Lucious is a former artist and the man in charge of Empire Entertainment. A former drug dealer, Lucious is now a wealthy businessman living the dream life. But a health scare will drastically change things for him and his family.

Cookie is fresh out of prison and she's come home ready to stake her claim at the record label she helped start. She has a lot of resentment towards Lucious, as she feels she's owed for the sacrifices she's made.

Middle child Jamal is the singer and songwriter of the family, who has a diffucult relationship with his father. As a gay man in the music industry, his father has warned him that coming out will damage his career. But will the support of his mother push him to rebel against his old man?

Hakeem is the youngest Lyon son and a rapper following in the footsteps of his dad. Though he may be the favorite son of Lucious, his hard partying and womanizing ways may put his future in jeopardy.

Oldest son Andre is the non-musical, college educated businessman thirsting for power. Andre wants nothing more than to be the head of Empire and he will do whatever he has to do to make it to the top.

Rhonda is Andre's wife, whom he met in college. She is a strong woman who would love to see Andre succeed and take over the family business.

Anika is a major player at Empire Entertainment and the current woman in Lucious's life. With Cookie back in the picture, it will be interesting to see how things will change for her.

Vernon is a longtime friend of the Lyon family and a chairman at the company. He may be tight with Lucious, but there is no love lost between he and Cookie.

Becky is the assistant to Lucious and a good friend of the family.