1,357 reviews
Don't give up
As I binged watch this, I realized HBO packaged this as their answer to Billions. However, this show is not about the business of industry; it's about the business of family. The characters become more likeable as season progresses. This is a great show and I bet the final episode is going to be a jaw dropper.
I am the eldest boy!!!
I'm not sure I can say anything about this television series that hasn't been said. It really is on a completely different level than most shows. It took me awhile to really sit down and get into it - I thought I wouldn't like it or it wouldn't be for me but I was so wrong. You like business? This is for you. You like politics? This is for you. You like rich a-holes? This is for you. You like backstabbing? This is for you. You like relating to characters on a surface level about their family problems? This is for you. HBO continues to be at the forefront of delivering the highest quality of one hour television blocks. Every single person I've talked to about this show has a different favorite character and I think that speaks to how well written not only the show is but the characters as well. Just when you like them, you will hate them and the cycle repeats. Succession truly is a top 5 show of all time and I doubt we ever get anything like it again. "Information is like a bottle of fine wine. You store it, you hoard it, you save it for a special occasion and then you smash someone's f-king face in with it."
Snappy, Snarky Fun
This show has won over the world largely because of its fantastic dialogue and lovable/hateable cast.
The first few seasons of this show were downright addictive to watch. For me personally, it sort of runs out of steam by the end. The last two seasons begin to feel like the show is running in circles until the conclusion.
We retread on the same ground a little too often and the ending of the show was actually a bit of disappointment to me. Not necessarily because of what happens in the end, but more in how it's executed. Kendall's wife and her relationship to the themes of the story were a good example of that for me.
The last season just felt anticlimactic, and I understand why but it doesn't make it more entertaining or compelling for me. The same sense of tragedy could've been accomplished with more emotionally satisfying conclusions.
So yeah, I'm not wild about this show like lots of other people are. But it's definitely a good show and worth watching.
The first few seasons of this show were downright addictive to watch. For me personally, it sort of runs out of steam by the end. The last two seasons begin to feel like the show is running in circles until the conclusion.
We retread on the same ground a little too often and the ending of the show was actually a bit of disappointment to me. Not necessarily because of what happens in the end, but more in how it's executed. Kendall's wife and her relationship to the themes of the story were a good example of that for me.
The last season just felt anticlimactic, and I understand why but it doesn't make it more entertaining or compelling for me. The same sense of tragedy could've been accomplished with more emotionally satisfying conclusions.
So yeah, I'm not wild about this show like lots of other people are. But it's definitely a good show and worth watching.
- michaelscottbamford
- May 18, 2024
- Permalink
Groundhog Day
- shanayneigh
- Jun 6, 2023
- Permalink
Watch for Greg and Tom, stay for Kendall
I didn't know what to expect from this show but I'm hooked. It's uncomfortable to watch and hilariously sad. Greg the outsider nephew is perfect and I do love Tom, Shiv and Roman but it's Kendall who is the tragically watchable.
- mosnowvt66
- Jul 2, 2018
- Permalink
Love this show!
It is true that most - if not all - of the characters are unlikeable but I think that is part of Succession's charm! The casting is spot on and the dialog is tight. It is well nuanced and I'm looking forward to where the plot is going.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
- cynthiacaton
- Jul 4, 2018
- Permalink
The greatest show I've ever seen
A spectacle from front to back and an outstanding artistic achievement, Succession breaks the very ground beneath TV created by classics such as Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones and launches it into the stratosphere in near flawless fashion. Jesse Armstrong created something that will be talked about for generations.
Succession has very bland posters, bland title fonts, and a deceivingly ordinary synopsis. The children of a media mogul patriarch fight to become the successor of his empire. It's almost a superpower, how succession baits you into thinking it's that kind of show.
Halfway into the first season you learn that this show is so much more than that, and then some. That's all imma say. Please watch this you won't regret it.
Succession has very bland posters, bland title fonts, and a deceivingly ordinary synopsis. The children of a media mogul patriarch fight to become the successor of his empire. It's almost a superpower, how succession baits you into thinking it's that kind of show.
Halfway into the first season you learn that this show is so much more than that, and then some. That's all imma say. Please watch this you won't regret it.
- vserasingh
- Jun 27, 2024
- Permalink
Brilliant
I actually enjoyed Succession but it's definitely a show that's not for everyone. The majority of the people I know end up loving up but there are those who don't like it too. You'll have to judge for yourself. What can you say about it that hasn't already been said? First off this show has won the Emmy for Best Drama every season it's been on and literally every major character has been nominated or won an Emmy for their work on this show. It's also one of the highest rated shows here so it's not only a hit with the critics but the fans love it too. Bottom line is this is one of the best shows ever created. It's one of the rare shows where every season is just as good as the others. There's no let down or weak season. This show is not for everyone though. If you are looking for action and a fast paced show then this isn't for you. What makes this series so special is the writing and acting. It will suck you into their world and won't let go. I can't recommend this show enough but again not everyone has is going to like it.
- Supermanfan-13
- Aug 3, 2024
- Permalink
Got some mixed feelings about this show
Meh
I did mostly enjoy this show, although I can't honestly say I ever thought it was really anything special.
For the most part the acting, direction, technical aspects, etc were all good enough but again never struck me as anything special. Nothing particularly groundbreaking or new. Plus I was consistently annoyed by the music, especially the big dramatic build-up type scenes.
One hundred percent certain I will never re-watch this show but might recommend it for viewing to someone if they understand the premise going in and are still interested.
Ultimately when the final episode ended and the credits rolled my overall feeling was - so what, who cares.
For the most part the acting, direction, technical aspects, etc were all good enough but again never struck me as anything special. Nothing particularly groundbreaking or new. Plus I was consistently annoyed by the music, especially the big dramatic build-up type scenes.
One hundred percent certain I will never re-watch this show but might recommend it for viewing to someone if they understand the premise going in and are still interested.
Ultimately when the final episode ended and the credits rolled my overall feeling was - so what, who cares.
- thebrain58
- Aug 17, 2023
- Permalink
As the seasons go on, a tiresome formula is appearing.
Other than Kendall, none of the characters have any sort of arc. And Ken just keeps going back and forth from obnoxious 80's corporate tool to washed-up 90's addict. But everyone else is just the same annoying money-grubbing rich jerk that you can't stand. Power hungry. Hoity-toity. Roman is just so one note. And the Gerri-atric obsession - yeah that was played out way too long. Shiv and Tom. And Greg. Get a new record. Then the whole season is back-stabbing back and forth until the shocking Et tu, Brute moment in the finale.
I mean nothing is changing. Every loathsome one-dimensional person just plods along to the same tune. No one walks away from the intoxicatingly toxic environment of high-rolling for Daddy's love. And that makes all of them entirely worthless and pointless. Until they change for the better or disassociate themselves altogether, this show is stuck in a rut. That or some drastic stakes are up with dead darlings or assassinations or something.
Otherwise, I am better off reading a synopsis of every season than sitting through it.
I mean nothing is changing. Every loathsome one-dimensional person just plods along to the same tune. No one walks away from the intoxicatingly toxic environment of high-rolling for Daddy's love. And that makes all of them entirely worthless and pointless. Until they change for the better or disassociate themselves altogether, this show is stuck in a rut. That or some drastic stakes are up with dead darlings or assassinations or something.
Otherwise, I am better off reading a synopsis of every season than sitting through it.
Come back!
This show, right from the first scene all the way to the last, was amazing. I am so sad it has ended. Not one performance was bad. The casting could not have been more spot on. Everyone was very believable in their characters.
The script was fantastastic. I did feel that some episodes fell back a little. They felt a bit like filler episodes where not much happened. This was only a few episodes in the second season. But overall, I found that the majority of episodes as a whole, had purpose and wasn't lacking at all. I really wish it didn't have to end. The only comparable show I would say is The Newsroom, which I found slightly better, more so to do with the pacing and writing. But this is definitely in the same field.
The script was fantastastic. I did feel that some episodes fell back a little. They felt a bit like filler episodes where not much happened. This was only a few episodes in the second season. But overall, I found that the majority of episodes as a whole, had purpose and wasn't lacking at all. I really wish it didn't have to end. The only comparable show I would say is The Newsroom, which I found slightly better, more so to do with the pacing and writing. But this is definitely in the same field.
- livelovefilm
- Aug 15, 2024
- Permalink
One of the best shows ever made
I don't even know how to describe how much I loved this show. I loved it so much I've watched it all the way through several times and will again. It's definitely one of the best shows I've ever seen. This show takes you into the world of very top 1%. There aren't many likable characters on the show, it's actually the opposite, all the characters are very unlikeable but they're fun to watch. I understand that not everyone liked it though. You have to really appreciate good acting and writing to love this show. HBO has made some of the best shows of all time and Succession is definitely one of those.
- Antetokounmpo-34
- Aug 3, 2024
- Permalink
Excellent
Going into this I thought there was no way Succession could ever live up to all the hype surrounding it but then I watched it. It absolutely does. It really is one of the best shows of all-time! I heard such great things about it and saw all the awards it's won but still put it off until recently. I can't believe how much I was missing out on, I binged the entire series within a week. I have to admit that you have to give it a few episodes before you really get into it because it starts off pretty slow but before you know it you'll be addicted. I can't say enough about this cast either, the entire cast is unbelievable, not a bad actor on the entire show. It absolutely deserves all the awards it's won and more.
I don't understand the negativity.
- jeroen-106
- Jun 20, 2018
- Permalink
A Shakespearean Dystopia for the 21st Century
In the vast landscape of contemporary television, few shows manage to capture the essence of modern-day power struggles and familial conflict with as much eloquence and intensity as HBO's Succession.
At the heart of Succession lies the Roy family, a media conglomerate dynasty grappling with the complexities of succession, power, and identity. Logan Roy, the patriarch, portrayed with commanding gravitas by Brian Cox, is a modern-day King Lear, his presence both formidable and deeply flawed. The dynamics among his children-each vying for his approval and control of the empire-form the crux of the series' dramatic tension.
Among these captivating characters, Shiv, played by Sarah Snook, emerges as my personal favourite. Shiv is a character of remarkable depth and complexity. She is intelligent, ambitious, and fiercely independent, yet her vulnerabilities and internal conflicts make her profoundly human. Her journey through the series is a mesmerizing blend of strength and fragility, as she navigates the treacherous waters of family loyalty and personal ambition. Shiv's evolution(or lack of) is a testament to the show's unparalleled writing and character development. Her presence is magnetic, and Snook's portrayal brings a nuanced performance that captures the essence of a woman caught between the expectations of her powerful family and her own desires. Shiv's struggle for recognition and power within the patriarchal confines of the Roy family is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her ambition is palpable, yet it is tempered by moments of doubt and introspection that make her journey incredibly relatable and compelling.
Succession thrives on its ability to weave a narrative that feels both grand and intimate. The show's writing is nothing short of poetic, echoing the timeless themes of Shakespearean drama. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and laden with subtext, each line delivered with the weight of unspoken histories and future betrayals. The interactions between characters are a dance of power, with every gesture and glance charged with significance.
The show's visual and auditory elements further enhance its storytelling. The cinematography captures the stark contrasts of the Roys' world-opulence and isolation, power and vulnerability. The score, composed by Nicholas Britell, is a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment that underscores the series' dramatic beats with a sense of foreboding and melancholy.
Succession is not just a show about a powerful family; it is a mirror reflecting the darker facets of contemporary society. It explores the corrupting influence of power, the moral compromises made in its pursuit, and the human cost of ambition. The Roy family's world is a dystopian landscape where loyalty is conditional, and love is often overshadowed by the relentless quest for control. Yet, amidst this bleakness, there are moments of profound humanity-glimpses of vulnerability, regret, and genuine connection that make the characters deeply relatable.
The show's genius lies in its ability to balance these elements, creating a narrative that is both grandiose and deeply personal. Each episode unfolds like a carefully constructed play, with every scene meticulously designed to build tension and reveal character. The writing, direction, and performances coalesce to create a viewing experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.
In the pantheon of 21st-century television, Succession stands as a shining achievement. It is a show that dares to delve into the complexities of power and family with an unflinching gaze, offering a portrayal that is both uncomfortably honest and exquisitely crafted. With characters like Shiv, Logan, Roman and Logan leading the charge, Succession transcends the conventions of traditional drama, presenting a narrative that is as timeless as it is contemporary.
In conclusion, Succession is a tour de force-a Shakespearean dystopia brought to life with breathtaking artistry. It is a show that challenges, captivates, and ultimately leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of modern television.
At the heart of Succession lies the Roy family, a media conglomerate dynasty grappling with the complexities of succession, power, and identity. Logan Roy, the patriarch, portrayed with commanding gravitas by Brian Cox, is a modern-day King Lear, his presence both formidable and deeply flawed. The dynamics among his children-each vying for his approval and control of the empire-form the crux of the series' dramatic tension.
Among these captivating characters, Shiv, played by Sarah Snook, emerges as my personal favourite. Shiv is a character of remarkable depth and complexity. She is intelligent, ambitious, and fiercely independent, yet her vulnerabilities and internal conflicts make her profoundly human. Her journey through the series is a mesmerizing blend of strength and fragility, as she navigates the treacherous waters of family loyalty and personal ambition. Shiv's evolution(or lack of) is a testament to the show's unparalleled writing and character development. Her presence is magnetic, and Snook's portrayal brings a nuanced performance that captures the essence of a woman caught between the expectations of her powerful family and her own desires. Shiv's struggle for recognition and power within the patriarchal confines of the Roy family is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her ambition is palpable, yet it is tempered by moments of doubt and introspection that make her journey incredibly relatable and compelling.
Succession thrives on its ability to weave a narrative that feels both grand and intimate. The show's writing is nothing short of poetic, echoing the timeless themes of Shakespearean drama. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and laden with subtext, each line delivered with the weight of unspoken histories and future betrayals. The interactions between characters are a dance of power, with every gesture and glance charged with significance.
The show's visual and auditory elements further enhance its storytelling. The cinematography captures the stark contrasts of the Roys' world-opulence and isolation, power and vulnerability. The score, composed by Nicholas Britell, is a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment that underscores the series' dramatic beats with a sense of foreboding and melancholy.
Succession is not just a show about a powerful family; it is a mirror reflecting the darker facets of contemporary society. It explores the corrupting influence of power, the moral compromises made in its pursuit, and the human cost of ambition. The Roy family's world is a dystopian landscape where loyalty is conditional, and love is often overshadowed by the relentless quest for control. Yet, amidst this bleakness, there are moments of profound humanity-glimpses of vulnerability, regret, and genuine connection that make the characters deeply relatable.
The show's genius lies in its ability to balance these elements, creating a narrative that is both grandiose and deeply personal. Each episode unfolds like a carefully constructed play, with every scene meticulously designed to build tension and reveal character. The writing, direction, and performances coalesce to create a viewing experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.
In the pantheon of 21st-century television, Succession stands as a shining achievement. It is a show that dares to delve into the complexities of power and family with an unflinching gaze, offering a portrayal that is both uncomfortably honest and exquisitely crafted. With characters like Shiv, Logan, Roman and Logan leading the charge, Succession transcends the conventions of traditional drama, presenting a narrative that is as timeless as it is contemporary.
In conclusion, Succession is a tour de force-a Shakespearean dystopia brought to life with breathtaking artistry. It is a show that challenges, captivates, and ultimately leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of modern television.
- pranshuanand-67323
- Jul 15, 2024
- Permalink
Give it time. It's great.
- jeroen-106
- Aug 14, 2018
- Permalink
Must watch show of the last decade
Succession is a show where you can't be playing on your phone, cooking dinner or doing something else, it requires your undivided attention. It's a show that never gets stale. I can't remember ever being bored, even for one episode. I loved every second of every episode and I think you will to if you give it a chance. I've already watched this a few times through from beginning to end. I don't think some of these negative reviews really gave it a chance. They either say they never made it past the first episode or it's a negative review from someone who always leaves negative reviews on any show or movie that is popular. Those are the worst kind of reviewers. They're so miserable that they go to any show or movie that's popular and wants to bash it without ever watching a second of it.
- Dawson_123
- Aug 3, 2024
- Permalink
Its good
- deepakshidhand
- Apr 10, 2024
- Permalink
Wealth, Betrayal, and the Modern Family Saga
I recently watched the long-running series "Succession." It unravels the intricate web of a family dynasty led by billionaires who amass their wealth through a powerful media empire. As the aging patriarch grapples with his twilight years, his children engage in cutthroat competition, revealing that immense wealth cannot shield them from the destructive forces of rivalry.
In this family, the corporate boardroom becomes an arena for modern betrayal and crime, all for the pursuit of a larger share of the family fortune. Unlike other shows where such power dynamics are veiled behind the facade of royalty, "Succession" boldly exposes the moral crisis within the affluent, where abundant riches fail to prevent the ethical decay among siblings.
This four-season series lays bare the moral crisis of the wealthy, unveiling the manipulative media strategies and unethical dealings while challenging the notion that superior genes are a divine gift.
In this family, the corporate boardroom becomes an arena for modern betrayal and crime, all for the pursuit of a larger share of the family fortune. Unlike other shows where such power dynamics are veiled behind the facade of royalty, "Succession" boldly exposes the moral crisis within the affluent, where abundant riches fail to prevent the ethical decay among siblings.
This four-season series lays bare the moral crisis of the wealthy, unveiling the manipulative media strategies and unethical dealings while challenging the notion that superior genes are a divine gift.
The most overrated show in TV/streaming history.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
best show EVER
Another HBO drama destined for prestige TV status.
Why I was attracted to watching Succession in the first place was because I had heard that it had no likeable characters. Coupled with a backdrop of corporate America, it seemed like a show right up my alley. I had absolutely no idea that the show would exceed my expectations by a large mile.
Not since The Sopranos have I seen an interplay of character dynamics this good, especially the toxic traits of those characters. Every little interaction is important, and affects another character on some or the other level significantly. Succession makes sure that behind the gaudy, showy nature of the Roy family, the ugliness of their existence is visible to you, even in the most subtle ways. The show both revels in and critiques the world it bases itself in. And I don't remember a character-driven drama being this thrilling. Hostile takeovers are usually not exciting to people uninterested in the financial world, but this show makes sure you understand the stakes involved. Like, Breaking Bad-level of tense.
Of course, much of this is possible because of the phenomenal cast. I want Jeremy Strong to win an Emmy this year so badly. Kendall Roy is one of the most brilliant (and surprisingly sympathetic) characters I've seen, a mixture of Christopher Moltisanti and Jesse Pinkman, with a slice of your average venture capitalist. I just hope it doesn't typecast him as a Wall Street-type, although I love him in The Big Short too. I want him to win more than Brian Cox, who scares the living daylights out of me as Logan Roy when he merely enters a room. Then there's Sarah Snook as the prideful Shiv, an excellent, pitch-perfect arc like no other. And my man Kieran Culkin as the foul-mouthed-but-concerned Roman, another truly surprising sympathetic turn. And of course, when I talk about Roman, I will talk about Gerri, a role that actress J Smith Cameron absolutely kills, and should have received an Emmy nomination for. And this paragraph is incomplete without my love for Matthew McFadyen and Nicholas Braun in the most hilariously paired people that are Tom and (cousin) Greg since Chris and Paulie Walnuts.
Succession doesn't mince words (or chicken hahahaha). Nothing on the script feels wasted. And the insults are ingenious. As long as Jesse Armstrong remains showrunner, this show will surprise us in the most insane of ways. The research shows (the writers' room is apparently asked to read the Financial Times everyday), and it adds to the authenticity of the show, one which I appreciate. I would also be stupid not to talk about the best original opening theme I have ever heard in any TV show. Nicholas Britell has made a masterful score which does not sound excessive at all. Much like in Mr Robot, the score amplifies the mood.
If you're watching Succession, don't be thrown off by the first 2 episodes of the show (I actually like them). Give it time, because by the 6th episode you'll probably fall off your bed. And come season 2 (which I consider one of the greatest executions of anything in television history because it's flawless), you'll drop your jaw every 25-30 minutes of screentime, which is basically every halftime moment of an episode.
Succession deserves every honor coming its way. HBO has landed another absolute winner in its roster, one that will likely age extremely well with a season or two and be compared to the other Golden Age dramas of this generation. Yes, by that, I mean shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Leftovers, and maybe, just maybe, The Wire and The Sopranos. Good call on ditching Westworld for marketing this, HBO. This is arguably going to be my favorite deconstruction of capitalism right now.
I can't wait for season 3 at all. I'm just going to rewatch season 2 till then. All the white kids fight for a kiss from daddy, and that might not sell the show a lot. But the fight spins into so many nuances it's hard to look away and just dismiss them as that.
Not since The Sopranos have I seen an interplay of character dynamics this good, especially the toxic traits of those characters. Every little interaction is important, and affects another character on some or the other level significantly. Succession makes sure that behind the gaudy, showy nature of the Roy family, the ugliness of their existence is visible to you, even in the most subtle ways. The show both revels in and critiques the world it bases itself in. And I don't remember a character-driven drama being this thrilling. Hostile takeovers are usually not exciting to people uninterested in the financial world, but this show makes sure you understand the stakes involved. Like, Breaking Bad-level of tense.
Of course, much of this is possible because of the phenomenal cast. I want Jeremy Strong to win an Emmy this year so badly. Kendall Roy is one of the most brilliant (and surprisingly sympathetic) characters I've seen, a mixture of Christopher Moltisanti and Jesse Pinkman, with a slice of your average venture capitalist. I just hope it doesn't typecast him as a Wall Street-type, although I love him in The Big Short too. I want him to win more than Brian Cox, who scares the living daylights out of me as Logan Roy when he merely enters a room. Then there's Sarah Snook as the prideful Shiv, an excellent, pitch-perfect arc like no other. And my man Kieran Culkin as the foul-mouthed-but-concerned Roman, another truly surprising sympathetic turn. And of course, when I talk about Roman, I will talk about Gerri, a role that actress J Smith Cameron absolutely kills, and should have received an Emmy nomination for. And this paragraph is incomplete without my love for Matthew McFadyen and Nicholas Braun in the most hilariously paired people that are Tom and (cousin) Greg since Chris and Paulie Walnuts.
Succession doesn't mince words (or chicken hahahaha). Nothing on the script feels wasted. And the insults are ingenious. As long as Jesse Armstrong remains showrunner, this show will surprise us in the most insane of ways. The research shows (the writers' room is apparently asked to read the Financial Times everyday), and it adds to the authenticity of the show, one which I appreciate. I would also be stupid not to talk about the best original opening theme I have ever heard in any TV show. Nicholas Britell has made a masterful score which does not sound excessive at all. Much like in Mr Robot, the score amplifies the mood.
If you're watching Succession, don't be thrown off by the first 2 episodes of the show (I actually like them). Give it time, because by the 6th episode you'll probably fall off your bed. And come season 2 (which I consider one of the greatest executions of anything in television history because it's flawless), you'll drop your jaw every 25-30 minutes of screentime, which is basically every halftime moment of an episode.
Succession deserves every honor coming its way. HBO has landed another absolute winner in its roster, one that will likely age extremely well with a season or two and be compared to the other Golden Age dramas of this generation. Yes, by that, I mean shows like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Leftovers, and maybe, just maybe, The Wire and The Sopranos. Good call on ditching Westworld for marketing this, HBO. This is arguably going to be my favorite deconstruction of capitalism right now.
I can't wait for season 3 at all. I'm just going to rewatch season 2 till then. All the white kids fight for a kiss from daddy, and that might not sell the show a lot. But the fight spins into so many nuances it's hard to look away and just dismiss them as that.
- maniepranav
- Aug 3, 2020
- Permalink
Brian Cox can do no wrong..
I'm surprised there isn't more positive reviews.
Its well written, nice amount of dark humour. The characters are mostly horrible people you'd never want to meet in your life.
I love it.
Its well written, nice amount of dark humour. The characters are mostly horrible people you'd never want to meet in your life.
I love it.
- alicepepperpot
- Aug 24, 2019
- Permalink
SUCCESSion.
'Succession (2018-2023)' is nothing short of a masterpiece. Seriously, it's one of the best shows I've ever had the pleasure of watching. One of the main reasons I'm so confident in declaring it one of the all-time greats is that it's incredibly consistent. Where most shows drag their heels to the point things start to get stale or - perhaps even more common - stumble in their final seasons (even if they're good, they're rarely as good as the others), this simply refuses to succumb to that issue. It's as good as, if not better than, it's ever been as it heads towards its final episode, and not a single solitary second ever even threatens to disappoint you. This is top-tier stuff from start to finish.
The dynastic show depicts the Roy family and its response to its patriarch's decision not to step down what many people, including his children, think he should. It's like we're watching some sort of modern historical epic, except the Roy empire is a business and their power is purely money (and vice versa). It's almost Shakespearean, a tragedy of near biblical proportions that feels like a less stabby version of 'Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)'. Throughout the show, alliances form and dissolve, motivations shift, power corrupts, and betrayals cut deep. It evolves massively over time, somehow striking a balance between comedy and drama that reaches the highest of highs and the lowest of lows without ever feeling tonally jarring. It's sometimes hilarious, sometimes devastating and always utterly compelling. The writing is seriously impressive, not least of all because it's able walk such a tonal tightrope and make it look easy. It often puts you on the edge of your seat, twisting your stomach with anxiety as it lets its awkward situations unflinchingly play out, but it also makes you fall to the floor laughing.
The characters are all really complex, each of them developing massively over the course of the four seasons. Their likability ebbs and flows, always keeping you on your toes as to which of these awful people you're actually rooting for, and but their intricacy remains steady. They feel like living, breathing people with flaws and weaknesses and strengths and desires. The actors bring them to life flawlessly. Honestly, this is some of the best acting I've ever seen in my life. Pretty much all the main players are absolutely amazing, but special mention must go to Brian Cox, Matthew Matthew Macfadyen, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook (who might just take the crown for the best non-verbal acting of all time, although she has some stiff competition in her cast mates) and - last but not least - Jeremy Strong. Their ability to inhabit their characters and often convey their deepest thoughts and emotions without a single word is staggering. It helps that the writing gives them so much to work with and is never content with spoon-feeding backstory to the audience, which makes the moments that you can discern (primarily through performance) all the more satisfying.
The show focuses on billionaires typically doing terrible things to each other and to the world. It's not as simple as good and bad, though, and this level of challenge is really thrilling. The show has sharp satirical elements that are subtle but ever present. It immerses you in this world of rich jerks giving no thought to the people they hurt in the name of profit, surrounding us with their contemptable beliefs and actions, but it never feels like it's condoning their attitude. It's quite often making fun of them in the same breath it's presenting them in a grounded and honest fashion. It maintains an underlying criticism of these kinds of people, cutting to the harsh reality surrounding their existence, but it doesn't do so at the expense of character. It's actually a really empathetic show in that regard, even though it can also be really cruel.
Ultimately, I can't express just how fantastic this show is. It's absolutely phenomenal in pretty much every way possible, capable of splitting your sides mere moments before it rips your heart out of your chest. It's an enthralling experience that's as funny as it is affecting, as witty as it is emotionally shattering. It's truly one of the best shows of all time. I wish there was more of it, but I also appreciate the fact that it isn't dragged out. It's consistently excellent. It's one of the easiest recommendations I've ever made. If you haven't seen it, do so as soon as possible.
The dynastic show depicts the Roy family and its response to its patriarch's decision not to step down what many people, including his children, think he should. It's like we're watching some sort of modern historical epic, except the Roy empire is a business and their power is purely money (and vice versa). It's almost Shakespearean, a tragedy of near biblical proportions that feels like a less stabby version of 'Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)'. Throughout the show, alliances form and dissolve, motivations shift, power corrupts, and betrayals cut deep. It evolves massively over time, somehow striking a balance between comedy and drama that reaches the highest of highs and the lowest of lows without ever feeling tonally jarring. It's sometimes hilarious, sometimes devastating and always utterly compelling. The writing is seriously impressive, not least of all because it's able walk such a tonal tightrope and make it look easy. It often puts you on the edge of your seat, twisting your stomach with anxiety as it lets its awkward situations unflinchingly play out, but it also makes you fall to the floor laughing.
The characters are all really complex, each of them developing massively over the course of the four seasons. Their likability ebbs and flows, always keeping you on your toes as to which of these awful people you're actually rooting for, and but their intricacy remains steady. They feel like living, breathing people with flaws and weaknesses and strengths and desires. The actors bring them to life flawlessly. Honestly, this is some of the best acting I've ever seen in my life. Pretty much all the main players are absolutely amazing, but special mention must go to Brian Cox, Matthew Matthew Macfadyen, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook (who might just take the crown for the best non-verbal acting of all time, although she has some stiff competition in her cast mates) and - last but not least - Jeremy Strong. Their ability to inhabit their characters and often convey their deepest thoughts and emotions without a single word is staggering. It helps that the writing gives them so much to work with and is never content with spoon-feeding backstory to the audience, which makes the moments that you can discern (primarily through performance) all the more satisfying.
The show focuses on billionaires typically doing terrible things to each other and to the world. It's not as simple as good and bad, though, and this level of challenge is really thrilling. The show has sharp satirical elements that are subtle but ever present. It immerses you in this world of rich jerks giving no thought to the people they hurt in the name of profit, surrounding us with their contemptable beliefs and actions, but it never feels like it's condoning their attitude. It's quite often making fun of them in the same breath it's presenting them in a grounded and honest fashion. It maintains an underlying criticism of these kinds of people, cutting to the harsh reality surrounding their existence, but it doesn't do so at the expense of character. It's actually a really empathetic show in that regard, even though it can also be really cruel.
Ultimately, I can't express just how fantastic this show is. It's absolutely phenomenal in pretty much every way possible, capable of splitting your sides mere moments before it rips your heart out of your chest. It's an enthralling experience that's as funny as it is affecting, as witty as it is emotionally shattering. It's truly one of the best shows of all time. I wish there was more of it, but I also appreciate the fact that it isn't dragged out. It's consistently excellent. It's one of the easiest recommendations I've ever made. If you haven't seen it, do so as soon as possible.
- Pjtaylor-96-138044
- Jul 25, 2024
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