HBO’sSuccessioncontinues to receive critical acclaim and attract new fans thanks to its fantastic four-season run that brings viewers into the wealthy and toxic world of the chaotic Roy family.LikeSuccession, many other shows depict the 1% with admirable accuracy, quickly becoming critical and fan favorites.
Some series take a darkly comical approach, while others choose a straightforward depiction of what it’s like to have that much money; a few shows opt for the other route, portraying what audiences think having that wealth is like. Whatever they decide, these shows remain brilliant examples of this particular genre, as evidenced by their high ratings in the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
25’Blood & Oil' (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61%
StarringDon Johnsonin his return to prime-time TV,Blood & Oilcenters around couple Billy (Chace Crawford) and Cody’s (Rebecca Rittenhouse) journey after moving to North Dakota, the location of the biggest oil discovery in American history, in order to live a better life. They soon see themselves pitted against ruthless oil tycoon Hap.
As its title suggests,Blood & Oildives into the treacherous allure of wealth in the oil industry, exploring how ambition and greed can have some devastating consequences. While it is not a masterwork in television by any means—and it got canceled thanks to the mixed reviews within its first few weeks on air—the 2015 series still shines in how it provides high-stakes drama to keep those who enjoy soap operas entertained.
Blood & Oil
24’Filthy Rich' (2020–)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%
StarringSex and the City’s Kim Cattrallas Margaret Monreaux,Filthy Richis a Southern Gothic family drama tackling wealth, power, and religion. The story centers around the mega-rich Monreauxes, a family famed for creating a successful Christian television network. After the family’s patriarch dies, his wife takes charge of the family’s business.
Filthy Richexamines the dark side of wealth and power, showcasing how privilege often shields people from accountabilityand enables exploitation. The way it pulls back the curtain on how money can corrupt is a standout element. However, some critics have pointed out its inconsistent execution and inability to delve deeper into the themes it tackles. Still, fans of soapy television who are looking for light entertainment are probably going to enjoy the 2020 show. —Daniela Gama
Filthy Rich
23’The Perfect Couple' (2024–)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%
Nicole Kidmanis no stranger to the ostentatious world of the wealthy, being involved inprojects likeBig Little LiesandNine Perfect Strangers, and in 2024, she plays the matriarch of the Winbury family. Amelia (Eve Hewson) is marrying into this ultra-rich, renowned family and has to contend with Kidman’s Greer trying to curate the perfect wedding to maintain the family’s perfect image – which, of course, is all a facade. Throw in a murder mystery, and the cracks start to show in each couple.
The Perfect Coupleis a more comedic take on dissecting the top 1%,delivering audacious dialogue and ludicrous scenes that still dig under the glossy surfacethat Greer furiously tries to sustain. The visuals themselves are stunning, with the drama contrasting the serene and dazzling backdrop of a sunny seaside location. —Jasneet Singh
The Perfect Couple
22’Dirty Sexy Money' (2007–2009)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
Starring the extremely talented lateDonaldSutherlandwho appeared in well-known filmsTheHunger GamesandPride & Prejudice,Craig Wright’s scandalous family drama sees a lawyer named Nick George (PeterKrause) forced to take care of one of New York City’s wealthiest families after his father mysteriously dies in a plane crash and he agrees to take his position.
Although slightly overlooked and not quite as popular as when it was released,Dirty Sexy Moneyis still worth the go if only for its juicy and addictive drama that will appeal to anyone who enjoys more over-the-top plots. With a ridiculously wealthy family at its center,Wright’s satirical comedy about wealth and celebrity particularly in the United States also deserves a nod when the topic is the 1%.
Dirty Sexy Money
21’The O.C.' (2003–2007)
The first hit series developed byGossip Girlco-creatorJoshSchwartz,The O.C.features a similar premise to its successor—at least in how it isa teen TV showthat takes audiences to a wealthy, upper-class neighborhood (Newport Beach, Orange County, California). Specifically, the story focuses on a troubled and gifted young man (Ben McKenzie) who becomes embroiled in the lives of a close-knit group of people.
Readers on the lookout for a show that is fit for younger audiences and also touches on themes of social class may findThe O.C.the right choice. It may not be on the same level as other series mentioned on this list. However, the way it manages to entertain while also offering an intriguing social commentary makes it worthwhile and a must-see in this niche category.
20’Revenge' (2011–2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%
Emily VanCampandMadeleine Stowestarred in the ABC dramaRevenge. The show focused on Emily Thorne, a young woman pursuing revenge against the family that framed her father for murder and ruined her life. Through cunning and ruthlessness, Emily disturbs the life of the people of the Hamptons, earning a mortal enemy in the equally formidable Victoria Grayson.
Revengehad four seasonsof silly and over-the-top drama. However,the show was at its best when VanCamp and Stowe were locking horns, creating one of the best and most addictive rivalries in any modern show. Featuring gorgeous vistas, grand homes, and lavish parties in almost every episode,Revengeis a great depiction of the 1% that’s perfect for fans who live for the drama and chaotic chemistry between the characters.
19’Arrested Development' (2003–2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Mitchell Hurtwitz’s show is one of the most iconic television comedies involving family affairs. Thanks to its engaging narrative and memorable characters, it deserves a spot on this list. The story centers aroundJason Bateman’s Michael Bluth, who takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. However, he faces the rest of his spoiled life, with his dysfunctional family making his tasks unbearable.
Arrested Developmentis one of the best and most iconic shows about the wealthy, although the family at its center has seen better days. The show provides an entertaining depiction of those who formerly had it all and must now conform to the idea that they lost pretty much everything. AmongArrested Development’s most valuable assetsare the writing and the hilarious laugh-out-loud moments.
Arrested Development
18’House of Cards' (2013–2018)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Despite all the controversies includingKevin Spacey,House of Cardsis still regarded as a great series of its genre. The story centers around House Majority Whip Frank Underwood, who begins a corrupt climb of the political ladder after being denied the Secretary of State position he was promised. His wife, Claire (Robin Underwood), attempts to find her place and dominate in her husband’s spotlight.
Filled with compelling and complex characters and high production values,House of Cardsfeels very cinematic, with its strong writing elevating it to higher levels. The performances and plot twists are also noteworthy, butthe captivating way it tackles themes of corruption, greed, and exploitation are among the series' most captivating aspects. Through its characters, theessential political dramashowcases how the pursuit of power can corrupt ethics and morals.
House of Cards
17’Bel-Air' (2022–)
Will Smith’s beloved ’90s sitcom received a gritty remake with Peacock’sBel-Air. The show follows the same premise—a teenager from Philadelphia sent to live with his wealthy parents in the exclusive and elitist Bel-Air neighborhood. The protagonist (named Will Smith and played byJabari Banks) soon encounters difficulties as he realizes how different his world is from the one he just moved into.
While the original sitcom took a lighthearted approach, the reimagined version opts for a more realistic portrayal of race dynamics and culture shock.Bel-Airis a great and often insightful portrayal of racial tensions and wealth, with stunning visuals and production values reinforcing its weighty themes. While it certainly takes a different perspective thanSuccession, it’s depiction of the 1% remains.
16’Westworld' (2016–2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
Westworldapproaches the unsavory behaviors of the 1% through the dystopian lens of a sci-fi meets western setting, rebooting the 1973 film of the same name that first introduced us to the show’s central theme park. In the sci-fi-/Western film, we follow wealthy human tourists who visit a futuristic amusement park, where the lifelike androids that work there are designed to fulfill every fantasy they have, ranging from violent to more adult themes. The show picks up 30 years later, where the robots increasingly gain consciousness and gradually rebel against how they are treated.
The HBO show essentially imagines what people would do if there were no consequences for their actions, one step further fromPurge, as the robots don’t fight back and fulfill their role in the user’s fantasy—until now.With the show humanizing the robots, it subsequently dehumanizes the ultra-rich tourists, highlighting their potential twisted psychology while giving us a healthy dose of blood and thrill that we expect from the genre hybrid. —Jasneet Singh
