Empire season 5: Everything we know right now

Empire, the popular FOX drama co-starring Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, left audiences hanging with its season four finale in May. Of course, while fans of the hit show merely had to wait four months for the premiere of Empire season 5, Cookie, Lucious and company had to wait a whopping two years. That’s because the Empire writers decided to jump the narrative ahead by all that time. Here’s what we know so far about Empire season 5.

What is Empire season 5 about?

Much of the drama had to do with the contentious events of the season four finale, which saw Cookie trade the company for Lucious’ freedom, and their subsequent marriage. Meanwhile, their son Jamal moved away to escape the family, and a shootout threatened the lives of Bella, Tiana, Blake and Hakeem.

Even more, however, concerned the fact that midway through its fourth season, Empire found itself in need of a new showrunner. Ilene Chaiken initially ran the series, but stepped down midway through season four to focus on other projects, leaving Lee Daniels and Danny Strong’s creation without a leader. Brett Mahoney stepped in on an interim basis, but with FOX’s decision to renew Empire for a fifth season, he decided to stick with it for at least another year.

In a statement released at the time of the show’s renewal, Michael Thorn, FOX’s President of Entertainment, said: “We are so proud of our amazing cast, led by Terrence and Taraji, who deliver powerful performances week after week.” He also thanked the series’ “tremendous creative team – Lee, Danny, Brett, Ilene, Sanaa, Brian and Francie – whose inspired storytelling continues to create the unforgettable, jaw-dropping OMG moments that have always been signature to” the show.

So despite the many onscreen dramas experienced (and perpetrated) by Cookie, Lucious and the rest of the Lyons, the behind-the-scenes happenings at Empire were nowhere near as problematic. It was simply a matter of changing hands, and one that, depending on how audiences receive Wednesday’s season five premiere, may bode well for the show going forward.

Empire season 5 cast

Seeing as how Forest Whitaker is back as Eddie Barker, who took over the Empire company at the end of season four, it’s a good bet that Empire season 5 will be just fine. Per the official logline for the premiere, “Steal From the Thief,” the Lyons are now “completely dispersed and coping in their own ways after experiencing unimaginable tragedies.” Their problems notwithstanding, however, it seems Cookie has set her sights on a new rap prodigy named Treasure, played by guest star Kaitlynn Simone.