Succession’s Over, Now What? Five Shows to Dive Into Next.
The countdown is on. With only two episodes left, the gripping, power-laden world of “Succession” is drawing to a close. This is a reality that, for many of us, is hard to swallow. This critically acclaimed series has held us captive with its blend of high-stakes corporate drama, sharp-witted humor, and the complex dynamics of the Roy family.
As we brace ourselves for the inevitable end, the question on the lips of many fans is this: What on earth do we watch next? Fear not, though, as there’s a wealth of TV gems out there ready to help fill the void. In the following list, we’ll dive into some of the best shows fans recommend watching after bidding adieu to “Succession.”
“Barry”
If it’s the dark humor and complex characters of “Succession” that you’re missing, “Barry” may be the show for you. This dark comedy-drama from HBO stars Bill Hader as a hitman who stumbles into a passion for acting while on a job in Los Angeles.
The show skillfully balances its darker elements with laugh-out-loud humor, all while providing a nuanced exploration of its titular character’s quest for identity and meaning. With its blend of crime, comedy, and surprisingly deep emotional moments, “Barry” is an excellent choice for “Succession” fans looking for their next TV addiction.
“The Sopranos”
As my personal all-time favorite, “The Sopranos” is a must-watch for anyone suffering from “Succession” withdrawal. This groundbreaking HBO series broke new ground in the TV landscape, bringing a cinematic quality to the small screen while digging into the complex psychology of its characters in a way that was previously unheard of in a TV show.
Just like “Succession,” “The Sopranos” masterfully blends family drama with high-stakes business dealings, but in this case, the business is organized crime. James Gandolfini delivers a career-defining performance as Tony Soprano, a mob boss trying to balance the demands of his crime family with those of his actual family. Dark, funny, and deeply human, “The Sopranos” is the kind of show that leaves a lasting mark.
“The Righteous Gemstones”
For fans who have enjoyed the darkly comedic family dynamics of “Succession,” “The Righteous Gemstones” could be the next great show to dive into. This HBO comedy-drama follows a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. Like “Succession,” it follows a wealthy family filled with colorful, flawed characters and the power struggles within.
The series balances its satire and humor with a heartfelt examination of family bonds, making it a compelling watch. If you’re looking for a fresh mix of comedy, drama, and exploration of power dynamics, “The Righteous Gemstones” could be a divine choice to fill the post-“Succession” void.
“Severance”
If the cutting-edge corporate intrigue and dark humor of “Succession” kept you on the edge of your seat, you might want to check out “Severance.” This science fiction psychological thriller, created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller, takes workplace drama to a new level.
The series follows Mark, an employee at the mysterious Lumon Industries, who undergoes a procedure called “severance,” which separates his work and non-work memories. As Mark’s work-self (“innie”) and non-work-self (“outie”) develop distinct personalities, he begins to unravel a tangled web of conspiracy within Lumon Industries.
With an all-star cast that includes Adam Scott, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette, “Severance” is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and corporate control.
Praised for its cinematography, direction, production design, musical score, story, and performances, the show received 14 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. Much like “Succession,” it offers a darkly comedic and critical look at corporate culture and power dynamics, making it an ideal pick for fans looking for a new series to dive into.
“Industry”
Set in the ruthless world of international finance, the series follows a group of ambitious graduates as they compete for a limited number of permanent positions at a prestigious investment bank in London. Like “Succession,” “Industry” explores power dynamics and office politics, but from the perspective of those at the bottom of the corporate ladder, trying to claw their way up.
The show digs into the intense pressure, personal sacrifices, and ethical dilemmas these young professionals face as they navigate the cut-throat world of high finance. It’s a raw, unflinching look at how far people are willing to go to succeed in this fiercely competitive environment, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping workplace dramas.
