The anticipated premiere of Fox’s 2015 program “Empire” gained positive feedback after the hip-hop soap opera debuted on Jan. 7. And after only two episodes, Fox renewed the show for a second season.

Starring Taraji Henson (Cookie) and Terrence Howard (Lucious Lyon), “Empire” is a drama laced with fresh musical talent, family brawls and deadly secrets–literally. Cookie has suspiciously been released early from prison after 17 years. Cynical of the entertainment power house her ex-husband Lucious has created from her drug-dealing money, she struts into Empire demanding for her half of the company while trying to regain the love of her three sons.

Meanwhile, Lucious ignites an internal war over which of his three sons will be his successor—Andre (the work-obsessed business man who suffers from bipolar disorder), Jamal (the gay, talented pianist scorned by his homophobic father), or Hakeem (the youngest and wildest of the three obsessed with the good life).

Characters must form alliances with one another to achieve their mischievous goals. It’s only a matter of time before their personalities clash.

Creators Lee Daniels and Sunny Strong have introduced ample conflicts to the audience in just two episodes. The never-ending mysteries engage the viewers and contribute to “Empire”’s success.

Fresh beats played throughout the show also shape its progress. The lyrical genius, Timbaland, composed all of the songs. Hakeem’s rhymes elevated the club and guaranteed him album sales. But the trendiest song yet is “No Apologies,” a pop hit by the Empire cast. The rap song expresses reaching stardom on one’s own terms, a dilemma familiar to Hakeem and Jamal.

After each action-packed episode, the directors reveal a jaw-dropping preview for the next episodes. This draws the fans to their couches every Wednesday, curious about what the next conundrum will be.

Every minute exposes a new mystery to solve. “Empire” will achieve more success as the season progresses.

Watch “Empire” on Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. on Fox.