Empire

The start of a new school year at the Upper East Side's elite Constance St. Jude's ushers in the arrival of a newcomer, who soon finds herself thrust into a blinding spotlight. While other students cling to their comfortable, glamorous lives, a mysterious presence threatens to upend the status quo.

As Zoya cautiously explores a new romantic interest, Max tears down boundaries in pursuing one of his own. At a black-tie affair, Audrey struggles with her mom, Kate works overtime, and Julien vows to fix her mistakes once and for all.

While the school takes drastic measures to smoke out Gossip Girl's identity, a blind item threatens to put an end to a Constance couple. Max pushes Julien to explore life outside her comfort zone, prompting both teens to uncover shocking family secrets. Zoya turns to an unlikely ally for help fitting in.

Zoya's attempts to avoid her birthday are no match for Luna and Monet's warpath. While Julien escalates tensions, Nick and Davis put down their arms. Bad news sends Max on a bender, Audrey levels with Aki, and Kate gets an exciting opportunity.

While an incident at a nearby school finds all eyes on Gossip Girl, Julien and Zoya team up for Halloween. Audrey panics over bad news, and Obie grows suspicious of Zoya's new friend.

When Obie's mother comes to town, Zoya begins to question his nature – and nurture. Julien's decision to take her brand to the next level leads her down a path of self-discovery. Kate's personal and professional lives collide at full force. Aki and Max come together to support Audrey.

As Zoya shores up the guest list for her annual Friendsgiving feast, Julien and Obie set out to keep a secret from her. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan face an ultimatum from Rafa, Aki attempts to level with Obie, Audrey coordinates a stress-free dinner for her mom, and Max concocts a plan to bring his dads together.

While an accusation from Gossip Girl throws Julien's life into a tailspin, Zoya takes matters into her own hands. Kate's concern for her students puts her in a compromising position with her colleagues. Obie and Aki take a stand against their parents. Max navigates foreign emotions.

When Gossip Girl's new leadership turns the city against her, an off-the-grid Julien enlists Zoya's help in her search for the truth. Meanwhile, Kate and Jordan attempt to throw their coworkers off-course, Audrey and Aki begin to question the new direction of their relationship, and Max gets a lesson in the importance of being honest about his feelings.

With Julien at the center of a merciless smear campaign, Zoya, Monet, and Luna employ desperate defense measures. Audrey devises a plan to revitalize Kiki's business with help from some special guests, and Aki scrambles to hit back against a rival school's dirty tactics – while Max is begrudgingly roped into both of their schemes.

A Christmas visitor threatens to change Julien's life forever, while a new friend pushes Zoya to find her own voice. Max and Obie grow suspicious about some unexpected news. Aki and Audrey struggle to find the missing piece of their relationship. Ahead of a bombshell drop, Kate, Jordan, and Wendy clamor for control of Gossip Girl.

As the crew prepares to head upstate for their annual New Year's Eve bash, Julien forces Zoya to stay close – and entrusts Monet and Luna with sabotaging Obie's guest. Aki and Audrey make their final play for Max's affection, Nick contemplates accepting help from a problematic source, and Kate questions whether Gossip Girl has any future at all.