Succession is a hit television drama that follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media dynasty, as they navigate their complex relationships and struggles for control over the family empire. The Roy kids are Kendall, Shiv, Roman, and Connor, played by the likes of Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, and Sarah Snook—all vying to be the successor. The Waystar Royco CEO, Logan Roy, is played by Brian Cox. While the show is primarily entertainment, it also provides viewers with valuable insights into human behavior, family dynamics, power dynamics, business ethics, and more. In this article, we’ll explore the life lessons that Succession can teach us episode by episode, through its earlier seasons and final season.Succession is a critically acclaimed drama series that follows the story of the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful family who own a media conglomerate. The show explores the themes of power, family, and morality, and provides us with a wealth of lessons to be learned.
One of the primary lessons that Succession teaches us is the importance of family dynamics. The show depicts a dysfunctional family that is constantly at odds with each other, but they still rely on each other for support and power. Despite their flaws, they continue to work together to maintain their wealth and influence. This highlights the importance of family relationships, even in the context of high-pressure business and political environments.
Another lesson that Succession teaches us is the corrupting influence of power. The show explores the lengths that individuals will go to maintain their position of authority and the moral compromises they make along the way. Succession shows us that power can be both alluring and dangerous, leading people to make choices that they would not normally make, often at the expense of others.
Family dynamics
The television show Succession provides a detailed portrayal of the complex and often dysfunctional relationships within the Roy family. The Roy family is the owner of a media conglomerate and their relationships are at the core of the show’s storyline. The show portrays the consequences of power imbalances and the negative effects of favoritism and nepotism on a family.
Power Imbalances
Succession depicts the power imbalances that exist within the Roy family, with patriarch Logan Roy holding the most power and his children competing for his approval. This competition often leads to resentment and jealousy between the siblings, which ultimately results in conflicts within the family. The show highlights how power dynamics can impact family relationships, leading to strained bonds and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Favoritism and Nepotism
The Roy family also illustrates the negative effects of favoritism and nepotism. The Roy siblings compete for their father’s approval, and they often receive unequal treatment, leading to resentment and jealousy between them. This favoritism also leads to poor decision-making, as family members who are not qualified are appointed to key positions in the family business. Succession emphasizes how favoritism and nepotism can negatively impact a family, leading to tension and conflicts.
Importance of Healthy Communication
The Roy family’s dynamics demonstrate the importance of healthy communication in a family. The siblings often keep secrets from each other, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. Succession emphasizes that open and honest communication is crucial for healthy and successful relationships, both in business and personal life. The show highlights how communication breakdowns can lead to a family’s downfall and how healthy communication can help to maintain a family’s success.
Setting Boundaries
Succession also shows us the importance of setting boundaries within family relationships. The Roy family members often blur the lines between their personal and professional lives, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. The show emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and keeping professional and personal lives separate. By setting boundaries, individuals can maintain healthy relationships with their family members and colleagues.
Power and control
Succession also explores the corrupting nature of power and the consequences of using power to control others. The show portrays the negative effects of unchecked ambition and the dangers of putting too much faith in one person’s leadership. Characters who start out with good intentions often become corrupted by the allure of power and the desire for control.
The lesson we can learn from Succession’s portrayal of power and control is the importance of transparency and accountability. Leaders must be held accountable for their actions, and there must be checks and balances in place to prevent abuses of power. Additionally, we must be aware of our own tendencies toward control and recognize the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Business and ethics
Succession also explores the ethical issues that can arise in business, particularly in the media industry. The Roy family’s media empire is portrayed as ruthless and cutthroat, willing to sacrifice ethics in pursuit of profit. The show raises important questions about the role of media in society and the responsibilities of media organizations.
The lesson we can learn from Succession’s portrayal of business ethics is the importance of ethical leadership and the need for organizations to prioritize social responsibility. Media organizations have a significant influence on public opinion and must consider the potential consequences of their actions. Additionally, we must be aware of the potential conflicts of interest that can arise in the pursuit of profit and prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Identity and self-worth
Succession also explores the characters’ struggles with identity and self-worth, particularly in relation to their status and wealth. Characters tie their self-worth to external factors such as their position in the family or their wealth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. The show portrays the negative effects of valuing oneself based on external factors rather than internal values.
The lesson we can learn from Succession’s portrayal of identity and self-worth is the importance of cultivating a strong sense of self based on internal values. We must recognize that our worth as individuals is not tied to external factors such as wealth or status, but rather to our inherent value as human beings. Additionally, we must be aware of the negative effects of comparing ourselves to others and prioritize self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Conclusion
Succession provides viewers with valuable insights into human behavior, family dynamics, power dynamics, business ethics, and identity. By analyzing the themes and lessons of the show, we can learn important life lessons that can be applied to our personal and professional lives. It’s important to critically analyze the media we consume and seek out valuable lessons that can help us grow and develop as individuals.
FAQs
1. Is Succession based on a real family?
No, Succession is a fictional show. However, it is inspired by real-life media dynasties such as the Murdochs and the Redstones.
2. Is Succession a good show for families to watch together?
Due to its mature themes and frequent profanity, Succession may not be appropriate for all families to watch together. Parents should use their own discretion when deciding whether or not to allow their children to watch the show.
3. What is the significance of the title “Succession”?
The title “Succession” refers to the process of passing down power and control from one generation to the next, which is a key theme of the show.
4. What awards has Succession won?
Succession has won numerous awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
5. Will there be a season four of Succession? Yes, a fourth season of Succession has been confirmed by HBO. However, the release date has not yet been announced.