adminEmpire’s return surprised nobody . . . but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a reason to celebrate. Taraji P Henson and her co-stars Gabourey Sidibe and Jussie Smollett could hardly contain their glee at the Fox programming presentation in New York on Monday night.
The 44-year-old, who plays the voracious Cookie Lyon in the music industry drama, could not have looked further from the hardened drug dealer-turned record producer.
Wearing a blue pantsuit and a magnificent smile, she jostled and joked with her cast-mates, who looked equally delighted that the show had been picked up for a second extended season.
And although they had every right to, the cast didn’t just spend the night celebrating.
Along with “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels and co-star Ta’Rhonda Jones, Taraji and Jussie headed over to the Family Equality Council’s 2015 Night At The Pier at Pier 60 to speak in support of LGBTQ families.
When “Empire” returns in the fall of 2015, the Terrence Howard and co will have 18 episodes to continue the King Lear-inspired saga.
While season one started small – with just 12 episodes airing in the winter of 2015 – season two will be expanded and scheduled to air both in the fall and in the spring.
The first nine episodes will initially air on Wednesdays, paired with new drama “Rosewood”.
After a break around the New Year, the drama will return for another run of nine episodes.
Also starring Trai Byers and Bryshere Y. Grey, “Empire” was a surprise hit for FOX following its debut in January.
The show was an immediate ratings success – pulling in almost 14 million viewers for the premiere – before shocking the television industry with steadily rising viewership numbers throughout the season.
By the season one finale on March 18, more than 23 million people watched “Empire”, making it the highest-rated scripted programme to air over the past year.
Focusing on the Lyon family, the story of “Empire” revolves around Luscious Lyon’s (Terrence) attempts to create a business and family legacy.
His three sons – Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem – end up pitted against each other for control over the Empire Entertainment company, while Luscious’ estranged wife, Cookie (Taraji), returns to the family’s life after 17 years in prison.
“Empire” has already been nominated for two Critics’ Choice Television Awards – for Best Drama Series and Best Actress – the first honours for which the first season was eligible.
The show has also been a magnet for high-profile guest stars like Cuba Gooding Jr, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Rita Ora, Patti LaBelle, and more.
And on Monday, Entertainment Weekly reported more megastars would join the action in season two: Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz. – Dailymail.
Online Reporter