Overview of the TV show “Succession” and its premise

“Succession” is a critically acclaimed television show that premiered on HBO in 2018. The show follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful family that owns a media and entertainment conglomerate called Waystar Royco. The patriarch of the family, Logan Roy, founded Waystar Royco and still holds a significant stake in the company. The show’s main characters are Logan’s four children: Kendall, Roman, Shiv, and Connor, each of which has their own ambitions and desires for the family business. The show explores themes of power, greed, and family dynamics as the Roy family navigates the cutthroat world of the media industry.

The plot of “Succession” centers around the Roy family‘s struggle for control of Waystar Royco. Throughout the show, the siblings’ focus is to attempt to gain power and influence over the company, often resorting to mind games and betrayals. The show also explores the characters’ personal lives and their relationships with each other, adding to the complex and nuanced portrayal of the Roy family. Money plays a significant role in the narrative of the show, as the characters’ wealth and status are often used as leverage in their power struggles. The show’s exploration of the intersection between wealth and power makes it a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society.

“Succession” is known for its sharp writing, complex characters, and gripping plotlines. The show has been praised for its ability to capture the cutthroat nature of the media industry and the ways in which wealth and power can corrupt individuals and families. The show’s exploration of themes such as ambition, loyalty, and betrayal has resonated with audiences and critics alike, making it one of the most talked-about shows on television. With the show’s fourth and final season currently airing on HBO, fans are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the Roy family‘s story.

Analysis of the Wealth of the Main Characters in “Succession”

Forbes estimates that Logan Roy, the patriarch of the family, is worth $18 billion, largely due to his 36% stake in Waystar, the publicly traded media and entertainment giant he founded. Other members of the Roy family, such as Kendall and Shiv, are also worth millions, with Forbes estimating Kendall Roy‘s net worth to be around $40 million. These characters’ immense wealth is a central theme of the show, and their net worths are frequently referenced throughout the series.

Compared to real-life billionaires, the wealth of the Roy family is staggering. While there are certainly real-life billionaires who are worth more than the fictional characters on “Succession”, the show’s portrayal of extreme wealth and privilege is not far from reality.

The parallels between the fictional Waystar Royco and real-life media giants like Fox and Disney are clear. The show also touches on the concept of “old money” versus “new money”, with the Roy family representing the latter. The show’s portrayal of extreme wealth and the lifestyles of the ultra-rich has been praised for its accuracy and attention to detail.

The sources of the characters’ wealth are varied, with Logan Roy‘s media empire being the most prominent. However, the show also explores the ways in which wealth can be inherited and passed down through generations, as well as the role that capitalism and the division of labor play in the accumulation of wealth. The show’s satirical take on the world of the ultra-rich and their relationship with money has been a significant theme throughout the series, with characters frequently struggling to distinguish between earning capital and earning respect.

Overall, “Succession” offers a fascinating look at the lives of the ultra-rich, their sources of wealth, and the ways in which their immense privilege affects their relationships and interactions with the world around them.

Societal Implications of the Wealth Displayed in “Succession”

The television show “Succession” has sparked discussions about the wealth gap in society and its implications. Highly unequal societies, such as the one depicted in the show, are less effective at reducing poverty and grow more slowly. Additionally, a report shows that a redistribution of income to benefit the richest has made America less healthy, resilient, and secure. The show’s depiction of extreme wealth and power highlights the vast disparities that exist in society and raises questions about the morality of accumulating such wealth. The characters in the show are so used to having obscene amounts of money that they seem unaware that not everyone enjoys the same levels of comfort. Thus, the show serves as a commentary on the societal implications of wealth and power.

The show also explores the moral implications of the characters’ actions. The characters’ pursuit of power and wealth often leads them to engage in unethical behavior, such as lying, cheating, and manipulating others. The more loyal a character is to Logan Roy, the more likely they are to engage in such behavior. The show’s portrayal of these actions highlights the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which people will go to maintain it. While these actions may be repugnant in real life, the show’s fictional nature makes it accessible and enjoyable. However, it also raises questions about the morality of such behavior and the responsibility that comes with wealth and power.

The show’s portrayal of extreme wealth and power also raises questions about the accuracy of its depiction. Corporate lawyers have discussed the accuracy of the show and the Roy family‘s actions. While the show may exaggerate certain aspects of wealth and power, it does highlight the vast disparities that exist in society and the moral implications of accumulating such wealth. As one character states, wealth is a measure of worth that separates people who are “real” from those who are merely numbers on a ledger. The show’s portrayal of power and its corrupting influence serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of absolute power.

Sources

Baker, Katie. “The No. 1 ‘succession’ Dictionary: Your Guide to Speaking like an Ortolan Eater.” The Ringer, 8 Aug. 2019, www.theringer.com/tv/2019/8/8/20759472/succession-dictionary-season-2-primer-bear-hug-closed-loop-system.

Cheshes, Jay. “‘Rich People Don’t Use Napkin Rings’: How ‘Succession,’ ‘Billions’ and Other Helipad Dramas Get the Details Just Right.” Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2023, https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/succession-billions-details-1234808621/.

Garber, Megan. “Market-Speak Is The Love Language on ‘Succession.’” The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2021, www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/12/succession-satire-market-speak-love-language/620976/.

“How Rich Is the Roy Family on ‘Succession’?” Forbes, www.forbes.com/web-stories/how-rich-is-the-roy-family-on-succession/. Accessed 23 May 2023.

Murray, Noel. “‘Succession’ Season 4 Premiere Recap: Many Happy Returns.” The New York Times, 27 Mar. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/03/26/arts/television/succession-recap-season-4-premiere.html#:~:text=Tom%20and%20Shiv%20are%20at,tabs%20on%20his%20rebellious%20kids.

Nardino, Meredith. “‘Succession’ Family Tree: A Guide to the Roy Family.” Us Weekly, 10 Apr. 2023, www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/succession-family-tree-a-guide-to-the-roy-family/.

Voytko, Lisette. “‘Succession’ Fight: Can Logan Roy Save His $18 Billion Fortune?” Forbes, 21 Apr. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2021/10/16/succession-fight-can-logan-roy-save-his-18-billion-fortune/?sh=4b5d51011c06.

Willen, Claudia. “A Quick Guide to Every Major Character on ‘Succession.’” Insider, 14 Oct. 2021, www.insider.com/succession-character-guide-roy-family-hbo-2021-10.

World Social Report 2020 Inequality in a Rapidly Changing World, www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/02/World-Social-Report2020-FullReport.pdf. Accessed 23 May 2023.