Succession

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 3, 2018
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 111
  3. Negative: 6 out of 111
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  1. break2bits
    Aug 5, 2018
    4
    Not a great show. It's not funny enough to be a good black comedy and lacks the emotional core that would make it a worthwhile drama. The characters are basically all stereotypes. Tom and Shiv are the only characters nuanced enough to be believable. For all the time spent characterizing the ultra-wealthy the show doesn't actually have anything of any substance to say about them or theirNot a great show. It's not funny enough to be a good black comedy and lacks the emotional core that would make it a worthwhile drama. The characters are basically all stereotypes. Tom and Shiv are the only characters nuanced enough to be believable. For all the time spent characterizing the ultra-wealthy the show doesn't actually have anything of any substance to say about them or their world. Instead the show embraces a kind of safe cynicism and tears down each of the overly simplistic "types" — rich and poor, liberal and conservative — that stand in as characters. It gets 4 points for having a relatively engaging narrative, but fails to cohere into anything more than an appeal to the audience's desire to experience vicarious luxury.

    And they waaaay overuse the show's dumb theme song — for some reason it shows up multiple times in every episode in addition to the opening titles. I can't imagine what these scripts look like: "Something dramatic happens. Cue piano music with a hip-hop beat so our idiot viewers know something dramatic happened."    … Expand
  2. Eman0221
    Jul 3, 2018
    6
    This show was marketed and positioned as HBO's version of "Billions." Instead, its the Corporate America version of "Death of Stalin, In the Loop/Thick of it, and Veep, but its just not as funny, sharp, and witty. Unlike those shows, the unlikeable characters in this one just aren't engaging enough. Just tiresome and boring. We get it, they're terrible, spoiled, entitled people. So what?This show was marketed and positioned as HBO's version of "Billions." Instead, its the Corporate America version of "Death of Stalin, In the Loop/Thick of it, and Veep, but its just not as funny, sharp, and witty. Unlike those shows, the unlikeable characters in this one just aren't engaging enough. Just tiresome and boring. We get it, they're terrible, spoiled, entitled people. So what? What is the hook here? Why should we care? Should we laugh? Hate them? Feel pity? The show doesn't seem to give a clear purpose other than hate and maybe laugh. That gets old fast.

    Will continue watching and holding out hope that it'll get better towards the end of the season, but I'm not holding my breath.    … Expand
  3. OlivierPiel
    Jun 5, 2018
    5
    Very underwhelming. Each character is more clichéd than the next: The Murdoch old-lion figure, who still has all his cunning despite his decrepit health, the anointed heir who has daddy issues, the immature bouffon of a little brother who prefers to laugh at everyone than accept taking responsibilities for his incompentence, the older brother who retreated to a ranch to avoid the rat race,Very underwhelming. Each character is more clichéd than the next: The Murdoch old-lion figure, who still has all his cunning despite his decrepit health, the anointed heir who has daddy issues, the immature bouffon of a little brother who prefers to laugh at everyone than accept taking responsibilities for his incompentence, the older brother who retreated to a ranch to avoid the rat race, the daughter that went into politics to prove she can do it alone, the consigliere who thinks he is part of the family...
    Probably as realistic as an episode of Dallas or Dynasty in the 80's.
    HBO, this is summer, but come on....    … Expand
  4. the_nephilim71
    Jun 15, 2018
    0
    I watched the first episode and most of the second but I had to stop the show because I couldn't take any more. I need a character to root for but there's not one single GOOD person on this show.
  5. JozinZBazin
    Jun 17, 2018
    10
    Best TV show of the year, so far. Among all these fantastic shows with robots and dragons, this is a breath of fresh air from the HBO.
  6. mdbackes
    Jun 4, 2018
    9
    Judging by the first episode, Succession presents an uncomfortable and very entertaining black comedy about a ruthless media baron and his spectacularly damaged family. The kickoff episode reminded me a lot of my favorite parts of director Adam McKay's film, The Big Short and confirms McKay's deft touch with class comedy. Creator and writer Jesse Armstrong (Veep and Black Mirror.)Judging by the first episode, Succession presents an uncomfortable and very entertaining black comedy about a ruthless media baron and his spectacularly damaged family. The kickoff episode reminded me a lot of my favorite parts of director Adam McKay's film, The Big Short and confirms McKay's deft touch with class comedy. Creator and writer Jesse Armstrong (Veep and Black Mirror.) delivers a hilariously lacerating edge to the show's characters. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.… Expand
  7. moviebuffers
    Jun 9, 2018
    9
    I am glad I did not give a lot of weight to the prior reviews. Normally if a show or movie does not get a minimum 70 I pass and this one was at 69. I was very entertained by the engaging first episode. Brian Cox is one of my favorite character actors but the rest of the cast playing his family and associates are also quite good.
  8. StanCliffBroad
    Jun 14, 2018
    7
    The premise here is nothing new, but this type of family dynamic is always a good platform for telling an interesting story. My complaint is with the Casting Director, not one of the main characters (except for Daddy) is fit for purpose, in terms of acting ability or screen presence. So, even with a good unfolding storyline and production values etc., you have a bunch of indequates,The premise here is nothing new, but this type of family dynamic is always a good platform for telling an interesting story. My complaint is with the Casting Director, not one of the main characters (except for Daddy) is fit for purpose, in terms of acting ability or screen presence. So, even with a good unfolding storyline and production values etc., you have a bunch of indequates, trying to play house. On the other hand, the opening theme music rocks.… Expand
  9. sevendays
    Jul 29, 2018
    8
    Succession is compelling, well-written, and well-acted; there is something about it that feels very authentic, which is unusual for a show of this nature. At first I was surprised by some of the reviews, but the more I think about it, I realize that many people require action sequences, CGI, and major events to stay interested; this show is for viewers who like stories that take time toSuccession is compelling, well-written, and well-acted; there is something about it that feels very authentic, which is unusual for a show of this nature. At first I was surprised by some of the reviews, but the more I think about it, I realize that many people require action sequences, CGI, and major events to stay interested; this show is for viewers who like stories that take time to unfold, and who enjoy the details as much as the payoff.… Expand
  10. GrantD243
    Aug 6, 2018
    8
    Succession is a terrific family drama. Yes, they are a very rich family. Yes, there is some business involved. But the real entertainment here comes from how the family interacts with each other, and how the concept of family only goes so far in business. It may be a bit over the top at times but that just adds to the entertainment value. The comedy is quite good as well. If you're a fanSuccession is a terrific family drama. Yes, they are a very rich family. Yes, there is some business involved. But the real entertainment here comes from how the family interacts with each other, and how the concept of family only goes so far in business. It may be a bit over the top at times but that just adds to the entertainment value. The comedy is quite good as well. If you're a fan of family dramas with business being a bit of a background driver of the story, Succession is for you.… Expand
  11. aboulala
    Jul 25, 2018
    10
    This show is amazing and on the way to be in the same league than The Wire and consorts(Yes, I said it !).
    My love was immediate and continues to grow , as it reaches a perfect balance of drama and comedic writing and acting perfection. I don't want to be rude and call names, but so many reviewers missed completely the satire early on and have since turned their jackets. It could be    This show is amazing and on the way to be in the same league than The Wire and consorts(Yes, I said it !).
    My love was immediate and continues to grow , as it reaches a perfect balance of drama and comedic writing and acting perfection. I don't want to be rude and call names, but so many reviewers missed completely the satire early on and have since turned their jackets. It could be said that they were pranked by the show, like characters from Sacha Baron Cohen films...patronizing first before realizing what was really happening.    … Expand
  12. Dudefella
    Mar 19, 2019
    4
    If you're a liberal who doesn't hate being pandered to, you'll probably enjoy this.

    I could feel the writers begging for someone to make a supercut of every instance a character says "F*** off." I really wanna believe nobody took the bait and they were forced to use an anonymous YouTube account and make their own.

    A great cast wasted on poor writing.
  13. drlowdon
    Aug 27, 2023
    6
    When Logan Roy, owner of a huge global media and entertainment conglomerate, falls ill his children fight for control of the company.

    Succession is very well written and the cast is great, but as this first season grew to a close I realised I didn’t really care what happened to any of these awful, scheming characters.
  14. brockcheese
    Apr 23, 2023
    7
    Succession has an excellent first season that keeps you hooked and ready for season 2.
  15. MrWitzelsucht
    Sep 30, 2019
    9
    Despite there being no likeable characters (well, MAYBE Greg), Succession is compulsive viewing. It has all the backstabbing and double-crossing of Game Of Thrones mixed with some hilarious barbed remarks a la BBC's Thick Of It. Capitalism in all its horrible glory!
  16. rowlands
    Nov 6, 2018
    2
    Who wrote this show? Such a bad role for Brian Cox...Instead of adding punchy dramatic plots, we have a boring cast with boring plots taking plots.
  17. Hua
    Aug 14, 2021
    10
    Can't believe I got on the Succession train so late... Had no idea what I was missing out on: some of the best television I've ever seen. The characters feel so real; there was never a false moment in this entire season. And above all, it just had me hooked, completely engrossed, my eyes glued to the screen and my attention never wavered once. Just sad I went through the season so fast...Can't believe I got on the Succession train so late... Had no idea what I was missing out on: some of the best television I've ever seen. The characters feel so real; there was never a false moment in this entire season. And above all, it just had me hooked, completely engrossed, my eyes glued to the screen and my attention never wavered once. Just sad I went through the season so fast... every time an episode ended, I immediately needed another hit. Dying to see what season 2 has in store!… Expand
  18. SWEEPtheLEG175
    Aug 19, 2019
    9
    Starts off a little slow, give it a few eps. Once it gets going you will see just how great these characters are(or bad). Tom and cousin Greg (the Egg) are the by far my favorite. Enjoy.
  19. carlossolrac
    Nov 16, 2018
    9
    A morally bankrupt crew aside from the genius of Greg. Some funny moments and man did it remind me of living in NYC.
  20. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 2, 2021
    10
    The rude successor to "the veeps" contemptuous toxicity is here with just the same amount of glory. Frighteningly good the show erupts fully formed without a singal misstep. Things are constantly shifting, you never onow who's on top and for how long(unless it's Logan it seems) . It avoids 0predictably and despite how shocking it can be (see:roman jerking off on a window) it's always aThe rude successor to "the veeps" contemptuous toxicity is here with just the same amount of glory. Frighteningly good the show erupts fully formed without a singal misstep. Things are constantly shifting, you never onow who's on top and for how long(unless it's Logan it seems) . It avoids 0predictably and despite how shocking it can be (see:roman jerking off on a window) it's always a believable decision. It really is a character heavy shiw but that's a plus when the ensemble is this fantastic. Really one of tge best shows on t.v. and a testament to HBO vision.… Expand
  21. MovieMorgan
    Dec 23, 2018
    10
    Not in my top five-- sopranos, breaking bad, justified, six feet under, the wire-- but definitely in my top three of the year. If you're put off by the first episodes and the nauseating entitlement of the rich, I still say stick with it. The acting is excellent, some of the writing is superb (often very funny), and, for me, the show became addicting by episode three. By the end I wasNot in my top five-- sopranos, breaking bad, justified, six feet under, the wire-- but definitely in my top three of the year. If you're put off by the first episodes and the nauseating entitlement of the rich, I still say stick with it. The acting is excellent, some of the writing is superb (often very funny), and, for me, the show became addicting by episode three. By the end I was hungry for another year. Acting, writing, and twists and turns of plot that rise to the height of great tv.… Expand
  22. shadowboxxxah
    Jan 16, 2019
    10
    I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. Season 1 of Succession is one of the best debut seasons of television I've seen in recent memory. Highly Recommended.
  23. Jdank
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    Amazing season. Prague might take the cake for the best episode and the one which had me laughing the hardest but the last two episodes really solidified the show as one of my current favs
  24. iCampoRamil
    Nov 6, 2022
    8
    Pese a que no sabes muy bien por dónde va a tirar, el impacto que te causa y replantea que todo lo que hacen puede estar pasando en el mundo de verdad es lo que le hace ganar muchísimo. Pinta a que las siguientes temporadas van a ser una locura.
  25. CarlElmore
    Feb 6, 2023
    9
    Banger first season. Starts off slow but gets so much better as the season goes along. Perfect season finale as well.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best TV Season of 2018
41
#41 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
41
#41 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jun 15, 2018
    80
    Succession is elevated by Cox’s turn.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Liam Mathews
    Jun 8, 2018
    70
    Succession, HBO's new drama series with a comedy pedigree, is a combination boardroom and family drama spiked with acidic humor that will make you grateful for your own dysfunctional family. You all may be broke and screwed up, but that's better than being a Roy.
    Read full review
  3. Vanity Fair
    Reviewed by: Richard Lawson
    Jun 5, 2018
    65
    Any discomfort we feel about enjoying the show means Succession has succeeded, stoking a needling internal (and now external) conversation about the masses’ ideological relationship to the oligarchs pulling levers above our heads. If that is indeed what the show is trying to do, a begrudging hats off to Succession.
    Read full review
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