Is the Show Empire on Netflix?
The legendary crime drama Empire has been a staple of television for over 11 years, captivating audiences with its gritty portrayal of the lives of the Jackson family, a family of music industry executives living in New York City. After five seasons on NBC, the show was unexpectedly canceled in 2017, leaving fans wondering if it would ever return to Netflix. In this article, we will delve into the possibility of Empire on Netflix and explore the significance of this decision.
Historical Context: Why Empire Was on NBC
Prior to its cancellation, Empire had already established a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Created by Lee Daniels and Thomas Maddox, the show was praised for its gritty realism, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the music industry. The show’s premise, which revolves around the lives of the Jackson family, a family of successful music producers and performers, was both relatable and fascinating.
However, NBC took a different approach to revamping the show, releasing a limited series, Empire, in December 2015. Although the show received positive reviews, it ultimately failed to attract a large enough audience to justify the network’s investment in a full season. As a result, NBC decided to cancel Empire after one season.
Why Empire Was Cancelled
So, why did NBC decide to cancel Empire after only one season? The show was widely regarded as a critical and commercial success, but NBC had already planned to move the show to other networks. Additionally, the network’s reluctance to invest in a full season was due in part to the fact that Empire was not a traditional crime drama, but rather a family drama with a strong music component.
The Rise of Amazon Prime
The cancellation of Empire was a shock to fans and critics alike. The show’s creators and cast members, including Gretchen Wilson, Tyler Perry, and Brenda Song, had expressed disappointment and frustration with the decision. It was not until the day after the show’s cancellation that Amazon Prime announced that it would be picking up the rights to Empire for streaming.
What Was the Decision to Bring Empire to Netflix?
Amazon Prime‘s decision to bring Empire to Netflix was likely driven by a combination of factors. One key reason was the high cost of production. Empire is a high-concept show with a large cast, complex storylines, and a large music component. Amazon Prime had reportedly offered NBC a substantial sum of money to acquire the rights to Empire, which would have been a significant loss for NBC.
In addition to the financial aspects, Amazon Prime may have also seen Empire as a way to tap into the platform’s existing fan base. Empire had a strong following on Amazon Prime, and the network may have believed that reviving the show would be a way to attract new viewers and revitalize its brand.
What Does the Decision Mean for Fans?
The decision by Amazon Prime to bring Empire to Netflix has significant implications for fans. For those who were loyal to the show and had grown attached to its characters, the news of Empire‘s cancellation was a major blow.
However, for fans who are new to the show or are looking for new content, Empire on Amazon Prime offers a great opportunity to experience the series on a new platform. With its high production values, engaging storylines, and strong cast, Empire is a show that is sure to keep viewers hooked.
What About the Cast and Creators?
The cast and creators of Empire have expressed mixed feelings about the decision to bring the show to Amazon Prime. Gretchen Wilson, who played the role of Bela Stone, has stated that she is "very sad" about the cancellation, but that she is open to the possibility of a new season on Amazon Prime.
Meanwhile, Tyler Perry, who produced the show and wrote many of the episodes, has stated that he is "grateful" for the opportunity to bring Empire to Amazon Prime, but that he is also "relieved" that the show is not going to be canceled again.
The Future of Empire on Amazon Prime
The future of Empire on Amazon Prime is uncertain. While the platform has made a commitment to bringing the show to its fans, it is unclear whether the show will return for a new season.
In the meantime, Amazon Prime has announced that it will be releasing a series of documentaries about the history of music and the music industry, which will explore the lives of the Jackson family and other music industry executives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon Prime to bring Empire to Netflix is a significant development in the history of the show. While the cancellation of Empire was a shock to fans and critics alike, the platform’s decision to revive the show offers a new and exciting opportunity for viewers to experience the series on a new platform.
Whether Empire will return to Amazon Prime in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the show’s enduring legacy as a classic of American television is a testament to the power of great storytelling and performances.