Writer for FOX's hit drama "Empire" is from Milwaukee! What's he saying about the finale?
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The season finale of FOX's hit drama "Empire" promises to have millions glued to their televisions Wednesday, March 18th. And for this, a Milwaukee native says he's grateful, since he has more than a little something to do with the show's success!
Eric Haywood is a former UW-Milwaukee film student, and he's now a writer for "Empire."
"We started writing the show over the summer -- back in June," Haywood said.
Here in southeastern Wisconsin, Haywood's face may be familiar.
"When I say 'home,' I'm always referring to Milwaukee. I was born and raised there. I can't 'shoehorn' too much Milwaukee in (Empire), but there are bits and pieces of my personality that I try to weave into the dialogue or just sort of like, into the scenes that I write," Haywood said.
Now that Haywood is in Hollywood, the Custer High School graduate is credited with helping to create a compelling program about a family's rise through the ranks of the music industry. The show stars Terrance Howard and Taraji Henson.
"She's definitely one-in-a-million, and the same goes for Terrance. They're all down-to-earth people," Haywood said.
The show is proving pretty popular with viewership growing each of its nine weeks -- leading up to Wednesday night's season finale. The show has about 14.7 million viewers -- but that doesn't matter to Haywood.
"I don't even care what the ratings are. Those are -- that's the network's concern. That's the studio's concern. I'm working with the best group of writers in town. I love getting up and going to work every day," Haywood said.
Fans love each and every twist and turn, which takes us to Wednesday night's season-ending episode.
"Whatever preconceived notions you have about how the season is gonna end, just throw them out the window -- and you'll know what that means after you watch the two-hour "Empire" season finale," Haywood said.
Empire's season finale airs Wednesday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. on FOX6!