Succession

I'm not sure I can say anything about this television series that hasn't been said. It really is on a completely different level than most shows. It took me awhile to really sit down and get into it - I thought I wouldn't like it or it wouldn't be for me but I was so wrong. You like business? This is for you. You like politics? This is for you. You like rich a-holes? This is for you. You like backstabbing? This is for you. You like relating to characters on a surface level about their family problems? This is for you. HBO continues to be at the forefront of delivering the highest quality of one hour television blocks. Every single person I've talked to about this show has a different favorite character and I think that speaks to how well written not only the show is but the characters as well. Just when you like them, you will hate them and the cycle repeats. Succession truly is a top 5 show of all time and I doubt we ever get anything like it again. "Information is like a bottle of fine wine. You store it, you hoard it, you save it for a special occasion and then you smash someone's f-king face in with it."

Succession isn't just a TV show-it's a cultural phenomenon and a masterclass in storytelling. With its razor-sharp writing, impeccable acting, and gripping narrative, it's no wonder this series has become one of the most talked-about shows of the past decade.

At its core, Succession is a Shakespearean family drama wrapped in the ruthless world of corporate power. The Roy family's power struggles are equal parts tragic and absurd, and the show walks this tightrope with perfect balance. The dialogue is biting and darkly funny, delivering laugh-out-loud moments in one scene and gut-wrenching emotional punches in the next.

The performances are nothing short of brilliant. Brian Cox as the towering patriarch Logan Roy commands every scene he's in, while Jeremy Strong as Kendall gives a career-defining portrayal of a man torn apart by ambition, insecurity, and his father's shadow. Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen are equally outstanding, adding layers of complexity and humanity (or lack thereof) to their deeply flawed characters.

The writing is what truly elevates Succession to greatness. Each episode is packed with tension, twists, and memorable lines, and the show's exploration of power, loyalty, and legacy feels as universal as it is specific. Whether it's a boardroom showdown, a media scandal, or a dysfunctional family gathering, every scene feels meticulously crafted and utterly captivating.

Visually, the series is stunning. The luxurious settings-private jets, opulent apartments, and sprawling estates-serve as a stark backdrop to the ugliness of the characters' behavior. The direction and cinematography pull you into this world, making you feel like a fly on the wall for every backstab and betrayal.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Succession is its ability to make you care deeply about such morally bankrupt characters. You find yourself rooting for them, hating them, and even pitying them all at once. It's a testament to the show's nuanced storytelling that these characters feel so human despite their monstrous flaws.

Succession is not just one of the best shows of its time-it's a timeless exploration of family, greed, and the cost of power. It's funny, devastating, and utterly addictive from start to finish.

10/10. A masterpiece.

This show, right from the first scene all the way to the last, was amazing. I am so sad it has ended. Not one performance was bad. The casting could not have been more spot on. Everyone was very believable in their characters.

The script was fantastastic. I did feel that some episodes fell back a little. They felt a bit like filler episodes where not much happened. This was only a few episodes in the second season. But overall, I found that the majority of episodes as a whole, had purpose and wasn't lacking at all. I really wish it didn't have to end. The only comparable show I would say is The Newsroom, which I found slightly better, more so to do with the pacing and writing. But this is definitely in the same field.

I bore easily. When we steam series, my wife often has to remind me to "let it build" during the first season as the groundwork for the story is being laid out. There were probably 3 times during season 1 where I asked her "another one?" when an episode was over and I'm really glad she encouraged me to be patient. It took me nearly the whole first season to connect to the show but once I did, there was never a point that I was bored again. We have watched a few series with more seasons leading up to this one and I often remarked about how they were dragging things out, but I did not feel that during Succession. The series length was perfect. The episodes were filled with quality without a ton of needless filler and irrelevant dialogue.

On its surface, it's about a billionaire business legend near the end of his career and the impending question of which of his kids are going to take over as CEO. The tension this creates really drives the show.

Underneath, it's really about an incredibly dysfunctional family dynamic. The parents are cold, manipulative, and lack empathy and compassion. The father has mastered the ability to triangulate in order to keep his children divided to prevent them from undercutting him.

The children, who are now adults, at their core are emotionally deprived and traumatized kids who are incapable of dealing with emotions in a productive manner. Yet they find themselves repeatedly getting into intensely emotional situations.

Yes, they are incredibly wealthy and out of touch with the working man. They all have aspects about them that make them easy to dislike at times. BUT if you watch through the lens of understanding what they've been deprived of in terms of love and emotional connection, it gives you an empathic outlook which makes the show what it is.

There is a constant longing for intimacy and zero understanding of HOW to achieve it or what to do with it when they do.

I thought the final episode of the show was awesome. There was so much love, hate, misplaced anger, and self loathing flying around that it really illustrated how unstable they were. The final scene was brilliant. So uncomfortable but so good.

Acting was outstanding. Cox is a beast. I had no clue how good Culkin was but I was blown away by his performance throughout, and his acting in the final episode was gold. Same thing with Jeremy Strong as Ken. My favorite character from start to finish was Tom (Jeremy McFayden), and Greg was a perfect addition to the show.

9 stars. Top 10 all time for me and gets very close to cracking my top 5.

Succession stands as one of the most striking shows in modern television, and a key element that elevates its narrative is the unforgettable, grandiose soundtrack composed by Nicholas Britell. From the moment the iconic opening theme begins, you're instantly immersed in the world of unimaginable wealth and power. The score is elegant and luxurious, echoing the sophisticated, high-class realm the Roy family inhabits. Britell's music feels almost like another character in the show, effortlessly embodying the themes of ambition, betrayal, and cold opulence. Jeremy Strong's performance as Kendall Roy is nothing short of mesmerizing. His portrayal of a man battling inner turmoil while trying to escape the shadow of his powerful father is captivating. Strong brings a raw emotional depth that makes Kendall both tragic and compelling, solidifying him as one of the most fascinating characters in recent television. Visually, "Succession" is just as grand as its soundtrack. The breathtaking cinematography - from convoys of luxury cars to sweeping helicopter shots of towering skyscrapers - reinforces the immense wealth and power of the Roy family. Every shot exudes an almost overwhelming sense of grandeur, allowing the audience to feel the weight of their influence and the isolation that comes with it. The show's brilliance also lies in its exploration of how wealth, bad parenting, and childhood trauma shape adulthood. The Roy siblings, each scarred by their father's toxic influence, struggle with personal demons and fractured relationships that drive much of the show's emotional tension. In addition, "Succession" offers a sharp critique of the media's role in shaping public narratives. As owners of a global media empire, the Roy family controls not just wealth, but information - underscoring the dangerous influence of mainstream media on society. Overall, "Succession" is one of HBO's finest creations. With its rich soundtrack, brilliant performances, stunning visuals, and sharp commentary on power and media, it is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the complexities of wealth and family dynamics.