Top 10 Reasons Why Succession is the Best Show on TV

Award shows and critics have labelled “Succession” a “drama series,” but it’s just as much a dark satire about big business, controversial families, and what the American Dream has become. Each episode is riddled with witty one-liners, savage insults, and a whole lot of swearing. Like the best comedies, the humor is grounded in the characters and their chemistry with one another. The Roy family often talk with one another as if they’re on stage at a Comedy Central Roast with a never-ending supply of creative jabs. Each member of the family possesses all the layers and complexities you’d find in a Shakespeare villain. But whether you’re rooting for or against them, it’s a show that will have you laughing all the way to the bank.

Peak TV has gotten to a point where premium programs look more cinematic than most movies. “Succession” is no exception, emerging as one of television’s sleekest shows. With many series as that are as dialogue-heavy as this, the production values are usually an afterthought. Alongside the writing, it’s the direction, cinematography, and editing that brings out much of the show’s personality. The use of handheld cameras and zoom shots gives “Succession” an almost documentary-like quality. This in turns heightens both intensity and humor of the show, which is all the more evident when the Roys fire off at one another and somebody realizes that they’ve been owned.

Creator Jesse Armstrong, who won a Primetime Emmy for writing the Season One finale, knows how to strike the right balance of black comedy and tragedy. Armstrong previously scored an Oscar nomination for co-writing “In the Loop,” which offered a similar mix of political satire and insult humor. Viewers can also notice a clear influence from executive producer and pilot director Adam McKay, whose notable credits include films like “The Big Short” (2015) and “Vice” (2018). Between McKay’s visual eye and Armstrong’s dialogue, “Succession” is exactly what one would expect: a biting exploration of both the most cunning and the most incompetent people at the pinnacle of power.

On “Succession,” Jeremy Strong delivers a breakthrough performance as Kendall Roy, who seems like a prime candidate to inherit his father’s media empire. What’s tragic about Ken is that we can see the potential for a smart, capable leader. However, when you’re living in the shadow of such a cold, domineering figure, though, it’s easy to get lost. Ken is constantly torn between pleasing his father and being his own man, which drives him to take increasingly desperate measures to do both. Strong hits just the right note as a man who wants nothing more than to prove himself, but often collapses under the weight of his insecurities, addictions, and ego.

The first season of “Succession” received mostly positive reviews coming out of the gate. Season 2, however, has garnered universal acclaim with many critics awarding it near perfect scores. The pilot is only a small taste of the captivating character dynamics and killer twists that are about to unfold. From there, the series keeps building tension with each episode, finding new ways to top the last. Many have labeled the Season 2 finale as the most intense, unpredictable, and well-crafted hour yet; although an argument can be made for the Season 1 finale. We won’t dare give away what happens in either, but each will leave you astonished and anxious for more.

Jeremey Strong isn’t the only contender for this show’s MVP. Brian Cox, who plays Kendall’s father Logan, has a temper that can’t be matched, which further increases his appeal. Kieran Culkin has earned a couple Globe nominations for his work as Roman Roy, the youngest of the Roy siblings who has no filter. There’s also Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy, who’s usually the most calculating and composed of her siblings. Of course, Shiv is at her best when she’s with boyfriend Tom, who has a habit of saying the worst thing at the exact wrong time. We can’t forget Alan Ruck’s portrayal of the oldest Roy sibling, Connor, who’s perhaps the most delusional of the bunch. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Cousin Greg: more on that later.

If you’ve ever done business with family, chances are you’ll identify with at least one member of the Roy clan. In the corporate world, sides are going to be taken, people are going to be thrown under the bus, and only the most ruthless come out on top. However, when your colleagues are your flesh and blood, the pursuit of success becomes all the more challenging; especially when you are viciously competing with them to prove whose most worthy of succeeding the man in charge. However, behind all the lies, backstabbing, and harsh words, though, there is a strong sense of comradery and love between them. Despite their differences, they all grew up under the same stern father’s thumb, which either unites or tears them apart.

In every famous family, there’s a bumbling fool like Cousin Greg. Where everyone else in the Roy family wants to be in control, Greg Hirsch simply wants to get by. He’ll thus accept help wherever he can get it. The problem is that Greg can rarely tell when someone is helping him or manipulating him. And when paired with Tom, who seizes every opportunity to take advantage of his naivety, the scenes produce comedy gold. Although Greg is treated as a puppet, a scapegoat, and the butt of the joke, he’s not above blackmailing someone. Greg may be a doofus, but actor Nicholas Braun is nothing short of brilliant in the role.

From “Breaking Bad,” to “The Sopranos,” to “Game of Thrones,” we’ve found ourselves empathizing and occasionally even rooting for some of TV’s most despicable human beings. On the surface, the Roy siblings seem like the most selfish, privileged, and conniving people on the planet… and yeah, they kind of are. As easy as it is to despise families like the Roys, the truth is that they are vulnerable and each struggle with their own set of issues. Considering the fact that they were raised by someone as strict and authoritarian as Logan Roy, it’s easy to see why they turned out the way they did. Even when we find ourselves loathing the Roy family, we just can’t stop watching them.

Watching “Succession,” you’ll notice various similarities between the Roys and real-life families. This isn’t purely coincidental, as many of the characters are based on actual people. Shiv’s characteristics resemble those of Shari Redstone and Ivanka Trump, well-spoken daughters of wealthy businessmen. Meanwhile, the sibling rivalry between Ken and Roman mirrors that of James and Lachlan Murdoch. Logan is also shown to possess traces of Rupert Murdoch, Sumner Redstone, and Donald Trump all rolled into one. We often find ourselves envying the rich and famous, but while the lifestyle of the Roy family may be lavish, “Succession” never glorifies the world that they live in. Rather, it shines a spotlight on the dark side of wealth, forcing us to consider if money can buy happiness.