Upfronts 2016: TV One Acquires ‘Empire’ Cable Rights

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UPDATE:Upfronts 2016: Brad Siegel: TV One 'Empire' Acquisition a 'Game Changer'

TV One has acquired the exclusive cable rights to Fox broadcasting’s hit drama series Empire, the network announced prior to its Thursday morning upfront presentation in New York.

The music-themed drama starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson will launch on the African-American targeted TV One this spring following Empire’s season two finale on Fox next month, network officials said. Financial terms were not disclosed by the network, owned by Radio One and in about 57 million homes. 

“We are ecstatic to partner with 20th Television and Imagine in showcasing one of the biggest hits in television history,” said TV One president Brad Siegel. “Empire dominates the media landscape with a first-rate cast, original music content, engaging plots and celebrity guests. TV One is proud to be the exclusive cable network home for the series as it represents our brand promise to defy expectations.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.