“Succession” is a critically acclaimed television series created by Jesse Armstrong that premiered on HBO in 2018. The drama revolves around the Roy family, owners of the international media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo, and their ruthless quest for power. Each season delves into the intricate relationships, corporate politics, and fierce power plays within this billionaire family.
Succession – Official Trailer
Succession – Plot and Synopsis
Season 1 (2018):
The series opens by introducing Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the ageing patriarch, on his 80th birthday. The prospect of his retirement looms large, but his intentions aren’t clear. Logan’s four children – Connor (Alan Ruck), the oldest and least involved in the business, Kendall (Jeremy Strong), a serious-minded and ambitious son, Roman (Kieran Culkin), an irreverent and carefree character, and Shiv (Sarah Snook), the only daughter, all grapple with the uncertainty about who will succeed their father. Unexpectedly, Logan suffers a stroke, deepening the leadership crisis.
Over the course of the season, we see Kendall trying to force a vote of no confidence against his father, only to fail. Roman, who had been given a chance to prove himself, fails in handling a satellite launch. Meanwhile, Shiv, initially aloof from Waystar RoyCo, moves closer to it, breaking off her engagement with Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen), who is himself entangled in a corporate scandal involving the family’s theme parks. The season concludes with a devastated Kendall, involved in a car accident leading to a death, being rescued by his father, thereby trapping him in his control.
Season 2 (2019):
The second season begins with the aftermath of Kendall’s failed coup and the car accident. Kendall, now deeply under his father’s thumb, is used as a puppet to squash takeover rumours. Logan, back in full control but aware of the threat his company faces, begins to consider a sale to media conglomerate Pierce Global Media, in an attempt to solidify his company’s standing.
Shiv, who’s been promised by Logan that she’ll be his successor, is drawn deeper into the company, leading to strains in her marriage with Tom. Meanwhile, Roman tries to prove his worth by overseeing a project in Turkey but ends up in a hostage situation.
The proposed Pierce deal falls apart, thanks in part to the unpredictable behaviour of the Roys during a meeting with the Pierce family. Logan ends up choosing Kendall to be his successor, but a whistleblower’s claims about cruises division’s scandals threaten the company. In a congressional hearing, Kendall, initially slated to be the scapegoat, is saved by his brother-in-law Tom and cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun). However, in a shocking twist at a press conference in the season finale, Kendall betrays his father by claiming Logan had full knowledge of the cruises scandal.
Season 3 (2020):
In the third season, the family grapples with the fallout of Kendall’s explosive betrayal. Logan, who is trying to salvage his company’s reputation, is forced into a corner and considers selling to a rival, Stewy Hosseini, and his backer, private equity mogul Sandi Furness. As the family splits into factions, Shiv, Roman, and Connor each make their own plays for power.
Shiv, now disillusioned by her father’s broken promise, allies with Kendall. Roman, after having a successful deal with a Turkish media tycoon, finds favor with Logan. Connor, usually disinterested in the family business, decides to run for president. Amidst this, the family deals with external threats, including investigative journalist Michelle-Anne Vanderhoven (Hope Davis), who threatens to expose their dirty laundry.
Season 4 (2022):
In Season 4 of “Succession,” the tension within the Roy family and the power struggles at Waystar Royco, their global media and hospitality empire, escalate to new levels. Following the events of the third season, each member of the family is trying to consolidate their position within the company, with alliances and betrayals coming in quick succession. Logan Roy, the patriarch, is still trying to maintain control over his empire, using his cunning and ruthless tactics. Despite his health issues and the constant infighting among his children, he refuses to step down or name a successor, causing further turmoil within the family and the company.
Kendall, who ended the third season in a cliffhanger, is still battling his personal demons. He attempts to assert his position in the company but is constantly undermined by his family members and his own inability to decisively take charge. Shiv, who had been vying for the CEO position in the past, is confronted with the stark realities of what it means to be in charge. Her relationship with Tom remains strained due to their conflicting ambitions and loyalty to the family.
Roman continues to use his charm and wit to manipulate situations to his advantage. His unique relationship with Gerri takes a new turn in this season. He also grapples with his own inadequacies and the harsh business world that he’s trying to conquer. Connor, the oldest of the Roy children and the least involved in the business, continues to provide comic relief with his political ambitions and naivete. His relationship with Willa struggles under the weight of his delusions and her career aspirations.
Succession – Cast and Characters
- Brian Cox – Logan Roy
- Jeremy Strong – Kendall Roy
- Sarah Snook – Siobhan ‘Shiv’ Roy
- Matthew Macfadyen – Tom Wambsgans
- Kieran Culkin – Roman Roy
- Nicholas Braun – Greg Hirsch
- Alan Ruck – Connor Roy
- Justine Lupe – Willa Ferreyra
- Dagmara Domińczyk – Karolina Novotney
- Peter Friedman – Frank Vernon
- David Rasche – Karl Muller
- J. Smith-Cameron – Gerri Kellman
- Fisher Stevens – Hugo Baker
What Else You Can Watch On Cinematic Central?
- Inside No. 9
- I May Destroy
- Luther: The Fallen Sun
- Luther
- Shetland
- Merlin
- Race Across the World
- Call the Midwife
- Peaky Blinders
Wrap up
In an unexpected turn, Greg starts to climb the corporate ladder and shows that he isn’t as naive as the family once believed. The season ends with Logan, facing increasing pressure, making a surprising decision about his successor that fractures the Roy family yet again. Please note that this recap is based on information up to the end of 2020, and the plot could have evolved in further seasons. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are confirmed details only for the first three seasons of “Succession”.