Lee Daniels Reveals His Worst Experience Was Working on ‘Empire’ Despite Its Success

Renowned filmmaker Lee Daniels recently opened up about his time working as the co-creator of the hit series Empire, revealing that the experience was far from positive. In a candid interview with The Film Stage, Daniels admitted that, despite the show’s success and cultural impact, the process of working on Empire was, in his words, “the worst experience.”

Navigating the Studio System: A New Challenge

Daniels, known for his independent films, expressed how uncomfortable it was to work within the confines of a major network like Fox. The filmmaker, famous for pushing creative boundaries with projects like Monster’s Ball and Precious, was unaccustomed to the rigid framework of a TV show driven by executives and their demands.

“All my friends, they get notes and shit,” Daniels recalled, as he reflected on his previous independent work. “Every one of my films has been independently financed where I’m able to … do my thing, and nobody is in my head.” He explained that one of the reasons he accepted the role as co-creator of Empire was to experience firsthand what it was like to work under the guidance of network executives. However, the reality of the situation was far from what he anticipated.

Creative Frustrations and a Bitter Experience

When asked what the experience of working on Empire was like, Daniels didn’t hold back, calling it “horrible” and “absolutely the worst experience.” His frustrations were rooted in the creative limitations imposed by the studio system, contrasting sharply with the freedom he was used to in the independent film world.

Despite this, Daniels acknowledged that there was one major silver lining to his time on Empire — the financial rewards. The show’s success allowed him to fund his children’s college education. “I was able to put my kids through college and s**t. So that in itself was worth it,” he stated, noting that money was one of the few positive takeaways from the experience.

Empire’s Cultural Impact: A Game Changer

While Daniels may have disliked the process, he acknowledged the enormous cultural impact Empire had. The show, which featured stars like Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, and Jussie Smollett, not only became a ratings giant for Fox but also shifted the landscape for Black creatives in Hollywood.

Daniels admitted that he didn’t fully grasp what Empire was doing at the time: “I didn’t understand what we were doing when I made Empire. I was too busy about Cookie’s hat and the music.” But in retrospect, he sees the show as a pioneer, opening doors for projects like Black Panther, Insecure, and Black-ish.

“There wouldn’t have been a Black Panther, there wouldn’t have been an Insecure, there wouldn’t have been a Black-ish without the show,” Daniels said. His boldness in pushing back against executive notes and staying true to his vision, even in the face of opposition, helped Empire leave a lasting mark on TV and film culture.

A Legacy Despite Difficulties

Though Empire concluded in 2020 after six successful seasons, its legacy endures, not only for its entertainment value but for the way it transformed television. Daniels’ experience may have been unpleasant, but his contributions to the series played a crucial role in diversifying mainstream media.

For Daniels, the process was difficult and creatively stifling, but the show’s success allowed him to achieve something more significant — leaving a lasting impact on Black representation in the media.