Having already been renewed for a second season after the first two episodes, The Hollywood Reporter notes that FOX’s Empire is bringing in 15 million viewers per episode.
While the show hasn’t been without its critics, there are some pretty smart decisions factoring into its winning formula. Take a look at what’s going on behind the scenes, and it’s not hard to quickly pick out 11 reasons why Empire is winning.
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Photo: Fox/Imagine Television
photo: WENN
After their work together in Hustle & Flow, Taraji P. Henson was rumored to lobby hard for Terrence Howard to be cast as Empire’s male lead. Howard’s involvement was reportedly a deal breaker.
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You can’t make it five minutes through the first episode without one of the characters asking, “Is this supposed to be King Lear or something?” Yes it is. The plot of picking a successor at all costs is lifted directly from Shakespeare, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing either.
That scene where young Jamal is tossed in the trash for self-identifying as a woman by throwing on some pumps and a scarf was reportedly take from Lee Daniel’s real life.
Fox is making the entire first season available via Video On Demand so it can capitalize on all that word of mouth (and live tweeting via Black Twitter too).
Advertisers smartly went after the reality show crowd by running ads against the Real Housewives franchises. You know who you are. Sips iced tea.
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And advertisers also went after the Hip-Hop crowd by running ads in spots like Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club.
Much like any show labeled as a “soap,” Empire has no shortage of drama.
Lifestyle marketing firm Liquid Soul—the firm who handled some marketing for 12 Years A Slave and Guardians Of The Galaxy—held special screenings to build audience anticipation and organically spread word of mouth.
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What else are you going to watch at 9:00 pm on a Wednesday, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
We’re not sure if you’ve noticed this, but Cookie is incredibly ratchet. That plays well across multiple demographics.
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Take a look at the credits, and you’ll see a lot of award nominations. The names behind Empire have already been winning in Hollywood for years.
