Success and all that comes with it: FOX’s Empire has literally been a “ratings revival” for the network, dragging a momentum of energy, praise, critics and fans in its fast climb to the top. Now even the legendary head of programming at BET President Stephen Hill Says He’s Jealous of Empire!
BET President Stephen Hill Says He’s Jealous of Empire according to Vibe and an interview at UPTOWN magazine’s event honoring director Lee Daniels, backing up his perspective:
“I am more jealous of Empire than any piece of television than I’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “It is wonderfully written, amazingly directed. Within the first 11 minutes you knew what every character on that show what their goal [was] and what they wanted and you just let them on the field and let them play.”
BET President Stephen Hill Says He’s Jealous of Empire and continued to speak on why it’s made such a huge impact on television, as well as an important step for the culture and its influence:
He also commended Daniels on his keen ability to successfully push the envelope. “He’s been expanding people’s minds, what people accept in theater and television for a very long time,” he said. “I love that it’s come to television. I love that there’s some portrayals on television that we’ve never seen before. Especially for network television, we’ve seen it on cable but no one’s ever had the audacity or make this for network television. I think it’s fantastic I think it’s great for the industry; it’s great for unknown actors and actresses. Everybody wants to have Empire Jr. I think it’s really fantastic.”
There’s definitely been an effort to “push the envelope” at all costs, even a ratings drop after the “gay kiss” scene hasn’t stopped the show from its ‘mission’ of success. More details that keep coming to light about the show’s creation also continue to bring viewers on its side, such as the latest on the ‘Lucious’ character being based on Jay-Z.
Does the perspective that BET President Stephen Hill Says He’s Jealous of Empire ring true? Do you watch the show or are you not a fan? If 50 Cent’s “Power” would have been on network television, would it have this much success and would Empire be as popular?
Check the vid for more behind-the-scenes insight on BET and Stephen Hill’s career!
