Pilot (Empire)
The pilot episode of the American musical drama television series Empire premiered on Fox on January 7, 2015. The show focuses on Lucious Lyon, the head of a record label who is diagnosed with ALS and given three years to live. While keeping his condition a secret, he decides to find a successor that will take over the company. Meanwhile, his ex-wife Cookie Lyon comes out of jail and demands a part of the company she founded. The episode was directed by Lee Daniels and written by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. Over 12 original songs, produced by Timbaland, were featured in the episode.
| "Pilot" | |
|---|---|
| Empire episode | |
Cookie Lyon visits her son, Jamal, after finishing her 17-year prison sentence. | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 1. |
| Directed by | Lee Daniels |
| Written by | Lee Daniels Danny Strong |
| Featured music | "What Is Love" performed by V. Bozeman "Live In The Moment" performed by Jussie Smollett and Yazz "Good Enough" performed by Jussie Smollet "Right There" performed by Yazz "Armani" performed by Yazz |
| Production code | 1AXP01 |
| Original air date | January 7, 2015 |
| Guest appearances | |
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The episode premiered to an audience of 9.90 million viewers, marking "the highest rated debut in three years" for the network. The episode was well received by critics, as well.