The night before Season 3 of “Empire” premieres, the cast gave a sneak screening in Chicago, where they film the show, followed by an after-party at Soho House. The first couple of “Empire,” Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, arrive for the screening.
The pool atop Soho House in the West Loop was decked out — an outdoor pool in Chicago won’t be in use for very much longer.
Phylicia Rashad is a guest star on the upcoming season.
Ta’Rhonda Jones, who plays Porsha Taylor, lounges on the poolside daybeds with Taraji P. Henson. At the Emmys earlier this week, host Jimmy Kimmel suggested it might be time for Taraji to drop the “P.” So far, the middle initial stays.
Biz Markie DJs the after-party.
Only 48 hours after the Emmys in Los Angeles, the show’s brain trust reunited in Chicago at the Harris Theater: EP/Creator Danny Strong, 20th TV President of Creative Affairs Jonnie Davis, Co-Chair and Co-CEO Fox TV Group Dana Walden, Howard, Henson, Co-Chair and Co-CEO Fox TV Group Gary Newman, EP Brian Grazer, and Fox Entertainment President David Madden.
Rapper Xzibit is done pimping rides. He becomes a series regular, playing a rival to Terence Howard’s Lucious Lyon. Taye Diggs will be recurring this season.
“Empire” on the streets of Chicago.
Producers Brian Grazer and Ilene Chaiken have a lot to hug about.
Psyched for the new fall TV season? Check out TheWrap’s rankings of 12 new shows, from best to worst, as ranked by critics.
