Two months after ‘Empire’ concluded its first season, its writers recently took to Twitter and announced that the Fox drama will return for season two on Sept. 23.
The premiere date may not have been surprising for some as the network did announce its plans of bringing back its high ratings, particularly in the beginning of the television season.
For its first season, ‘Empire’ became soared to the top of the list of broadcast entertainment series in 18-49. It eventually finished with the highest average for all broadcast drama shows since ABC released ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’
On the whole, the number of ‘Empire’ viewers eventually increased with every episode- soaring from 9.9 million from its premiere to 17.6 million from its finale episode.
At the network’s upfront presentation this month, Fox made an official announcement that guest stars who are set to appear in ‘Empire’ season will include Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz.
During the series’ first season, Snoop Dogg, Courtney Love and Gladys Knight were among the stars that were featured.
Last March, the two-hour finale episode showed shocking revelations, including an unexpected arrest and death. Several intense scenes showed Lucious (Terrence Howard) finding out that he was not dying but was diagnosed with a persistent yet treatable disorder.
After Jamal (Jussie Smollett) was appointed to take over Empire in the future, Andre (Trai Byers) together with Hakeem (Bryshere Gray), Cookie (Taraji Henson) and Anika (Grace Gealey) had been planning something devious in secret. Meanwhile, details about the murder of Bunkie (Antoine McKay) were revealed.
Meanwhile, as Grammy award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson has signed on to ‘Empire’, her role is expected to have a considerable impact on her already successful career.
In the music drama TV series, Hudson takes on the role of a music therapist named Michelle who has been asked to work with Andre, who is also a devoted Christian.
Hudson also shared how she thinks music is being recognized as a therapeutic process.
“Music is a form of therapy, and it makes perfect sense. I know music has helped me, but now, it can be used to help [a lot of others]. Music is powerful; music can change you,” the ‘Dreamgirls’ star stated.
When asked about playing deeply religious characters on TV, she believes that ‘Empire’ has successfully incorporated reality onto a show. She also referred to her character as an ideal influence on the youth- being young, educated and religious all at the same time.
“…I love to see that representation for our youth on television — having a steady foundation and then also being a spiritual girl but being very aware of herself [too],” Hudson added.
