It didn't take long for HBO realize it had a hit on its hands, with the premium cable outlet renewing family drama "Succession" for a third season only two episodes into its second.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show has built an impressive audience of loyal viewers, averaging 4.3 million viewers per episode across all platforms in season one, which premiered in 2018. Season two, which debuted on August 11, has already notched more than 1 million viewers each for its first two installments -- and counting.

In a statement announcing the renewal, Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO drama programming, specifically cited the show's ability to connect with viewers as a key to its, uh, success.

"We are elated that 'Succession' and its exploration of wealth, power and family has resonated so powerfully with audiences,” Orsi's statement said. “We cannot wait to see how the complex characters that Jesse Armstrong has created continue to navigate this captivating, ruthless world of the uber-rich. In today's world where the intersection of politics and media is increasingly prevalent, 'Succession' presents an especially piercing look behind the curtain of this elite, influential, and cutthroat community."

"Succession" follows the wealthy Roy family (a not-so-thinly-veiled fictional version of the Murdochs), whose dysfunctional members are vying to take control of its vast media empire. Brian Cox stars as family patriarch Logan Roy, and the series also features Jeremy Strong, Hiam Abbass, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, and J. Smith-Cameron.

Season two is currently airing on HBO on Sundays, and will run for 10 episodes. Season three is expected to debut sometime in 2020.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]