Empire

10 Best Episodes of Empire - Season 3

A powerful family drama about the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife all battle for his throne.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 08, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Empire - S3E1

#15 - Light in Darkness (Season 3 - Episode 1)

Lucious pursues his music legacy with his streaming service, while clashing with his half-brother, Tariq, who is leading a federal task force investigating him.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 1833 votes.

Empire - S3E11

#14 - Play On (Season 3 - Episode 11)

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Cookie tries to move forward with Angelo, while struggling with guilt over her run-in with Lucious. Meanwhile, Leah seeks out Tariq’s help in taking down Anika, and Jamal and Tory team up in the studio.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 1643 votes.

Empire - S3E6

#13 - Chimes at Midnight (Season 3 - Episode 6)

Empire is hacked and the leak creates feuds between artists and among the Lyon family. Andre takes advantage of the leak to step up and prove his worth to the company. Meanwhile, Lucious continues to try and drive a wedge between Cookie and Angelo, and Jamal finds himself in a love triangle.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1600 votes.

Empire - S3E3

#12 - What Remains is Bestial (Season 3 - Episode 3)

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Cookie calls in a favor with mega-superstar Kitty to record a new song with Jamal, hoping he will overcome his inability to perform. Meanwhile, Andre runs into some trouble and things don’t go as planned. Cookie and Lucious are at odds, Hakeem and Gram fight for Tiana’s attention, and things heat up between Cookie and Angelo Dubois.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1720 votes.

Empire - S3E13

#11 - My Naked Villainy (Season 3 - Episode 13)

Hakeem throws an epic 21st birthday party and live-streams it all on Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, suspicions surrounding Anika’s motives put the Lyons on high alert and the arrival of Giuliana gives Cookie a run for her money.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 1448 votes.

Empire - S3E8

#10 - The Unkindest Cut (Season 3 - Episode 8)

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Andre sabotages Tiana’s big appearance at a fashion event in an attempt to get Nessa into the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tariq works with Leah to try to bring down Lucious, and Jamal works with Philip to get over his PTSD.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 1599 votes.

Empire - S3E9

#9 - A Furnace For Your Foe (Season 3 - Episode 9)

Cookie attempts to help Angelo appeal to the masses and win the mayoral bid, by hosting a free park concert. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to investigate Lucious and freezes all of Empire’s assets, which has major repercussions.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1616 votes.

Empire - S3E4

#8 - Cupid Kills (Season 3 - Episode 4)

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Things heat up between Cookie and Angelo, so Lucious finally recognizes Angelo as a formidable rival and prepares to take him on. Meanwhile, Jamal is finally able to face Freda Gatz, a big first step on his journey to recovery. Also, Anika goes back to work at Empire and instantly causes turmoil, while Hakeem starts falling for Nessa, even though she might be into a different Lyon.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1638 votes.

Empire - S3E7

#7 - What We May Be (Season 3 - Episode 7)

Cookie looks to Candace for tips on how to plan an elaborate family dinner that will impress Angelo’s mother, Diane. Meanwhile, old home videos cause Cookie to face secrets about her relationship with her father that she had tried to hide from her kids, and Andre organizes an unlikely duet.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 1637 votes.

Empire - S3E14

#6 - Love is a Smoke (Season 3 - Episode 14)

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Cookie gives Lucious unexpected news that makes him feel uneasy about the future. Hoping to make Cookie jealous, Giuliana moves in on Lucious and persuades him to comply with her new plans. Meanwhile, Anika and Tariq devise a new plan and Charlotte Frost holds the EMPIRE Las Vegas dream in her hands.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 1536 votes.

Empire - S3E15

#5 - Civil Hands Unclean (Season 3 - Episode 15)

Angelo’s relationship with Cookie turns toxic and leaves her questioning her decisions. Hakeem makes a public plea for Lucious to give him paternity of Bella during his return to Empire Xstream. Meanwhile, Cookie becomes increasingly more suspicious of Lucious’ intentions with Giuliana and Empire’s future in Vegas, and Lucious and Jamal work overtime to finish their albums.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1493 votes.

Empire - S3E16

#4 - Absent Child (Season 3 - Episode 16)

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The Lyons fear that the Dubois family is to blame for their latest family crisis, so when no one is willing to give up any information, Cookie takes matters into her own hands. Jamal and Lucious reach a breakthrough in a song on which they have been working, and Andre lashes out. Meanwhile, Cookie sets her eyes on a new plan for Empire in Vegas.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 1427 votes.

Empire - S3E17

#3 - Toil and Trouble (1) (Season 3 - Episode 17)

When Cookie is banned from Leviticus Vegas, she pulls together a team of her own allies to seek revenge on Giuliana and steal her secret weapon. Meanwhile, Jamal is encouraged to put his album on hold, so as not to compete with Lucious’ “Inferno.”

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1450 votes.

Empire - S3E10

#2 - Sound and Fury (Season 3 - Episode 10)

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After launching a deadly missile at Angelo, Lucious announces his new music project, Inferno, and puts everyone on notice – especially Cookie, who then vows to knock him off his throne for good. The two engage in an epic clash – fueled by a history of love, loyalty and betrayal. Meanwhile, Jamal befriends musician Tory Ash during his stay in rehab, Andre continues with his plan to take over EMPIRE, and Hakeem and Tiana battle Nessa for a spot in the music showcase.

The episode was rated 7.97 from 1676 votes.

Empire - S3E18

#1 - Toil and Trouble (2) (Season 3 - Episode 18)

As Lucious gets ready to launch EMPIRE Las Vegas with Giuliana at his side, Cookie pulls together her own team of allies to wreak havoc on the opening. The final five minutes will leave viewers speechless.

The episode was rated 8.20 from 1520 votes.

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