Crews 
The phenomenon that is ‘Empire’ has helped to continue opening doors for many black actors and networks are seeing that diversity and brown faces in major roles on major network shows is more important and lucrative now than ever.
So its no surprise that the hit show would soon spawn other series that are inspired by it and it’s hip hop/music themed premise. Well now former ‘Scandal’ star Columbus Short who was fired from the show, is now prepping his own new series that he says is the gospel themed ‘Empire’.
Via Centric:
While promoting his latest film The Girl is in Trouble, executive produced by Spike Lee, Short told Shadow and Act about several projects he’s involved with. From an African spin on “American Idol” to an “Empire”-inspired gospel series, the 32-year-old actor certainly has his hands full. He revealed:
“I want to diversify, so I have scripted content and some reality content that’s great. From travel, to crazy families, to a show in Ghana which is basically like an ‘African Idol.’ The first season’s going to be in Ghana, then we’re going to South Africa to Kenya to Uganda. So basically, we’re making an ‘African Idol’ like ‘American Idol.’
And I’m producing a show at Bounce TV with my brother [Bounce TV president] Ryan Glover along with Russ Parr and Swirl Films. We’re producing a show that’s basically the Gospel ‘Empire.’ It’s going to be full of drama and great music. Kim Burrell is executive music producer. So I have a billion things going on, but it’s great. I love working to push the industry forward. I love to just be a part of this thing, and we’re making it happen.”
Interesting, we’re sure with Kim at the helm as EP of music it would be a stellar soundtrack and with the right cast it potentially could work, our only gripe is the lack of originality. With networks providing outlets for new shows, why would you want to piggy back off of a show that has already carved out its lane instead of paving your own road? For all people will see the show as is a “copycat” of ‘Empire’ if it follows too much of the show’s blueprint but we digress.
