertainment
Danny Strong Productions
Little Chicken Inc.
20th Century Fox Television
length 42 minutes
Episodes 102 in 6 seasons ( list )
genre Drama
musical
music Fil Eisler
First broadcast January 7, 2015 (USA) on Fox
German-language
first broadcast
June 24, 2015 on 3+
occupation
synchronization

Empire ( Eng .: Imperium) is an American television series that has been broadcast by Fox since January 7, 2015 . The content of the series focuses on the fictional American hip-hop - and entertainment - Label Empire Entertainment , whose founder Lucious Lyon ( Terrence Howard ) and his family, which argues for influence in the company.

action

Linchpin of the series is Lucious Lyon, of the fictional American hip-hop - and entertainment - Label Empire Entertainment leads.

season 1

Lucious Lyon learns that he has ALS and only has three years to live. He decides to build his successor under his three sons Andre, Jamal and Hakeem. He also plans, with Empire Entertainment to the stock market to go. But at exactly this point in time, his ex-wife Cookie reappears, who had been in prison for 17 years for drug dealing. She demands her share in the company from Lucious, since he financed the label with the money from the drug business. He refuses and hires her instead. This all happens much to the displeasure of Lucious' fiancé Anika Calhoun, who tries everything to outdo Cookie. Lucious' good friend Bunkie falls into the habit of gambling, so he asks him for a loan. When Lucious does not give him this, Bunkie tries to blackmail him with his knowledge of the real deal. Because of this, Lucious shoots Bunkie. When the police investigate and suspect him, he looks for a criminal with the help of his corrupt attorney Vernon Turner, whom he can blame for the murder.

After Lucious submitted his plan to his sons, Andre, Jamal and Hakeem, competition breaks out, especially with Andre, because, unlike his brothers, he is not musical and also suffers from a bipolar disorder . Together with his manipulative wife Rhonda, he wants to turn his brothers against each other. Cookie takes Jamal under her wing and wants to prove to Lucious that her son is also a musician. Jamal initially does not want this, but then agrees. He's gay , much to Lucious's displeasure, which is why he forcibly married him to Olivia when he turned 18. Jamal is driven by his father's hatred and thereby becomes an aspiring musician. However, this leads to the fact that his relationship with Michael Sanchez falls apart. He publicly outed himself as homosexual at a company event and was hailed by the media. At the same time, Lucious tries to turn his favorite son Hakeem into a hip-hop star, which is why he and Jamal quarrel. Andre likes this, who is preparing the takeover of the company together with Vernon behind his father's back. However, the two fly up.

Hakeem begins a relationship with singer Tiana Brown, but also has an affair with fashion designer Camilla Marks. When the affair is exposed, Tiana leaves him and he gets together with Camilla. However, Lucious is a thorn in Camilla's side as she interferes in Hakeem's business. So Lucious offers her money, forces her to part with Hakeem and take the next flight to London. Camilla refuses the money. However, Lucious's pressure forces her to fly to London. However, Camilla vows to come back after Lucious' death. Lucious tells Hakeem anyway that Camilla took the money and left. Due to the collaboration at Empire , Cookie and Lucious get closer again and start an affair with each other. When Anika learns about this, she blackmailed him with her knowledge that Lucious had asked her father to issue a health certificate, in which it is certified that he is completely healthy. Lucious is planning the wedding with her when it is discovered that Anika is working with Billy Beretti, owner of a rival music label. Cookie begins an affair with security guard Malcolm DeVeaux and Hakeem with Anika. When Lucious learns about this, he expels Cookie from Empire Entertainment. In the evening, Lucious is on medication and tells Cookie that he doesn't have an ALS and shot Bunkie. She then tries to kill him with a pillow. The next day, Lucious names Jamal as his successor. Cookie, Anika, Hakeem and Andre plan a hostile takeover of the company as soon as it goes public. Andre's wife Rhonda kills Vernon, who is the main witness in the indictment against Lucious, who killed Bunkie, but can no longer be found. In the end, Lucious is in jail and swears revenge.

production

In January 2014 it was announced that the broadcaster Fox had commissioned the pilot episode for the series. In March of the same year, the female lead with Taraji P. Henson , who had previously left the series Person of Interest , and other roles in the series was cast. The main male role was cast in February with Terrence Howard .

Due to the very good ratings of the first two episodes, the broadcaster Fox extended the series by a second season on January 17, 2015. This will consist of 18 episodes that have been broadcast since September 23, 2015. On January 15, 2016, the series was extended for a third season.

Music and soundtrack

For the first season the producer Timbaland could be engaged, who composed and produced a large part of the songs. He was supported by Jim Beanz and Daniel Jones under the Columbia Records label . He published the songs on iTunes after each episode . The complete soundtrack for the first season was released on March 10, 2015 and includes 12 songs. The album sold over 431,000 copies and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 . There is also an 18-song deluxe version.

In addition to Timbaland, Ne-Yo was signed for the second season .

Charisma

It first aired in the United States on January 7, 2015, and Season 1 ended on March 18, 2015. In Germany, ProSieben broadcast the first season from June 24, 2015 to July 15. In Switzerland, 3+ has also been showing the series since June 24, 2015. The second season ran from September 23, 2015 to May 18, 2016 on FOX . The German broadcast took place from June 2, 2016 to November 3, 2016 on the pay TV channel Prosieben Fun . On German free TV , the second season could be seen from April 4 to July 26, 2017 on Prosieben .

The third season aired in the US since September 21, 2016 and ended on May 24, 2017. In Germany, the third season ran since March 16, 2017 and ran until September 28, 2017 on Prosieben Fun . The fourth season aired in the US since September 27, 2017 and ended on May 23, 2018. In May 2018, the series was extended for a fifth season. It was broadcast in the United States from September 26, 2018 to May 8, 2019. The final sixth season ran from September 24, 2019 to April 21, 2020 on FOX.

Cast and dubbing

The German dubbing is created under the dialogue direction by Tobias Müller and Leonhard Mahlich by the dubbing company Arena Synchron GmbH in Berlin .

Main cast

Role name actor Main role Supporting role Voice actor
Lucious Lyon a native of Dwight Walker Terrence Howard 1.01-6.18 Michael Iwannek
Jeremy L. Carver (young) 3.01-3.13, 5.09, 5.14, 6.03
Loretha "Cookie" Lyon Taraji P. Henson 1.01-6.18 Tanja Geke
Ajiona Alexus (young) 3.01-3.13, 5.14, 6.03
Hakeem Lyon Bryshere Y. Gray 1.01-6.18 Constantin von Jascheroff
Andre Lyon Trai Byers 1.01-6.18 Arne Stephan
Jamal Joseph Lyon Jussie Smollett 1.01-5.16 Marcel Collé
Anika Calhoun Grace Gealey 1.01-4.18 Rubina Nath
Rhonda Lyon Kaitlin Doubleday 1.01-2.18 3.01-3.09, 4.18 Magdalena Turba
Vernon Turner Malik Yoba 1.01–1.12 Matti Klemm
Becky Williams Gabourey Sidibe 2.01-6.18 1.01–1.12 Maja Maneiro
Porsha Taylor Ta'Rhonda Jones 2.01-6.18 1.02-1.12 Anja Stadlober
Tiana Brown Serayah McNeill 2.01-6.18 1.02-1.12 Yvonne Greitzke
Shyne Johnson Xzibit 3.01-4.15 2.18, 5.17
Bryson L. Thomas 3.04, 5.09
Tariq cousins Morocco Omari 3.01-3.18 2.16-2.18
Freda Gatz Bre-Z 3.03-3.18 2.01-2.18, 6.03
Thurston "Thirsty" Rawlins Andre Royo 4.01-5.18 2.02-2.18 Olaf Reichmann
Tory Ash Rumer Willis 4.01-4.18 3.10-3.18 Josephine Schmidt
Warren Hall Terrell Carter 4.01-4.09 3.18, 6.08 Peter Sura
Giselle Sims-Barker Nicole Ari Parker 5.01-6.18 4.09-4.18
Blake Chet Hanks 5.01-5.18 4.13-4.18
Jeff Kingsley AZ Kelsey 5.01-6.16
Maya Rhyon Nicole Brown 5.06-6.18 4.14-4.15
Treasure Katlynn Simone 6.01-6.17 5.01-5.18
Teri Meta Golding 6.01-6.17 5.03-5.18
Devon Mario 6.01-6.17 5.04-5.18
Damon Cross Wood Harris 6.01-6.18 5.06-5.18
Candace Holloway-Mason Vivica A. Fox 6.04-6.18 2.08-5.18

supporting cast

Role name actor Supporting role Voice actor
Michael Sanchez Rafael de la Fuente 1.01-1.07, 2.01-2.05, 2.15 Nicolás Artajo
Marcus "Bunkie" Williams Antoine McKay 1.01-1.11, 6.16 Tobias Master
Chicken AzMarie Livingston 1.02-5.10 Soraya Richter (Season 1)

Anne Helm (since S2)

Juanita Claudette Burchett 1.02-6.18
Agent Harlow Carter Nealla Gordon 1.02-1.12 Silvia Missbach
Detective Calvin Walker Damon Gupton 1.02-1.06 Tobias Kluckert
Carol Holloway Tasha Smith 1.03-6.16 Friederike Walke
Camilla Marks Naomi Campbell 1.03-1.10, 2.10-2.12 Marion Musiol
Billy Beretti Judd Nelson 1.04-1.11 Lutz Schnell
Malcolm DeVeaux Derek Luke 1.06-1.11 Tobias Müller
Ryan Morgan Eka Darville 1.08–1.12 Tobias Schmidt
Michelle White Jennifer Hudson 1.10–1.12 Anne Helm
Mimi Whiteman Marisa Tomei 2.01-2.10 Sabine Jaeger
Leah Walker Kelly Rowland (flashbacks) 2.02-2.07 Marieke Oeffinger
Leslie Uggams 2.14-4.02, 5.11, 6.06, 6.16
Laura Calleros Jamila Velazquez 2.04-2.18 Lydia Morgenstern
Laz Delgado Adam Rodriguez 2.05-2.09 Florian Halm
J Poppa Mo McRae 2.06-3.02, 4.06, 4.11-4.12
Edna Bunnin Sara Sevigny 2.10-4.18
Derek "D-Major" Major Tobias Truvillion 2.16-3.13
Nessa Sierra McClain 3.01-3.17, 4.16
Angelo DuBois Taye Diggs 3.02-4.09
Diana DuBois Phylicia Rashad 3.07-4.09, 5.03-5.04
Giuliana "Giusi" Nia Long 3.11-3.18
Charlotte Frost Eva Longoria 3.14-3.18
Claudia Demi Moore 3.18-4.10
Pamela Rose Teyonah Parris 4.02-4.08
Eddie Barker Forest Whitaker 4.02-5.01
Poundcake Da'Vine Joy Randolph 4.04-4.15
Burleson James Colby 4.04-4.15
Brooke Tisha Campbell-Martin 4.11-5.18
Tasha Opal staples 4.11-5.18
Denise Melanie McCullough 4.11-5.18
Renee Holloway Afre Woodard 4.14-4.18
Kai Givens Toby Onwumere 5.01-5.16
Quincy Skylan Brooks 5.02-6.15
Wynter Joss Stone 5.07-5.16
Tracy Kingsley Amanda Detmer 5.07-6.11
Lala Diamond White 6.01–6.12
Yana Cross Kiandra Richardson 6.01-6.18

Guest actor

Role name actor Supporting role Voice actor
Dwayne "Puma" Robinson Cuba Gooding Jr. 1.03 Dietmar miracle
Elle Dallas Courtney Love 1.06-1.07 Martina Treger
Olivia Lyon Raven Symoné 1.06, 1.10 Julia Kaufmann
Dolphins Estelle 1.09, 3.13 Tanya Kahana
Angie Mary J. Blige 1.10-1.11
than himself Snoop Dogg 1.11, 3.15 Jan-David Rönfeldt
than herself Rita Ora 1.12
than himself Juicy J. 1.12
Frank Gathers Chris Rock 2.01 Oliver Rohrbeck
Valentina Galindo Becky G 2.02-2.03 Amelie Plaas-Link
than himself Pit bull 2.03
than himself Ne-yo 2.05 Manuel Straube
Skye Summers Alicia Keys 2.09-2.10 Vera Teltz
than himself Jason Derulo 2.10
Vaughn French Montana 3.01, 3.06
than himself Birdman 3.01
than himself Biz Markie 3.02
Kitty Mariah Carey 3.03 Melanie Hinze
than himself Fetty Wap 3.16
Carlotta Brown Queen Latifah 4.01
than himself Ty Dolla Sign 5.17
than herself Kash Doll 6.18

Episode list

Merchandise

Soundtrack

Albums

year title Top ranking, total weeks, awardChart placementsChart placements
(Year, title, rankings, weeks, awards, notes)
Remarks
DE DE AT AT CH CH UK UK US US
2015 Original soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire DE3 (11 weeks)
DE
AT11 (3 weeks)
AT
CH7 (10 weeks)
CH
UK18 (11 weeks)
UK
US1
gold
gold

(34 weeks)US
First published: March 10, 2015 (USA)
Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2 Volume 1 - - - UK74 (1 week)
UK
US16 (8 weeks)
US
First published: November 20, 2015
2016 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Volume 2 - - - - US26 (5 weeks)
US
First published: April 29, 2016
Empire: The Complete Season 2 - - - - -
First published: July 8, 2016
2017 Empire: Original Soundtrack Season 3 - - - - -
First published: April 28, 2017

EPs

year title Top ranking, total weeks, awardChart placementsChart placements
(Year, title, rankings, weeks, awards, notes)
Remarks
DE DE AT AT CH CH UK UK US US
2015 Empire: Music from the Pilot - - - - US36 (4 weeks)
US

Singles

year Title
album
Top ranking, total weeks, awardChart placementsChart placements
(Year, title, album , rankings, weeks, awards, notes)
Remarks
DE DE AT AT CH CH UK UK US US
2015 Keep Your Money
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE91 (1 week)
DE
- - - US99 (1 week)
US
First published: February 2015 (US); July 2015 (DE)
feat. Jussie Smollett
You're So Beautiful
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE42 (2 weeks)
DE
- - - US47 (4 weeks)
US
First release: March 2015
feat. Jussie Smollett & Yazz
Conqueror
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE87 (1 week)
DE
- - - US42 (2 weeks)
US
First release: March 2015
feat. Estelle & Jussie Smollett
Good Enough
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE25 (9 weeks)
DE
AT54 (2 weeks)
AT
CH55 (2 weeks)
CH
- -
First published: June 19, 2015
feat. Jussie Smollett
Drip Drop
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE73 (2 weeks)
DE
- - - -
First release: July 2015
feat. Yazz & Serayah McNeill
Money for Nothing
Original Soundtrack from Season 1 of Empire
DE94 (1 week)
DE
- - - -
First release: July 2015
feat. Jussie Smollett & Yazz

DVDs and Blu-rays

United States

  • Season 1 was released on September 8, 2015
  • Season 2 was released on September 13, 2016
  • Season 3 was released on September 12, 2017

Germany

  • Season 1 was released on November 5, 2016
  • Season 2 was released on February 23, 2017
  • Season 3 was released on March 15, 2018

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. Adam Arndt: Empire: Start of the hip-hop series at FOX . In: Serienjunkies.de . January 7, 2015. Accessed April 28, 2015.
  2. Charlott Rebecca Ruehmling: Empire: pilot order for hip-hop drama by FOX . In: Serienjunkies.de . January 29, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  3. Adam Arndt: Empire: Female main character occupied for FOX project . In: Serienjunkies.de . March 1, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  4. Lesley Goldberg & Philiana Ng: Terrence Howard to Star in Fox's Lee Daniels Hip-Hop Drama . In: TheHollywoodReporter.com . February 19, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  5. Mariano Glas: Empire: US series extended early for the 2nd season . In: Serienjunkies.de . January 17, 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  6. Kate Stanhope: 'Empire' Upped to 18 Episodes; Books Chris Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys for Season 2 . In: TheHollywoodReporter.com . May 11, 2015. Accessed June 21, 2015.
  7. Adam Arndt: Empire: FOX orders 3rd season of the hip-hop soap . In: Serienjunkies.de . January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  8. A Sprawling Empire: How FOX's Hit TV Show Affects Music. In: www.nielsen.com. Retrieved May 22, 2016 .
  9. Nellie Andreeva: 'Empire' Season 2 Episode Number Set, Ne-Yo Joins As Music Producer, Former 'Idol' Judges May Appear On Final Season . In: Deadline.com . May 11, 2015. Accessed June 21, 2015.
  10. Adam Arndt: Empire: German premiere in June at ProSieben . In: Serienjunkies.de . May 8, 2015. Accessed May 9, 2015.
  11. Michael Ausiello, Michael Ausiello: Empire Renewed for Season 5 at Fox. In: TVLine. May 2, 2018, accessed March 25, 2019 .
  12. a b c Empire. In: synchronkartei.de. German synchronous index , accessed on June 9, 2015 .
  13. ^ Empire. In: synchronkartei.de. German dubbing files , accessed on June 9, 2019 .
  14. a b c Chart sources: DE AT CH UK US . Retrieved February 8, 2017
  15. Music Sales Awards: US