Succession (TV series)

Succession (TV series). Created by Jesse Armstrong, the American satirical black comedy-drama television series aired on HBO from 2018 to 2023. The series chronicles the lives of the Roy family, the dysfunctional owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate, as they vie for control of the company amid uncertainty about the health of the family patriarch.

Premise and setting

The series centers on Logan Roy, the aging founder and chief executive of Waystar RoyCo, a multinational media conglomerate based in New York City. The narrative explores the power struggles among his four adult children—Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor—as they maneuver to succeed him. Key corporate battles involve rival media entities like Pierce Global Media and tech disruptors such as GoJo, led by Lukas Matsson. Major plotlines unfold during pivotal events like a United States Senate hearing, a corporate retreat in Hungary, and a wedding at a Tuscan villa.

Cast and characters

The Roy family patriarch is portrayed by Brian Cox, with his children played by Jeremy Strong as Kendall, Sarah Snook as Shiv, Kieran Culkin as Roman, and Alan Ruck as Connor. Key executives and allies include Matthew Macfadyen as Tom Wambsgans, Nicholas Braun as Greg Hirsch, and J. Smith-Cameron as Gerri Kellman. Antagonists and business rivals feature actors such as Alexander Skarsgård as Lukas Matsson and Adrien Brody as Josh Aaronson. Recurring cast includes Hiam Abbass as Marcia Roy, Dagmara Domińczyk as Karolina Novotney, and Arian Moayed as Stewy Hosseini.

Production

Jesse Armstrong, known for his work on Peep Show and The Thick of It, developed the series, drawing loose inspiration from media dynasties like the Murdoch family and the Redstone family. The pilot was directed by Adam McKay, who also served as an executive producer. Principal photography occurred primarily in New York City and other locations, including Norway and Italy. The series finale was written by Armstrong and directed by Mark Mylod. The iconic score was composed by Nicholas Britell, and the main title sequence was created by the studio Imaginary Forces.

Reception

The series received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its writing, direction, and performances. It won numerous Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Jeremy Strong and Kieran Culkin won Emmys for their performances, while Sarah Snook and Matthew Macfadyen also received awards. The show was honored at the Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Television Awards, and Writers Guild of America Awards. Reviewers from publications like The New York Times and The Guardian consistently praised its sharp satire of wealth and power.

Cultural impact

*Succession* became a significant cultural touchstone, with its dialogue and memes permeating public discourse. Phrases like "boar on the floor" and "L to the OG" entered the popular lexicon. The series sparked analysis and comparisons to real-world corporate and political dramas, including the 2020 United States presidential election and the operations of Fox Corporation. Its depiction of extreme wealth and family dysfunction influenced other media and was studied in contexts ranging from Harvard Business School to political commentary. The finale attracted major viewership for HBO, cementing the show's status as a defining drama of its era.

Category:2010s American television series Category:2020s American television series Category:HBO original programming