In a candid new interview with The Film Stage, filmmaker Lee Daniels has shared his blunt assessment of his time working on the hit Fox series Empire, describing it as “absolutely the worst experience” of his career. Daniels, who co-created the groundbreaking series, revealed that his venture into mainstream television was a stark departure from his usual independent filmmaking approach, and not a pleasant one.
Daniels, known for his distinctive independent films such as Monster’s Ball—which notably won the first Oscar for a Black actress—discussed his motivations for taking on Empire. “I was curious about what it would be like to work with suits and navigate the world of network television,” he said. “I wanted to understand what it’s like to answer to executives, having always worked independently where I was free to follow my creative vision without interference.”
Despite his curiosity, Daniels found the experience disheartening. “It was horrible,” he admitted. “Absolutely the worst experience.” His dissatisfaction stemmed from the challenges of working within a structured system of notes and approvals, a sharp contrast to the autonomy he was used to in his independent projects.
On a brighter note, Daniels acknowledged a significant benefit from his time on the show. “The money was great,” he said. “I was able to put my kids through college, which made the whole experience worth it.”
Daniels also reflected on the impact Empire had on the television landscape, despite his personal grievances with the process. “At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what we were doing,” he confessed. “I was too focused on details like Cookie’s hat and the music to see that we were making a cultural shift.” He recognized that Empire played a pivotal role in paving the way for other successful shows. “Without Empire, there wouldn’t be Black Panther, Insecure, or Black-ish. I was bold enough to push boundaries and ignore the notes,” he said.
In his conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Daniels connected his work on Empire with his upcoming Netflix horror film The Deliverance. He explained that the new project represents a return to his roots and a reconnection with his artistic instincts. “With Empire, I was driven by a need to challenge stereotypes and change perceptions,” he noted. “Now, I’m back to exploring themes that resonate deeply with me.”
Although Empire was a critical and commercial success, receiving eight Emmy nominations and becoming one of Fox’s highest-rated shows, Daniels’ recollection of the process reveals the complexities behind its creation. The series concluded in 2020 after six successful seasons, leaving a lasting mark on the television industry and solidifying Daniels’ influence in shaping modern television.
Ultimately, while the journey of creating Empire was fraught with difficulties for Daniels, the series’ cultural impact and his personal achievements highlight a complex but significant chapter in his career.
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