Premise: “Succession” is a darkly comedic drama that delves into the life of the Roy family, owners of a global media conglomerate, as they grapple with the looming question of succession when the patriarch’s health and capabilities come into question. As alliances form and betrayals take center stage, the show provides an inside look into the power dynamics, politics, and interpersonal conflicts of a wealthy, dysfunctional family.
Main Characters:
- Logan Roy (Brian Cox): The aging patriarch and CEO of Waystar Royco, who struggles with relinquishing control of his empire.
- Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong): Logan’s ambitious son, eager to take over the company, but constantly battling his own personal demons.
- Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook): Logan’s only daughter, who is politically savvy and seeks to have a say in the family business.
- Roman Roy (Kieran Culkin): The youngest Roy son, known for his sarcastic wit and lack of seriousness but desires to be taken seriously in the company.
- Connor Roy (Alan Ruck): The eldest Roy sibling, who stays mostly out of the business but has peculiar ambitions of his own.
Themes: “Succession” delves deeply into the corrupting nature of immense wealth and power. It dissects family dynamics, the lengths individuals will go to maintain or seize control, and the moral compromises made in the name of ambition. The show also touches upon the media’s influence, corporate politics, and the juxtaposition of personal vulnerabilities with public ruthlessness.
Critical Consensus & Rating: 4.8/5. Critics have praised “Succession” for its sharp writing, complex characters, and its blend of dark humor with poignant drama. The ensemble cast has also been universally lauded for their performances. Some detractors find the show’s pacing slow or its portrayal of the uber-rich off-putting, but these are minor criticisms in an otherwise highly acclaimed series.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA for its mature themes, strong language, and occasional scenes of a sexual or violent nature.
Broadcast Details: “Succession” aired on HBO and premiered in 2018 and ran until 2023.
TV Series Recommendations:
- “Billions“
- “The Crown“
- “Mad Men“
- “Boardwalk Empire“
- “Big Little Lies“
Streaming Services: As of my last update in September 2021, “Succession” was available for streaming on HBO Max. The show’s availability might vary over time and by region, so checking the current offerings on your local streaming platforms is advisable.
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