Nothing was quite like HBO’sSuccession. With its explosive mix of comedy and drama, the series swept award shows and topped critics' lists during its run. The series follows the trials and tribulations of the Roy family, as each of them tries to vie for power in their media conglomerate, Waystar RoyCo.
The cast members all shine in their own ways, andNicholas Britell’s soundtrack sets the emotional tone, but it’s the show’s writing that really elevatesSuccession’s best episodes. The best episodes from the award-winning series highlight fantastic performances from its talented cast, as well asfeature some of the show’s most crucial storylines that would shapeSuccession’s dysfunctional family dynamics. FollowingSuccession’s numerous wins at the 75th Emmy Awards, it’s the perfect time to revisit its greatest episodes.
Succession
20"Secession"
Season 3, Episode 1 (2021)
Set in the immediate aftermath of Kendall’s (Jeremy Strong) explosive press conference attacking his father’s culpability in Waystar’s cover-up of sexual misconduct spanning decades,Succession’s Season 3 premierehits the ground running. Knowing he is disbanded from his family, Kendall tries to establish a base of operations for the war to come. Meanwhile, Logan (Brian Cox) makes for Sarajevo to strategize while Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Gerri (J. Smith-Cameron) are sent to New York, with one of them set to temporarily stand as CEO of the company.
Rapid-paced and incredibly efficient in its ability to further the narrative and establish the outline for Season 3 while giving every moment the perfect amount of depth,“Secession” is a masterclass in writing even if it doesn’t contain many big moments in its own right. The performances are typically brilliant, from Snook and Culkin’s nuanced apprehension to Strong’s erratic and hollow self-assurance, while the episode is laced withSuccession’s trademark satirical wit that ensures Season 3 was off to a flying start.
19"Rehearsal"
Season 4, Episode 2 (2023)
Family drama abounds in the Season 4 episode “Rehearsal” in which the three Roy siblings, all aligned against their father, attend Connor’s (Alan Ruck) wedding rehearsal only to learn that Willa (Justine Lupe) might be getting cold feet. Heading out on the town together, they blow off steam at a karaoke bar, but their friendly celebrations are interrupted when Logan intrudes to discuss business with them.
The phrase “you are not serious people” can still be heard clearly in the ears of all fans of the series, as Logan’s best efforts to convince his children to cooperate with the GoJo deal crumble into an exasperated woe. The conniving and underhand deals that all the Roy siblings are involved in progress further, with Roman’s ongoing communications with Logan being unveiled.Balancing heartfelt family cheer with the cold and callous demeanor of the Roys, “Rehearsal” is a focused and surprisingly wholesome episodethat still includes a few barbed twists.
18"Safe Room"
Season 2, Episode 4 (2019)
Sprawling and brilliant, “Safe Room” sees all the Roys and Tom (Matthew Macfayden) and Greg in action. Connor attempts to garner support for his presidential campaign at “Mo” Lester’s funeral, Roman begins a six-week management training program, while Shiv ponders why Logan and Kendall have become so close. Gunshots in the building enforce a lockdown that sees Kendall and Logan discuss a deal with PGM representative Rhea Jarrell (Holly Hunter), while Tom and Greg find themselves in an inadequate safe room while the former makes inquiries into an anchor’s alleged Nazi sympathies.
Juggling the premise’s innate and painfully relevant darkness with black comedy and business politics, “Safe Room” is a sharp and skewering highlight ofSuccession’s second season.Kendall’s arc develops beautifully, culminating in a poignant and emotional scene between him and Shiv. “Safe Room” also marks Holly Hunter’s first appearance in the series, as well as the introduction of the bizarre sexual dynamic in Roman and Gerri’s working relationship.
17"Tailgate Party"
Season 4, Episode 7 (2023)
“Tailgate Party” sees the Roy siblings, still reeling from their father’s death, put on a traditional pre-election party which becomes a labyrinth of betrayal and blackmail. Shiv demands that Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård) attend to combat Kendall and Roman’s efforts to sabotage the deal. Kendall works with a campaign insider to manipulate the party to his advantage, and damning information of GoJo is brought to light. Kendall and Matsson have a brief verbal spat, while Tom and Shiv’s relationship grows more complicated.
While there is a surface-level gleam of energetic fun, there is an unmistakable tension that simmers throughout the episode, one that is both heightened and made more comical thanks to Skarsgård’s prominent presence. Snook and Macfayden also shine in the episode, with their wavering romance put under the microscope as both their characters reveal some harsh truths about each other. All in all, “Tailgate Party” is a scintillating hour of television thatexemplifies both the heart-pounding tension and comedic punch ofSuccessionat its very best.
16"Church and State"
Season 4, Episode 9 (2023)
Following the heart-racing calamity of the election, “Church and State” resumes the very next day with the Roys having to attend Logan’s funeral while protests erupt targeting ATN for their premature call of the election for Jeryd Mencken (Justin Kirk). Tom tries to control the situation from ATN while Shiv positions herself favorably as Mencken insists on Waystar having an American CEO when Matsson takes over. An overwhelmed Roman is unable to give a eulogy at the funeral, leading him to, in an ashamed an humiliated state, provoke the protesters.
With an extended 74-minute runtime,“Church and State” explores a lotof plot, juggling the emotional heft of Logan Roy’s funeral with a plethora of set-up work ahead of the series finale. The speeches given perfectly embody their respective characters – particularlyJames Cromwell’s searing performance of Ewan’s monologue – while pathos and comedy are balanced impressively. The chess pieces all aligned beautifully as well, making fora rousing and effective penultimate episode that is a testament to the writing and acting that defined the series’ excellence.
15"Hunting"
Season 2, Episode 3 (2019)
In one of themost uncomfortable episodes ofSuccession, Logan subjects Tom, Karl (David Rasche), and Greg to a humiliating game of “boar on the floor,” supposedly to test their loyalty. At Logan’s behest, the three of them crawl and oink while fighting over bits of sausage. It’s one of the most shocking examples of Logan’s casual cruelty – and also of his worldview. When Greg protests that the rules of the game make no sense, Logan replies, “There are no f**king rules.”
Part of what makes the scene work so well is that the show gives the viewer so little information about “boar on the floor.“Is it a real game? Has Logan inflicted it on his subordinates before? Is it a joke or something deadly serious? Tom speaks for the audience when he says, “How the f**k would I know, Greg? You think I have a rational explanation for this?”
14"Retired Janitors of Idaho”
Season 3, Episode 5 (2021)
This is possiblythe funniestSuccessionepisode, and that’s saying a lot. It revolves around the Waystar shareholder meeting, where the fate of the company hangs in the balance. Moments before Logan is meant to reassure the shareholders that all is well, he becomes feverish and delirious. While Logan rants about dead cats and yells at people who aren’t there, Tom, Shiv, and Roman try to avert catastrophe.
The episode succeeds because it crams all of the characters into one place, where their personalities collide and insults fly. As they race against time, the show becomes almost as tense as a thriller, which only adds to the hilarity. It also shows Logan at an embarrassingly low weak point, which still somehow doesn’t diminish his intimidating effect on the rest of the team.
13"The Disruption”
Season 3, Episode 3 (2021)
“The Disruption” is one ofSuccession’s most brutal episodes. Kendall sets up speakers that blare Nirvana’s “Rape Me” while Shiv tries to give a speech addressing the sexual assault allegations against Waystar. In response, Shiv publishes a letter slamming Kendall for his mental health and addiction issues, to the disapproval of their other siblings.
It is often said thatSuccessionmakes being wealthylook miserable, and this episode does that more than any other. By the end of the hour, each of the Roy siblings is hurt and alone. Kendall and Shiv’s relationship looks especially irreparable, which makes their reconciliation in the season finale all the more touching.
12"Which Side Are You On?"
Season 1, Episode 6 (2018)
This episode from Season 1 offers the first taste of the backstabbing and power moves that are hallmarks of the series. In the episode, Kendall attempts to oust Logan from his own company via a vote of no confidence. However, everything that could go wrong for Kendall does. His helicopter is grounded, so he has to take a car to the meeting. But then he gets caught in traffic too and must run on foot. Finally, at the last minute, Roman sides with Logan, dooming the vote – and Kendall.
This is a fascinating episode because it shows Kendall temporarily stripped of his wealth and all the power that comes with it. Kendall has never been the most relatable character, but as he sprints down crowded streets, urgently trying to rescue his plan, he almost seems like a normal person.
11"Nobody Is Ever Missing"
Season 1, Episode 10 (2018)
In this rollercoaster of an episode, Kendall hits rock bottom in more ways than one, becoming aTV character who ends up in a worse placefrom where they started. He seemingly finally outmaneuvers Logan, only to drunkenly crash a car into a lake and end up crying in his father’s arms. This would have inevitable ramifications for his future in the company and within his family.
The episode perfectly encapsulates the show’s themes around power and its corrosive effects.While the Roys are concerned with their power squabbles, their actions ripple outward and devastate the lives of ordinary people, from the sexual assault victims on the cruises to the waiter in Kendall’s car. As Logan says: “No real person involved.”
