Best Shows To Watch If You Miss Succession

Over the last decade, no show has reached the acclaim and notoriety of the HBO classic Succession, the family drama examining the combustible Roys and their multibillion-dollar media empire. Carried by its ingenious writing, terrific performances, and compelling storylines, Succession became the beacon for HBO after the ending of its behemoth Game of Thrones. As Kendall, Roman, and Shiv Roy vied for their father Logan Roy’s CEO seat up top Waystar Royco, the show’s familial conflicts, comedic edge, and business jargon made Succession dominate television during its brief but successful runtime.

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Despite Succession being a rare breed of drama and black comedy, several television shows share many similarities and aspects that Succession aficionados may enjoy if the Succession itch still yearns for many.

8

Billions

Intense Rivalry In The Finance Sector That Sees Two Individuals Battle It Out For Power

Billions

Release Date

2016 – 2022

Network

Showtime

Showrunner

David Levien

A couple of years before the release of Succession, Billions emerged as one of the most promising shows involved in the financial sector, providing intense theatrics and comedy. Lasting for eight years, Billions focuses on the rivalry between hedge fund powerhouse Bobby Axelrod and high-level attorney Chuck Rhoades as their animosity towards each other affects their work.

Taking place in the complex world of finance, Billions‘ infectious dialogue and introduction to its world makes for an entertaining ride, with Succession building on many of the stand-out traits of the show.

7

The Righteous Gemstones

Fraudulent Televangelist Family That Lives An Outlandish Life

The Righteous Gemstones

Release Date

2019 – 2024

Network

HBO

Showrunner

Danny McBride

Known for his long history of creating excellent television shows, Danny McBride continues to flash his comedic talents in The Righteous Gemstones, the HBO comedy taking aim at televangelists. In the world of faith and spectacle, the Gemstones family preach the holy gospel despite living an extravagant lifestyle that goes against their teachings, with their family dynamic bringing forth many revelations.

Fueled by a dysfunctional and influential family, The Righteous Gemstones’ balance between comedy sprinkled in with aspects of drama sees the show as Succession-like, particularly with its HBO association.

6

Peep Show

First-Person Perspective Comedy Created By Succession’s Showrunner

Kickstarting the career of Succession’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, was his strong involvement in the quintessential British comedy Peep Show, a show like any other due to its use of first-person. Following the lives of the idiotic flatmates Mark and Jeremy as they go about their days awkwardly getting by, Peep Show’s distinct first-person storytelling allows for constant narration, giving a glimpse into the protagonists’ minds and their intrusive thoughts whenever in a social situation.

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Not only does the Peep Show make many creative choices, unlike most shows, but the black comedy’s excellent comedic writing is reminiscent of Succession, with it being easy to Armstrong’s influence.

5

The Sopranos

Influential Mob Show That Sees Rivalry, Family Struggles, And Mental Health Occupy Much Of The Narrative

Often credited for starting the golden age of television, The Sopranos changed how audiences viewed protagonists, with the show’s use of an antihero altering the course of television history. At the center of the innovative show was Tony Soprano, a mob boss who succumbs to mental struggles due to the demands of his work and family life, with his therapy sessions giving an insight into a conflicted and corrupt individual television had never seen before.

While there are many parallels between Tony and Succession’s Kendall, The Sopranos provided riveting television that touches upon the importance of family and the struggle for power within an environment full of snakes and sharks.

4

Game Of Thrones

Television Titan That Examines Fantasy Universe Where Rival Houses Squabble For Control And Dominance

Perhaps TV’s biggest-ever show, Game of Thrones, revolutionized television and entertainment over the span of 9 years, bringing forth a fantasy world brimming with dynamic characters, rich lore, and dramatic twists that altered TV for the better. Headed up by House Stark, Lannister, and Targaryen, the fight for the Iron Throne turns bloody between major stakeholders. At the same time, the danger to the North threatens the land of Westeros, where the White Walkers slowly bolster their ranks.

In a George R.R. Martin-created world filled with dragons, magic, and gods, humanity’s biggest threat is themselves, as the constant backstabbing and squabbling for power comes to the forefront of Game of Thrones, similar to aspects of Succession, albeit in a different setting.

3

The Thick Of It

British Black Comedy That Provides Crude Humor In Political Backdrop

Another one of Armstrong’s escapades before working on Succession came as a writer on the widely renowned British classic The Thick of It, a satire series based on British politics. Centering on Malcolm Tucker, an intimidating director of PR and communications for the UK government, and his team as they deal with the everyday chaos the job throws at them.

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The Thick of It’s satirical performances are headlined by Peter Capaldi’s electrifying performance as Tucker, with his delivery of snappy and vulgar dialogue showing similarities to characters like Logan Roy of Succession, with the influence of The Thick of It on the HBO show being abundantly apparent.

2

Veep

Presidential Satire With Impressively Hilarious Ensemble

While The Thick of It tackled UK politics, its creator went on to cross the Atlantic to develop Veep, a US counterpart exploring America and its governmental system, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus holding the fort as its quirky protagonist. As the Vice President, Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer operates as an aloof and chaotic senior figure, with her staff mirroring their boss’ eclectic personality.

Touching upon governmental issues and policies alongside its prominent comedic elements, Veep was a hit comedy that pushed the envelope of its genre, with aspects of Succession’s satire, such as Greg Hirsch and Tom Wambsgans’s unusual relationship, being capable of fitting into Veep and its essence.

1

Industry

Drugged-Up Graduates Who Work In The Competitive Space Of Banking In The UK

Industry

Release Date

November 9, 2020

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Acting as a cross between Succession and Euphoria, Industry has been scaling over the last few years, improving season by season as the British-based show follows the lives of young graduates beginning their journey at an investment bank. Set at Pierpoint & Co., the lives of graduates prove eventful as sex, drugs, feuds, and lucrative clients take hold of their young lives.

While many of the graduates possess ingenious or irredeemable qualities, Industry’s MVP is Eric, an explosive senior banker whose loudmouth antics and dirty tricks propel the individual to the upper echelon of HBO characters. Industry’s addictive nature is largely due to its witty and pulsating dialogue, akin to Succession, acting as its natural successor on HBO.