Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Succession (2018-23) was more than just a TV show. It was a cultural phenomenon, a masterpiece of storytelling, and a reflection of our society. It was hailed by critics and fans alike as the greatest TV show of all time. But what made it so great, and how did it achieve such a status?
This is not a question of comparing Succession to other TV shows, such as The Sopranos (1999-2007) or Breaking Bad (2008-13), which are also widely regarded as classics. Such comparisons are futile and subjective, as each show has its own merits and flaws, and appeals to different tastes and preferences. Nor is this a question of ranking every episode of Succession in order of quality, which is equally pointless and arbitrary, as each episode contributes to the overall narrative and character development, and cannot be judged in isolation.
This is a question of understanding what made Succession so unique, compelling, and relevant, and how it captured the imagination and attention of millions of viewers around the world.
A Family Drama with a Twist
Succession was a family drama, but not a typical one. It focused on the Roy family, a powerful and wealthy dynasty that owned a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The show followed the lives and struggles of the four adult children of Logan Roy, the ageing and ruthless patriarch, who had to deal with his declining health, his unpredictable decisions, and his succession plans.
The show was not a soap opera, nor a melodrama. It was a dark comedy, a satire, and a tragedy. It portrayed the Roy family as dysfunctional, immoral, and flawed, but also human, complex, and relatable. It exposed the corruption, greed, and hypocrisy of the elite, but also the vulnerability, insecurity, and loneliness of the privileged. It made the viewers laugh, cry, and cringe, but also think, feel, and empathise.
The show was not only about the Roy family, but also about the people around them, such as their spouses, lovers, friends, rivals, and enemies. It explored the themes of power, money, loyalty, betrayal, love, hate, family, and identity, through the lens of various characters, who had their own motivations, agendas, and personalities. It created a rich and diverse world, full of drama, intrigue, and humour.
A Story for Our Times
Succession was a story for our times, but not a simple one. It did not offer easy answers, moral lessons, or clear heroes and villains. It challenged the viewers to question their own assumptions, values, and perspectives, and to confront the realities and complexities of our world.
The show was set in the present day, but also in the past and the future. It reflected the current political, social, and economic issues, such as the rise of populism, the impact of technology, the role of the media, the threat of climate change, and the consequences of inequality. It also referenced the historical events and figures that shaped our culture, such as the Murdoch family, the Trump presidency, the MeToo movement, and the Brexit referendum. It also anticipated the potential scenarios and challenges that await us, such as the pandemic, the recession, the cyberwar, and the succession crisis.
The show was not a documentary, nor a prophecy. It was a fiction, a fantasy, and a commentary. It used the medium of TV to create a compelling and immersive story, that entertained, educated, and inspired the viewers. It also used the power of TV to influence and challenge the public discourse, to raise awareness and spark debate, and to make a difference and leave a mark.
A Legacy of Excellence
Succession was a TV show, but not an ordinary one. It was a work of art, a product of excellence, and a source of inspiration. It was the result of the collaboration and dedication of hundreds of talented and passionate people, who worked hard to make it the best it could be.
The show was not only about the content, but also about the form. It had a brilliant and original script, written by Jesse Armstrong and his team of writers, who crafted witty and sharp dialogues, clever and surprising twists, and memorable and quotable lines. It had a superb and diverse cast, led by Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Alan Ruck, who delivered outstanding and nuanced performances, bringing their characters to life with charisma and depth. It had a stunning and varied cinematography, directed by Mark Mylod and his crew of directors, who captured the beauty and ugliness of the locations, from New York to Scotland, from Tokyo to Croatia, from Aspen to Tuscany. It had a haunting and catchy soundtrack, composed by Nicholas Britell, who created a unique and distinctive musical theme, that matched the mood and tone of the show.
The show was not only about the production, but also about the reception. It had a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, who watched, discussed, and praised the show, creating a vibrant and supportive community. It had a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and accolades, such as the Emmy, the Golden Globe, and the BAFTA, and attracting millions of viewers and subscribers. It had a lasting and profound impact, influencing the culture and the industry, setting new standards and trends, and inspiring new generations of creators and consumers.
Succession was not just a TV show. It was the ultimate TV show of our time. And that’s what made it so great.
