The third season of the American television drama series Empire premiered on September 21, 2016, in the United States on Fox.

[5] On July 8, 2016, Entertainment Weekly announced that rapper French Montana will appear in the third-season premiere, playing music mogul Vaughn, a member of Lucious Lyon's powerful inner circle.

[3] The Hollywood Reporter announced on July 13, 2016, that Sierra McClain will join the show in a recurring role.

[8] On November 22, 2016, it was announced Nia Long would appear in a recurring role as Giuliana, a night club owner.

[11] In episode 13, Estelle will reprise her season 1 role as Empire recording artist Delphine.