5 Ways 'Empire' Is Just Like 'Game Of Thrones'

Have you been missing Empire ever since Season 1 ended in February? Do you find yourself searching for drama and intrigue in your everyday life? Are you anxiously waiting for the Empire Season 2 premiere? Do you have a Cookie-shaped hole in your heart that no amount of actual cookies will fill? Yeah, me too. But chin up folks, because in a matter of days Game of Thrones Season 5 premieres on HBO! On the surface these two shows couldn't look more different — one is a fantasy epic where nobles fight for dominance, the other is a modern day retelling of King Lear set at a record label. However, when you look a little closer, you'll see that the two ratings juggernauts are practically the same show.

At their very core, both shows are centered around one thing: power. In Game of Thrones that is symbolized by the (incredibly uncomfortable looking) iron throne, in Empire it’s the running of Empire Entertainment. Power drives everyone and they are all focused on that one aim, either getting it for themselves or for the person they support. The second core theme to both shows is family — where you are from, and the lengths people will go through to protect their legacy. The similarities don’t stop there. Here are just a few of the ways that Game of Thrones is actually just like Empire.

The Women On Both Shows Are Strong As Hell

There are no shrinking violets or damsels in distress on either show — even the women who seem helpless are really running their own game. The powerhouse on Empire is clearly Cookie, who will fight with her words, fists, or a broom. Cersei Lannister is equally fierce and duplicitous, striving to make sure her children rule and she stays in power. Not to mention the Stark sisters, who are strong in very different ways, and oh yeah, the show literally has the mother-of-dragons. Girls literally run that world.

Plotting & Backstabbing Galore

One of the elements that made Empire so delicious was the constant plotting and scheming. Just when you think someone’s about to go right — they swerve left and shoot their longtime best friend. Game of Thrones takes that to the next level, as practically every scene is packed with plots within plots and no one can be trusted.

So Many Quippy One-Liners

I’m the first to admit that nothing will be able to top Cookie dropping “kitty boo boo” — but Tyrion Lannister comes dang close. He’s funny and snarky and often the comic relief. I never thought I’d ever compare Cookie Lyon to a fictional prince but there you go, it works.

Stylized, Highbrow Soap Opera

Baby daddy drama? Check. Cheating galore? Check. Betrayal and dramatic alliance reveals? Check and check. When you get right down to it, both shows are basically soap operas done really, really well and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Filled With Sex & Death

What more do you need? Both shows round out their plot points with genetically gifted people getting down with one another set to amazing (but admittedly very different) music. Death lurks everywhere on both shows, with neither afraid to kill off its characters. So if you are missing Empire do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in Game of Thrones — because if you squint you're basically watching the same show.

Images: Chuck Hodes/FOX; Giphy (5)