Succession fans had to say goodbye to the Roy family after an agonizing final act last May. Now that the last board meeting is over, you might wonder: Where can I get the next fix of deceit, treachery, and ambition?
Don’t worry, though! HBO has plenty of other emotionally impoverished dynamics to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for more dysfunctional families, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks.
Best Shows Like Succession
HBO has mastered the art of mixing ruthless drama with greedy mockumentary (so well, in fact, that it picked up an impressive 38 Emmys last year!). Let’s see what’s available, shall we?
The Sopranos
Let’s be honest: If it hadn’t been for The Sopranos, we probably wouldn’t have a series like Succession. David Chaser’s Scorsese-esque gangster story boosted an era of TV and established itself as one of HBO’s top dramas. Although Tony Soprano (arguably) has a better relationship with his kids, he’s still the epitome of an all-powerful patriarch. So, if you haven’t seen The Sopranos yet, go check it out NOW.
Mad Men
Mad Men is set in the 1960s and follows a slick advertising agency in New York City – showing both the professional and family dynamics of those working in the industry (especially Jon Ham’s Don Draper). This is the kind of show that can make you burst into laughter or devastate you using a single shot. A bit more atmospheric and quiet than Succession, the character-driven drama is definitely a must-see.
The Staircase
The Staircase is a true crime docuseries that reimagines the case of a novelist who, in 2001, found his wife dead at the bottom of his home’s staircase – and was accused of murdering her. You might enjoy this show if you like Succession because it digs into the relationships of Michael Peterson (aka the accused, played by Colin Firth) and his children, who struggle to balance loyalty and a desire to learn the truth.
Industry
Created and executive-produced by Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, Industry follows a group of young bankers at Pierpoint & Co’s London office. Both Succession and Industry delve into the intricate workings of corporate empires, offering a mix of escapism and ruthless drama. However, many critics have deemed Industry as a more decisive series that doesn’t refrain from addressing shifty practices and employee complicity.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone is a sort of… Succession with cowboy hats? Here we have, yet again, a terrible father, played by Kevin Costner, and a cast of broken adult children (the Dutton family) willing to tear each other down to get his approval. Really, if you’re looking to see family members fight for wealth, you don’t need to find a media conglomerate. A ranch might do.
Arrested Development
Arrested Development is a sitcom rather than a family drama, but the premise will probably sound familiar: The Bluths’ patriarch and real estate developer father (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to prison for white-collar crime, forcing his socialite wife and spoiled children to coexist. Word of advice: Stick to the first three seasons only.
The Newsroom
This show follows a news team as it attempts to portray newsworthy events in an ethical way. With a brilliant cast and excellent writing, Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom is not afraid to show what television could achieve should we have the ‘right people’ break the news. The series features (among others) a volatile cable-news anchor, Will McAvoy, played by Jeff Daniels. A touching view of the state of America.
Billions
Billions is another TV series that can be mistaken for Succession if you’re unaware of either. Both are set in New York, and both follow people who are obsessed with money. In this case, though, you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of U.S. District Attorney Chuck Rhoades and hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (played by Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, respectively) as they flaunt their soapy wealth.
The Righteous Gemstones
This series follows three siblings (Jesse, Kelvin, and Judy) who also have internationally famous family ties. In this case, however, their deal is televangelism. That’s right; their father (played by John Goodman) is set to expand his empire of megachurches, so the kids have to compete for the coveted spot of the heir. A great satire with familiar themes that delves into the inner workings and personal life of self-serving characters.
