10 Shows and Movies Similar to Succession (2018)

Description: The West Wing and Succession both offer a behind-the-scenes look at powerful institutions (the White House vs. a media empire). While The West Wing is more idealistic, both shows feature rapid-fire dialogue, complex characters, and high-stakes decision-making. The ensemble cast and intricate plotting are also similar.

Fact: Created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his distinctive writing style. The show won 26 Emmy Awards. It was praised for its optimistic portrayal of American politics.

Description: The Thick of It shares with Succession a biting, satirical take on power and incompetence in high places. Both shows feature chaotic, fast-talking environments where characters are constantly scheming. The use of improvisation and sharp humor is a hallmark of both series.

Fact: Created by Armando Iannucci, who also worked on Veep. The show is known for its profanity-laden dialogue. It inspired the American series Veep.

Description: Mad Men shares with Succession a deep exploration of power dynamics within a competitive industry (advertising vs. media). Both shows feature flawed, charismatic protagonists (Don Draper and Logan Roy) whose personal demons affect their professional lives. The meticulous attention to period detail and character development is another common thread.

Fact: Jon Hamm's portrayal of Don Draper earned him widespread acclaim. The show won 16 Emmy Awards. It is known for its accurate depiction of 1960s America.

Description: The Good Wife and Succession both explore the intersection of personal and professional lives in high-stakes environments. Both shows feature strong, complex female characters navigating male-dominated worlds. The legal and corporate intrigue in The Good Wife mirrors the familial power struggles in Succession.

Fact: Julianna Margulies won two Emmys for her role. The show was praised for its strong female characters. It spawned a spin-off, The Good Fight.

Description: Veep, like Succession, is a dark comedy about the absurdities of power. Both shows feature egotistical, flawed characters who are constantly jockeying for position. The rapid-fire dialogue and satirical tone are similar, though Veep leans more heavily into comedy.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmys for her role. The show was created by Armando Iannucci. It is known for its improvisational style.

Description: Scandal, like Succession, is a drama about power, betrayal, and manipulation. Both shows feature strong, ambitious protagonists (Olivia Pope and the Roy family) who operate in high-pressure environments. The fast-paced, twist-filled storytelling is another point of similarity.

Fact: Created by Shonda Rhimes. Kerry Washington's performance was groundbreaking. The show was known for its 'gladiators in suits' aesthetic.

Description: House of Cards, like Succession, is a dark, Machiavellian drama about the pursuit of power. Both shows feature ruthless protagonists who manipulate those around them to achieve their goals. The political intrigue and backstabbing in House of Cards parallel the corporate machinations in Succession.

Fact: The show was one of Netflix's first original series. Kevin Spacey's performance as Frank Underwood was iconic. It is based on a British series of the same name.

Description: The Newsroom, like Succession, is set in the media industry and explores the tension between personal ambition and professional ethics. Both shows feature strong, opinionated characters and tackle contemporary issues. The fast-paced, dialogue-driven storytelling is another point of similarity.

Fact: Created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his sharp, witty dialogue. The show was inspired by real-life news events. Jeff Daniels won an Emmy for his role as Will McAvoy.

Description: Like Succession, Billions delves into the high-stakes world of power, wealth, and corporate intrigue. Both shows feature complex characters who navigate moral ambiguities in their quest for dominance. The sharp, witty dialogue and intense psychological battles mirror the dynamics seen in Succession.

Fact: The show was inspired by real-life financial figures and events. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti's performances were critically acclaimed. The series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition.

Description: The Good Fight, a spin-off of The Good Wife, continues to explore themes of power, corruption, and morality, much like Succession. Both shows feature wealthy, influential characters grappling with ethical dilemmas. The sharp writing and political undertones are similar.

Fact: The show is known for its topical storylines. Christine Baranski reprises her role from The Good Wife. It is one of the first original series on CBS All Access.