A decade afterEmpirefirst aired onFox, Cookie Lyon remains one of television’s most iconic and influential characters. Played with unmatched flair byTaraji P. Henson, Cookie was the unapologetic, fierce matriarch whose rise from the streets to the boardroomembodied resilience, ambition, and the complexities of family loyalty.Her sharp tongue, bold fashion choices, and unwavering love for her children and ex-husband Lucious (Terrence Howard) made her a force to be reckoned with, both in the Lyon family and the music industry. The role earned her three Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award back in 2016.
Throughout the series,Henson often spoke about the tollplaying Cookie had on her and that she had moved on from the iconic role. However,afterEmpireconcluded in 2020, there was talk that Henson was set to produce a Cookie spin-offalongside original producersLee DanielsandDanny Strong.While a script was written, in December of that year, Fox decided not to go forward with the show, disappointing fans ofEmpire,especially those who felt like the series ended too abruptly. Now, nearly five years later,it feels like the perfect time for Henson to be given the starring role she deserves, allowing Cookie to make her long-awaited return to the spotlight.
Cookie Lyon Was an Iconic Character Thanks to Taraji P. Henson
BeforeEmpire,Taraji P. Henson had already built a respected career, earning an Oscar nomination for her role inThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button,and showing off her TV chops in shows likeBoston Legal,Person of Interest, and, most recently,Abbott ElementaryandFight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.Playing Cookie inEmpire,though, was a unique opportunity to step into a role that allowed her to push boundaries. Cookie Lyon was more than just a breakout role,shifting the conversation around Black women in Hollywood. As the ex-wife of a drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul, audiences meet Cookie after she’s released from jail.Throughout the six-season run, she isa force of nature and a fierce protector of her family, the business, and what she believes she’s rightfully owed.
In lesser hands, Cookie could have been more of a one-dimensional caricature, but with Henson in the role, she humanized this deeply flawed but fierce woman.On an episode of NPR’s Codeswitchback in 2015,EmpirewriterAttica Lockewas asked why Cookie seems to have struck a chord with audiences. Locke says,“The reason is quite obvious: It’s Taraji.” This rare combination of fearlessness and depth is exactly why Cookie’s story deserves further exploration, offering ample material for a compelling spin-off. Moreover, her impact on the show and its audience highlights why FOX should seriously consider revisiting the character’s arc — both for the enduring fanbase and for the broader conversation about strong, multifaceted female characters on television.
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Fox Should Revisit the Idea of a Cookie Lyon Spin-off
Henson made news back in 2023 at a SAG-AFTRA eventmoderated by Variety, when she revealed that she had fired her entire team for failing to capitalize on herEmpiresuccess. She said that her team’s main priority was the Cookie spin-off, which Henson was happy to do if it was “done right.” Henson’s commitment to protecting Cookie’s legacy, both as the lead and a producer, speaks to her own integrity and is something the studio should definitely recognize and value.Henson clearly understands the lasting impact Cookie hadon audiences, and, with the opportunity to lead a new show, she could update fans on what Cookie has been up to sinceEmpireended in 2020.
One storyline that could be further explored in a spin-off is Cookie’s journey through her mental health in Season 6. Cookie began seeing therapist Dr. Paula Whick (Keesha Sharp), which led to some of the most powerful moments in the show’s final season, even if it was two women talking across from each other. If what audiences love about Cookie is her authenticity, the juxtaposition of her brash, larger-than-life persona with her willingness to seek therapy could be a great wayto further the story and de-stigmatize therapy, especially in the Black community,a cause that Henson is very passionate about in real life, which she spoke about at lengthin a 2019 interview with The Root.
Five years afterEmpireconcluded, the impact of Cookie Lyon is still felt,from memes to viral quotes, and her influence stretches beyond the screen. Cookie’s unapologetic confidence, sharp wit, and vulnerability made her an emblem of empowerment,which is an essential story to tell, now more than ever.Whether or not audiences get more Cookie Lyon,she remains a touchstone for strong, multifaceted female characterson television. The truth is,Taraji P. Henson deserves to have whatever career she wants, given her talent and her passion for impactful storytelling, but thanks to her incredible portrayal, Cookie Lyon still reigns supreme 10 years later.
All seasons ofEmpireare available to stream on Hulu.
A hip-hop mogul must choose a successor among his three sons who are battling for control over his multi-million dollar company, while his ex-wife schemes to reclaim what is hers.
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