Has the final curtain of “Succession” left you wandering aimlessly through your streaming platforms, thirsting for more twisted family sagas and cutthroat boardroom politics? Fear not, loyal viewers of the Roy dynasty! The landscape of television is ripe with stories that promise to fill the power-hungry void left in your binge-watching schedule. From the hallowed halls of Buckingham Palace in “The Crown” to the unforgiving, shark-infested waters of Wall Street in “Billions,” there are plenty of riveting dramas where you can quench your thirst for complex characters and high-stakes intrigue.
Image Credit: HBO/Imdb.
1. ‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)
Where to stream: Netflix
You might say “Ozark” is what you’d get if you tossed “Breaking Bad” and “Succession” in a blender and set it to puree. This crime drama series is teeming with nerve-wracking tension as it follows Marty Byrde, a financial planner who turns to money laundering for a Mexican drug cartel after a deal goes awry. The show dives deep into the dark underbelly of illicit business, but never forgets the family at its center, much like “Succession.” Unlike the Roy family, who already had their billions and are fighting to keep it, the Byrde family are the new kids on the criminal block. They are forced to navigate a dangerous world they are largely unprepared for. Themes of power, ambition, and morally gray actions resonate throughout “Ozark,” making it highly appealing to anyone riveted by the complexity of “Succession’s” characters.
Image Credit: Ozark tv show scene.
2. ‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)
Where to stream: AMC+, Amazon Prime
If the slick corporate moves and internal family struggles of “Succession” tickled your fancy, then “Mad Men” is the fix you’ve been searching for. Set in the advertising world of the 1960s, “Mad Men” is a smoky, sultry, and stylistic look into an era of shifting cultural norms and social upheaval. Don Draper, the mysterious and flawed genius at the center of this ensemble drama, carries the same enigmatic allure that keeps you addicted to Logan Roy and his offspring. The show’s creator, Matthew Weiner, was also a writer on “The Sopranos,” which might explain the compelling character arcs and biting social commentary. What makes “Mad Men” particularly interesting for “Succession” fans is the focus on how business and personal lives intertwine, often to disastrous effects. It takes a deep dive into the characters’ complicated relationships with power, ambition, and each other—themes “Succession” fans will find all too familiar.
Image Credit: AMC/Imdb.
3. ‘Billions’ (2016–2023)
Where to stream: Showtime
If you’re drawn to the cutthroat corporate environment depicted in “Succession,” you might enjoy “Billions.” This drama pits a U.S. Attorney against a hedge fund king, offering a closer look at the blurred lines between justice and ambition. It showcases high-stakes decision-making and ruthless tactics, echoing the power plays we see in “Succession.”
Image Credit: IMDb.
4. ‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
Where to stream: Netflix
This historical drama takes us inside the British royal family, detailing the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Much like “Succession,” it explores the personal and political conflicts that arise when you’re born into a position of power. The depiction of historical events serves as a backdrop for intimate family dynamics and struggles. The sixth and final season of The Crown is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 16, 2023. It will cover the period from 1997 to the early 2000s, and will focus on the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death and the royal family’s attempts to modernize.
Image Credit: Netflix / The Toy Zone.
5. ‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)
Where to stream: Max
“Boardwalk Empire,” a prohibition-era drama, could be your next go-to if the corporate warfare of “Succession” is leaving a void. Set in Atlantic City, this lavish HBO series dissects the life and times of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a corrupt politician who knows his way around an illegal deal. Think of it as “Succession” in the Roaring Twenties, where instead of media conglomerates, the stakes involve speakeasies, gangsters, and political machinations. Terence Winter, a key writer on “The Sopranos,” brings that show’s knack for intricate storytelling and morally compromised characters to “Boardwalk Empire.”
Image Credit: IMDb.
6. ‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)
Where to stream: Netflix
If you’re missing the power plays and conniving maneuvers of “Succession,” then “House of Cards” is right up your dark, shadowy alley. This political drama turned the scheming Roy family into mere amateurs compared to Frank and Claire Underwood. With a presidential backdrop, the show takes betrayal and manipulation to another level. What’s not to love? A political climate rife with Machiavellian plots, characters who weaponize information, and dialogue so sharp it could cut glass. “House of Cards” doesn’t just explore the dynamics of power; it revels in them.
Image Credit: IMDb.
7. ‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)
Where to stream: Max
“The White Lotus,” the satirical masterpiece that keeps you guessing—who’s really the villain here? If you’re a “Succession” aficionado craving for another ensemble cast juggling power, ego, and ethically questionable choices, look no further. This darkly comedic drama peels back the layers of luxury resort life to reveal the nasty, brutish, and short lives of the rich and infamous.
Image Credit: IMDb.
8. ‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)
Where to stream: Netflix
“Breaking Bad” follows the downward spiral of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his former student Jesse Pinkman. This critically acclaimed series is replete with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes drama, much like “Succession.” If you’re drawn to the ruthless, Machiavellian maneuvers of the Roy family, you’ll likely appreciate the cunning and desperation that drive Walter White to his fateful decisions. With both shows, you’re never quite sure who to root for, which adds to the tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Image Credit: AMC.com.
9. ‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)
Where to stream: Hulu, Max
Often considered one of the greatest TV shows ever made, “The Sopranos” delves deep into the life of mob boss Tony Soprano. While dealing with various family and business pressures, Tony also navigates complex psychological terrain. The show brilliantly combines family dynamics, power struggles, and ethical questions, offering a rich experience that will appeal to fans of “Succession’s” complicated characters and moral ambiguities.
Image Credit: The Sopranos / HBO.
10. ‘The Morning Show’ (2019–Present)
Where to stream: AppleTV+
Currently in its third season, “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+ offers a compelling drama centered around the intricacies of morning TV news. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, the series echoes some of the elements that have made “Succession” a standout: complex characters, high-stakes drama, and pertinent social issues such as sexual harassment and ageism. With new episodes airing every Wednesday, “The Morning Show” provides a relevant and entertaining lens through which to view the evolving landscape of news media. Fans of “Succession” will likely find the series to be equally engaging.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
Image Credit: IMDb.
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