Empire: Season 5

2018 · 18 episodes · ★ 5.9

What Season 5 of Empire

Season five picks up two years after Cookie and Lucious lose Empire to Eddie Barker. Both try to rebuild their standing in the music industry, and Cookie sets her sights on Treasure, a highly talented rapper. Soon they discover that launching an artist without the company's resources is far more difficult. The family slowly regains its clout in the industry thanks to new projects and old allies, but Lucious's past keeps coming back to haunt him. Jeff Kingsley becomes a key figure in the conflict, and federal agents begin investigating the label. Meanwhile, Andre, Jamal and Hakeem keep fighting for control of the business.

18episodes

Sep 26, 2018premiered

May 8, 2019latest episode

12.9 hrtotal runtime

Season 5 Episodes

5x01 Steal from the Thief
Sep 26, 2018 · 43 min
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.
Directed by: Sanaa Hamri · Written by: Dianne Houston, Brett Mahoney · Starring: Katlynn Simone, Claudette Burchett, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dunckel
5x02 Pay for Their Presumptions
Oct 3, 2018 · 43 min
Cookie and Lucious learn the difficulties of launching an artist without Empire Entertainment's resources, and their future with new artist Treasure is jeopardized. So when they receive two interesting offers that will launch them back into power in the music industry, they make a surprising decision. Meanwhile, Jamal decides to put his family first and move back to New York, leaving Kai with some tough decisions.
Directed by: John Krokidas · Written by: Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez · Starring: Katlynn Simone, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, Japhet Balaban
5x03 Pride
Oct 10, 2018 · 43 min
Cookie and Lucious push to get back in the music game, but they'll need the whole family and some old allies to make serious sacrifices in order to do so. Meanwhile, Andre finds a risky way to make a name for himself among his fellow inmates.
Directed by: Clement Virgo · Written by: Joshua Allen, Diane Ademu-John · Starring: Meta Golding, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith, Bella Chanel
5x04 Love All, Trust a Few
Oct 17, 2018 · 43 min
The Lyon family works to get back in their groove with a brand-new project underway. As Cookie and Portia attempt to sign Devon, who has just the sound they're looking for, Andre tries to prove himself useful to Lucious on the business side of things. Not having heard from Kai, Jamal panics and looks back at their history together. At Empire, the new management entangles itself with a dangerous tie from the Lyon family's past.
Directed by: Mario Van Peebles · Written by: Matt Pyken, Cameron Johnson · Starring: Mario, Claudette Burchett, Belmont Cameli, David Folsom
5x05 The Depth of Grief
Oct 31, 2018 · 43 min
Lucious and Cookie prep their new artist Devon (guest star Mario) for a premiere listening party, but worry he may not be ready for that kind of pressure. Hakeem is determined to convince Tiana that he's matured, but she has a hard time letting go of everything they've struggled through the past couple years. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes concerned about Jamal.
Directed by: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum · Written by: Jamie Rosengard, Janeika James, Jasheika James · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Katlynn Simone, Vivica A. Fox
5x06 What Is Done
Nov 7, 2018 · 43 min
In an effort to sign more artists, Cookie and Lucious make a bet to see who can find someone first. While Lucious bets on the chance to meet an up and coming rapper in a high stakes poker game, Cookie takes to the streets to find untapped talent in a set of auditions. Meanwhile, Hakeem refuses to leave the studio when his rage inspires what he considers his best music yet and Jamal finds himself at a crossroads when Becky claims he's spending too much time with Kai.
Directed by: Jussie Smollett · Written by: Felicia D. Henderson, Thomas Westfall · Starring: Wood Harris, AzMarie Livingston, Claudette Burchett, William Smillie
5x07 Treasons, Stratagems, and Spoils
Nov 14, 2018 · 43 min
In an effort to bridge the gap between Lyon Family Management and Empire, Lucious must play nice with Jeff Kingsley, so that the two companies can get girl group TBD back on the map. Meanwhile, Jamal grows frustrated with Cookie when she tries to steal his London artist, Wynter, out from under him, Andre works with the mother of one of his old inmates to help free her innocent son and Cookie realizes her sister is in danger.
Directed by: Tamra Davis · Written by: Dianne Houston, Joshua Allen · Starring: Meta Golding, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston, Tasha Smith
5x08 Master of What Is Mine Own
Nov 28, 2018 · 43 min
The cost of running Lyon Family Management starts to put pressure on Cookie and Lucious' relationship. When Kingsley pulls a power move of his own that has major financial repercussions for Lucious, Cookie thinks back to their early struggles. Kai becomes upset when Jamal announces their engagement on live TV and Tiana hits a crossroad with Hakeem, who refuses to set aside his beef with Blake. Meanwhile, Candace becomes vindictive after feeling betrayed by Cookie and Giselle uncovers a key to her future.
Directed by: Dianne Houston · Written by: Matt Pyken, Yolonda E. Lawrence · Starring: Mario, Wood Harris, Vivica A. Fox, Tasha Smith
5x09 Had It From My Father Mid-Season Finale
Dec 5, 2018 · 43 min
The financial security of the Lyon family is on the line as their LFM showcase quickly approaches. Kai's research for an expose on Empire uncovers some dirty activity within the company and causes conflict with Jamal. Meanwhile, Hakeem and Tiana finally reach an agreement on how best to move forward with their relationship, Andre struggles with his decision to let a new love interest in and Kingsley strikes a deal with Giselle.
Directed by: Sanaa Hamri · Written by: Carlito Rodriguez, Diane Ademu-John · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Claudette Burchett, Amanda Detmer
5x10 My Fault Is Past
Mar 13, 2019 · 43 min
With the control of Empire within reach again, the Lyons must pull out all the stops to prove Lucious and Becky's innocence in the datamining scandal. Meanwhile, Cookie struggles with Lucious' past and Jeff Kingsley's place in it, Jamal and Kai try to figure out where they stand and a mystery begins to unravel.
Directed by: Michael Goi · Written by: Craig Brewer, Cameron Johnson · Starring: Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Vivica A. Fox, AzMarie Livingston
5x11 In Loving Virtue
Mar 20, 2019 · 43 min
With the reputation of the family business on the line, the Lyons strategize on how to clean up Kingsley's mess and introduce a new and improved Empire. As Lucious and Cookie hire an old acquaintance to help track down the money Eddie stole, Andre tries to convince Devon's record label to let him record with Empire. Meanwhile, Treasure and Tiana fight for the female vocalist track on Jamal's new song.
Directed by: Clement Virgo · Written by: Janeika James, Jasheika James · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris
5x12 Shift and Save Yourself
Mar 27, 2019 · 43 min
Cookie is offered a career game-changer that would put her future in the family business in jeopardy. Jamal works diligently to try to make Tiana and Treasure's track a success, as Lucious, Cookie and Giselle deliberate future plans for Hakeem and the rest of the artists at Empire. Meanwhile, the feds pressure Thirsty, due to his affiliation with Lucious and Damon Cross, and Andre receives startling news.
Directing: Dianne Houston · Writing: Matt Pyken, Thomas Westfall · Starring: Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith
5x13 Hot Blood, Hot Thoughts, Hot Deeds
Apr 3, 2019 · 43 min
When Empire launches its national tour in Philly, things heat up and egos clash. Jamal and Kai's relationships gets complicated and Treasure has an embarrassing mishap on stage. Cookie tries to grapple with her feelings for Damon, while the Feds start investigating Empire.
Directed by: Gabourey Sidibe · Written by: Diane Ademu-John, Evan Price · Starring: Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Jaq Seifert
5x14 Without All Remedy
Apr 10, 2019 · 43 min
After receiving news about Andre's health, the Lyon family does everything in its power to support him, while continuing the tour. As Cookie and Lucious hash out their wrongdoings, Kai comforts Jamal through this process. Meanwhile, Maya comes to terms with where she stands with Blake and the others, and the rest of Empire must make sure the tour stays afloat.
Directing: Craig Brewer · Writing: Jamie Rosengard · Starring: Meta Golding, Katlynn Simone, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith
5x15 A Wise Father That Knows His Own Child
Apr 17, 2019 · 43 min
As the Feds close in on Empire, Jeff Kingsley seeks the truth about what really happened between Lucious and Tracy Kingsley. Meanwhile, Teri and the Lyons pray for Andre's health, and Cookie faces the truth about her relationship with Damon Cross. Jamal and Kai reach an understanding, while Hakeem attempts to figure out where he stands among his relationships.
Directed by: Dawn Wilkinson · Written by: Yolonda E. Lawrence, Carlito Rodriguez · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Tasha Smith
5x16 Never Doubt I Love
Apr 24, 2019 · 43 min
It's a special day for Jamal and Kai, but drama might ruin it when AUSA's Meghan Conway continues to pursue the Lyons by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Damon shows up, threatening to expose Cookie's secret; Teri confides in Cookie, sharing a big secret; and Andre asks Lucious for help with a life-altering task.
Directing: Darren Grant · Writing: Joshua Allen, Thomas Westfall · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Claudette Burchett
5x17 My Fate Cries Out
May 1, 2019 · 43 min
Cookie gets picked up by AUSA Conway, while Lucious is visited by his past. Becky, Hakeem and Andre devise a plan to save Empire by putting on a show with special guests Sevyn Streeter and Ty Dolla $ign. Meanwhile, Andre helps Empire by getting help from the last person the Lyons expect and Cookie may never forgive Lucious for what he's done.
Directed by: Paul McCrane · Written by: Cameron Johnson, Janeika James, Jasheika James · Starring: Xzibit, Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris
5x18 The Roughest Day Season Finale
May 8, 2019 · 43 min
As Cookie and Lucious deal with each other's betrayals, they wonder if this could be the end for their relationship. Meanwhile, Andre's life hangs in the balance and the future of Empire is in jeopardy as the Feds close in and the mystery of who is in the coffin is finally.
Directing: Craig Brewer · Writing: Felicia D. Henderson, Brett Mahoney · Starring: Meta Golding, Mario, Wood Harris, Vivica A. Fox