Lucious Lyon's reign as the head of Empire Entertainment has been unchallenged for years. But all that changes when he learns he has a disease and must choose one of his three sons to take over: Andre, Jamal or Hakeem. Complicating matters is their mother and Lucious' ex-wife, Cookie, who emerges from prison to claim her share.

The second season picks up three months after the shocking arrest and incarceration of Empire Entertainment head Lucious Lyon. Knowing Lucious won’t be held much longer in prison, Cookie and her allies within the Lyon family make a desperate attempt to seize control of the company. But as the Lyons continue to battle each other, a bigger external threat emerges that could force them to unite.

Lucious pursues his music legacy with his streaming service, while also clashing with his half-brother, Tariq, who is leading a federal task force investigating him. Cookie aims to start over, in pursuit of her own happiness with a new romantic interest. Meanwhile, the Lyon brothers struggle with fame and ambition, and the choices they face will become a battle for the soul of the Lyon family.