Hit US drama series Empire is heading to E4 in the UK this Spring it has been confirmed.
Created by Lee Daniels (The Butler, Precious), Empire is a musical drama set in the world of hip-hop music and follows the the fictional life of a former street thug turned powerhouse music industry mogul, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard).
When Lucious, a talented artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment, is diagnosed with a debilitating illness, he must choose one of his three sons to become heir of his successful music kingdom. Luciousā favourite is his youngest son, Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), who is a gifted musician but also a spoiled playboy who values fame over hard work. Middle son Jamal (Jussie Smollett, North, The Mighty Ducks) is a sensitive soul and musical prodigy who, unlike Hakeem, shies away from the spotlight. Eldest son Andre (Trai Byers, 90210), is Wharton-educated with a brilliant mind, but lacks the charisma that Lucious believes is critical to running the company successfully.
As Lucious prompts his sons to vie for his empire, his plans are thrown into chaos when his ex-wife, the brash and outspoken Cookie, (Taraji P. Henson) mysteriously emerges from prison to claim her share of the business. As the Lyons slug it out, an emotional chess game begins that will either cause the familyās destruction or redemption. Love, war, family, sacrifice, money and music: this is the story of Empire.
The 12 episode series premiered in the US in January and features a soundtrack by Timbaland and Jim Beanz.
Of the acquisition, Channel 4ās Chief Creative Officer, Jay Hunt said, āEmpire has been a record breaking hit in the US. Itās grown and grown as audiences have fallen in love with its unforgettable characters and soundtrack. Iām delighted itās coming to E4.ā
Steve Cornish, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, added, āWe are delighted to be working with E4 on Empire, the hottest new show on American television – it is the perfect home for the series. Viewers will be captivated by this ground breaking drama. We anticipate it will become as big of a hit with UK audiences, as it has with TV viewers in the US.ā
Empire is due to air on E4 this Spring.