The series premiered in 2015 and it is currently on its 5th season, and it’s a television series gem that shows you the worst and best scenarios of a family who cannot live with or without one another. Even if you sometimes just don’t know which side you want to position yourself with, Empire always finds a way to hook you into their story.

Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is a former drug dealer, hip hop mogul, and CEO of Empire Entertainment, which is all built on the sacrifice of his first wife Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) who had to be in prison for 17 years for taking the blame of a drug deal going wrong. In this time, he not only finds himself a new wife while taking care of their three boys, he also becomes one of the most influential people in the music business. Forced to think about the future of the company, he forces his sons to prove to him that they are worthy to take over the family legacy. Andre (Traj Byers) is already working as CFO for the company, Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is the songwriter and R&B singer of this family, and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray) is a rapper.

Empire is a TV show that is simple and complicated with a lot of different exciting layers. One thing is for sure, you will never get bored with the story and naturally like every show, the worst that can happen is that some character will annoy you with their actions. Still, there are some reasons to watch them love and suffer!

The Lyon’s

A family who cannot be without each other, but at the same time try to sabotage itself is a familiar plot. This is the main foundation for Empire as well. Not only being unable to love, but also having this weird idea what love means could give enough of material to show how broken the family members are. But adding in money, power, and legacy, it does make it all even more interesting.

When the rivalry between the brothers begins, the audience will lose sight of who the good or the bad guy in this story. You are either with Lucious or with Cookie, both channelling their inner lions, which gives you some hilarious fighting scenes. They play the perfect family for the press, all the while changing sides, fighting ,and betraying each other, only having the ultimate goal in sight. It is quite fascinating to see how quickly opinions and support can change.

What also makes it interesting is how different the five Lyon’s are. Lucious is power-driven. He wants everyone at his feet looking up to him and does not allow anyone to say a single word against him. He does everything to get what he wants and if someone gets killed during that process, it does not bother him much.

Cookie is the anchor of the family. Not being able to be there for her children broke her heart and she is willing to make up for it. She gave up everything so that her family could have a chance of a better life. Now it is her turn to take what is rightfully hers.

Andre, the oldest of the three brothers, suffers from bipolar and he has no musical talent so he works hard for his father to make him proud and to be seen by him as the true heir of Empire.

Jamal is the most fragile of the three brothers. He is focused on his music and does not want to be mixed up in all of the family drama and what they are doing. His father never took him seriously though and after revealing to his family that he is gay, it put a wall between him and his father who sees him only as a weak emotional ball of a loser.

The youngest one, Hakeem, is carefree and thinks the world lies in front of his feet. He is the king and he is acting as one. Respect is something he doesn’t really know and this brings him into some bad situations. At one point, not even a rap battle can save him.

Music

Music can be an important life of a person’s life. You can express feelings way much better instead of just talking and Hakeem and Jamal are using their music to compensate their family drama.

Of course, every business has their dark and not so glamorous side. The more power you want, the dirtier you have to make yourself in the process to achieve it or so it seems. That is something important to point out, because in real life people tend to forget how hard this business can be and what some had to do to burn their names into our brains.

You can also always look out for some guest stars like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Rumer Willis, or Xzibit. The soundtrack is full of some pretty great music worth listening to.

Taraji P. Henson

Best for last. Empire is Taraji and Taraji is Empire. Cookie is a tornado of emotions, style, and incredible dialogue. She is the heart of the family and the company. 17 years in prison did not damage her sense in music and to be honest, she is the one who has the power to turn things around if they move into a dead-end.

Taraji P. Henson is the best thing that could have happened to Empire. She plays her role to perfection and has created an iconic character which you have not seen on television for a long time.

Empire is a show for those who are interesting in watching a good drama story on a Friday night. It is a show for those who love music and cannot get enough of discovering new music, even songs they otherwise would may not listening to. It’s a show for those who love to see a great cast including guest appearances and recurring cast members such as Gabourey Sidibe who are given the time to leave their mark. And lastly, it is a show that is not afraid to address different aspects of life – good and bad.

Empire will give you a unique TV show experience you may get addicted to.

Do you enjoy Empire? Or will you be watching it now? Tell us in the comments below!

The post ‘Empire’ Is Beyond Binge-Worthy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Is the mall your mecca and you don’t leave the house until you have that perfect #OOTD to post on Instagram? Is fashion more to you than the clothes you wear and the shoes you put on? Do you eat, sleep, and breathe fashion?

So if, like me, you’ve been accused of being obsessed with clothes, always shopping, over-dressed, and never seen wearing the same outfit twice — then you’re definitely addicted to fashion. In the past, the best way to stay updated with trends was to consume everything written in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, or Cosmopolitan. Though stalking your favourite blogger, stylist, or designer’s Instagram or Pinterest feed is helpful, sometimes even that isn’t enough to satiate our needs. Even if you aren’t exactly addicted to fashion, in today’s day and age, we are all in our own way followers of fashion.

TV shows have become an indispensable part of our lives. For a lot of people watching TV is a form of escape from work or studies, but fashion fanatics like myself, use it as a source of inspiration. They don’t necessarily need to be fashion-centred shows, and there’s an outfit idea for any occasion. If you want to look sharp for your presentation, then who better to look at than Jessica Pearson from Suits, or perhaps Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl if you want to charm someone with your impeccable taste.

Whether you have a more bohemian, classy & chic, or your fashion game is as strong as our favourite Upper East Siders, here’s a list of nine shows to catch your wardrobe fancy or help you overcome your closet-block.

Sex and the City

On June 6th 1998, the iconic Sex and the City aired for the first time and it’s not only revolutionised television for women, but had an immense impact in the fashion world. While Carrie had an eclectic flair of her own with a wardrobe comprising of the iconic post-breakup fur coat, tutu, her Galliano newspaper dress, stripped socks, etc., many can be inspired by the sophisticated and classy outfits worn by Miranda and Charlotte. If you’re looking for a crazy night out, then who better to turn to than Samantha, who’s got a rack full of skin-baring gorgeous dresses. No matter whose style you admire, after completing the entire series (6 seasons), one thing is guaranteed, you’ll have a lifetime of outfit ideas ahead of you.

Scandal

Are you looking for a classy, feminine yet commanding outfit for work? Do you want to arm your wardrobe with power-suits? The former White House Communication Director’s wardrobe is an ideal reference for chic work attire — I’m talking about Olivia Pope from Scandal. The show was so chic it inspired the birth of a new fashion line in its honour.

The Goldbergs

We’ve reached peak nostalgia in the fashion industry and everything from the 80’s is stylish again. Big shoulders, white jeans, underwear as outerwear, oversized jewellery, bright colours, and crazy patterns — if these attract you, then you must watch The Goldbergs for some of the best fashion inspiration from the 80’s. Whether it’s Beverly’s bright coloured sweaters or huge furry coats, Erica’s Polka dotted skirts, or Barry’s crazy outfits, this show is a dream-come-true for everyone who’s in love with the 80’s fashion.

Suits

Their minds make them the best in the legal world, but it’s their bold outfits which make them the sharpest team. A Tom Ford suit, an Armani tie, Canali shoes, a Zegna shirt, an Antonio Berardi dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, a Max Mara dress, Prada shoes — you name the brand and the characters have worn it. Can we take a minute to appreciate their work clothes? They’re actual goals.

Dynasty

Just because Dynasty is a show about the ‘one percent of the one percent’, doesn’t mean that you can’t be inspired by some of the looks that the characters are wearing. This show is steeped in female empowerment and gives you a sneak-peak into how powerful women are dressing up. Whether you prefer a bold and structured look or a more outrageous and colourful look, this show has got it all. And there’s a lot for men too, I mean just blindly follow everything Jeff Colby or Sammy Jo are sporting and your outfit will definitely be the talk of the town (or office). Watching this show literally feels like you’ve died and reached fashion heaven!

Mad Men

This show is definitely more than a story about an advertising firm and its retro culture, rather, it’s also about the fantastic and often breathtaking outfits inspired by the 60s. In fact, few looks from this show have become iconic enough; they even had their own exhibition. This show created a fashion moment, which encouraged men and women to dress better for work. Admit it, even you’ve searched for the “Zou Bisou” dress online!

Gossip Girl

This show follows the extravagant lives of New York teens, so the style of each character on this show has as much impact on you as does their drama-filled lives. From Chuck’s classy yet bold look to Dan’s casual attire; Blair’s preppy, posh look, while Serena gives us OOTD goals and Jenny’s rocker chick evolution — this show is the bible for fashion fanatics. Let’s not forget that this show made big hair bands acceptable headgear for the over-fives!

Pretty Little Liars

Apart from constantly being chased by ‘A’, one thing all the liars and other characters on the show have in common is great style. I mean they even do funerals in style. From ideas on what to wear on Halloween to your birthday party or a romantic date or for a casual night-in — this show has got it all.

Empire

Despite all the drama, the show always manages to keep its style in check. They’ve given us two distinct fashion camps — one that of, Cookie, with her bold colours, statement jewellery, and on-point makeup, and the other of, Lucious’s fierce yet sleek look.

So whoever said watching TV shows was a waste of time, they’re obviously wrong! Naturally this selection is based on my preference alone, and the TV shows mentioned above are not placed in any order!

What other shows do you think have great style? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 9 TV Shows That Will Give You Wardrobe Envy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.