Content & Trigger Warnings for Empire (2015)

A character is targeted with violence motivated by homophobia

A main character's sexuality is met with intense family rejection and homophobic language

Ongoing tension around a character's identity though with some acceptance arcs

Jamal's struggle with his sexuality in the hip-hop world and his father's homophobia are central plots.

Racial tensions and slurs appear in storylines about the music industry

Racial dynamics in the music industry and broader society are explored.

Obsessive and stalking behavior from various characters.

Parental death is depicted and its emotional consequences explored.

Characters process multiple deaths and losses throughout the series.

A character attempts suicide, with aftermath explored over multiple episodes

A character deals with a serious medical diagnosis affecting family dynamics

Manipulation and emotional abuse used as tools for control within the family

Intense psychological manipulation escalates as stakes grow higher

Lucious Lyon is a master manipulator who gaslights family members and business associates constantly.

Multiple affairs and betrayals are central to ongoing romantic storylines

Betrayals and affairs remain a central source of conflict

Characters are abducted as part of business and personal vendettas

Characters face prison time and the justice system is depicted as corrupt

Characters face imprisonment; wrongful conviction and prison corruption are explored.

Blood visible in shooting and assault scenes.

Sexual scenes with partial nudity occur throughout the series.

Power dynamics in the music industry lead to sexually coercive situations.

Frequent heavy drinking tied to emotional turmoil and celebrations

Drinking continues to be depicted during emotional crises

Characters use and deal drugs, with drug addiction depicted as ongoing struggle

Drug use and addiction continue to drive major plot developments

An overdose event occurs with emergency medical response depicted

Lucious's abusive childhood and his own harsh parenting are recurring themes.

Recurring domestic abuse depicted in multiple relationships throughout early seasons

Continued portrayal of abusive dynamics in romantic relationships

Some violent scenes include bloody aftermath.

Shootings and gun threats tied to power struggles in the music industry

Escalating gun violence as family rivalries intensify in later seasons

Shootings and gun-related violence occur frequently throughout the series.

Interactions with police include excessive force and corruption.

A major character attempts suicide; the aftermath is explored.

Sexual assault is referenced and depicted in connection to a character's backstory

Characters are physically harmed while being held captive