How Succession Became the Most Compelling Drama on TV

🎭Succession defies convention with its ensemble cast and lack of a central protagonist, challenging the traditional structure of a 60-minute drama.

💼The characters' unrelatability and lack of sympathetic traits make them compelling in a voyeuristic way, while their immense privilege heightens the stakes of their actions.

📺The show's documentary-like approach, with handheld camera work and naturalistic performances, enhances the realism and authenticity of the world it portrays.

📝Masterful subtext and long takes allow the actors to deliver powerful performances, particularly in emotionally charged moments, such as the off-screen death of a key character.

😂The dark humor and biting dialogue provide moments of levity amidst the cynicism and ambition of the characters, making the show both compelling and entertaining.

Why is Succession considered a standout drama?

—Succession stands out for its unconventional structure, lack of relatable characters, and exploration of profound stakes. It captivates viewers with its dark humor, gripping performances, and authentic portrayal of a world few of us can relate to.

How does Succession handle key moments, such as character deaths?

—Succession creatively handles key moments by prioritizing realism and authenticity. For example, the death of a central character is portrayed off-screen, allowing viewers to experience the messy, emotional aftermath through partial information and powerful performances.

What makes the performances in Succession stand out?

—The performances in Succession stand out due to the masterful subtext and long takes, which allow the actors to fully inhabit their characters and deliver powerful, nuanced performances. This is especially evident in emotionally charged moments.

What role does humor play in Succession?

—Humor in Succession serves as a contrast to the cynicism and ambition of the characters. The show embraces dark humor and biting dialogue, providing moments of levity amidst the intense drama. This combination of humor and drama makes the show both compelling and entertaining.

Why are the characters in Succession unrelatable?

—The characters in Succession are deliberately unrelatable, as they inhabit a world of immense privilege and power. Their unrelatability, however, adds to the voyeuristic fascination of the show, and their actions carry profound stakes that resonate with viewers in their own lives.

00:00In this video, Jazz, a film and TV director, discusses how Succession became the most compelling drama on TV.

05:20Jazz examines the challenges faced by the show, including its unconventional structure, lack of relatable characters, and complex subject matter.

10:27The off-screen death of a central character is highlighted as a brilliant example of the show's handling of key moments through masterful subtext and powerful performances.

12:55Jazz explores the impact of the show's documentary-like approach, humor, and biting dialogue on its overall appeal.