“Succession” has received widespread critical acclaim since its premiere on June 3, 2018. The show has been praised for its biting satire and complex characters. The show follows the Roy family, the owners of Waystar RoyCo, a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The first season received five Primetime Emmy nominations, while its second season won seven, including Outstanding Drama Series. “Succession” is considered one of the best TV dramas of recent years and has a large and dedicated following. If you’re looking for shows like “Succession” , here are the 10 best shows we recommend you watch after “Succession” .
1. Ozark (2017 – 2022)
Drama series “Ozark” premiered on Netflix in 2017. The show follows the story of a financial planner named Marty Byrde (played by Jason Bateman), who is forced to move his family from Chicago to the Ozarks in Missouri after getting involved with a drug cartel.
One unique aspect of “Ozark” is its portrayal of the rural Midwest and the challenges faced by its residents. The show explores themes of family, loyalty, and survival as the Byrde family navigates their new life in the Ozarks while also trying to stay alive in the dangerous world of the drug trade.
2. Yellowstone (2018 – 2023)
“Yellowstone” is a drama series that follows the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The family faces constant conflict with neighboring landowners, including an Indian reservation, as well as developers and politicians. Meanwhile, tensions within the family arise as they struggle to keep their legacy alive.
While both “Yellowstone” and “Succession” deal with familial power struggles and conflicts over wealth and resources, “Yellowstone” is focused on a more rural setting and the conflict with outside forces, while “Succession” is centered on the cutthroat world of corporate business.
3. Billions (2016 – Present)
Financial drama series “Billions” follows the high-stakes world of hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod and US Attorney Chuck Rhoades. The show explores the complex and often shady dealings of the financial industry, as well as the personal lives and motivations of the characters.
The plot of “Billions” centers around the ongoing conflict between Axelrod and Rhoades, with each determined to take down the other. Axelrod is a successful billionaire who built his fortune from humble beginnings, while Rhoades is a highly ambitious attorney who will stop at nothing to bring Axelrod to justice.
As the two navigate the cutthroat world of high finance, they are forced to confront their own moral compasses and the consequences of their actions. Along the way, they are aided by a cast of supporting characters, including Axelrod’s loyal right-hand man and Rhoades’ devoted wife, who have their own agendas and motivations.
4. Empire (2015 – 2020)
“Empire” is a musical drama series that chronicles the lives and struggles of the Lyon family, who run a successful hip-hop music and entertainment company known as Empire Entertainment. The show explores themes of family, power, and the pursuit of the American dream.
The head of the family, Lucious Lyon, is a former drug dealer turned music mogul who is diagnosed with ALS at the start of the series. He is forced to choose his successor from among his three sons: Jamal, Hakeem, and Andre. Their mother, Cookie, who has just been released from prison after serving 17 years, also gets involved in the family business and complicated relationships ensue.
Throughout the series, the Lyons face various challenges including rivalries with other music companies, betrayals within the family, and struggles with addiction and mental health. All these issues come to light in a series of dramatic and sometimes violent confrontations. In addition to the intense family drama, the show is also known for featuring high-profile guest stars and memorable musical performances.
5. Bloodline (2015 – 2017)
Netflix psychological thriller series “Bloodline” centers around the Rayburn family, who run a successful hotel in the Florida Keys. The Rayburns are a seemingly perfect family, but their image begins to crack when their black sheep eldest son, Danny, returns home after a long absence. As the family comes to grips with the return of the troubled sibling, long-buried secrets begin to emerge, threatening to tear the family apart. Over the course of three seasons, “Bloodline” takes viewers on a twisted journey through the dark underbelly of the Rayburn family’s past.
“Bloodline” has received praise for its strong performances, especially by its lead actors Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn, as well as its cinematography and unique setting. The lush and serene Florida Keys provide a stark contrast to the dark themes and tension of the series.
Despite its critical acclaim, “Bloodline” was cancelled after three seasons due to declining ratings. However, it continues to be highly regarded as a gripping and intense drama with memorable characters and shocking plot twists.
6. The White Lotus (2021 – 2023)
Dark comedy-drama series “The White Lotus” follows the guests and staff at a luxury hotel in Hawaii over the span of a week. The show explores themes of privilege, power dynamics, and the facade of happiness that people often present to the world.
“The White Lotus” features a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn, and Alexandra Daddario. Each episode focuses on different characters and their relationships with each other, revealing the complexities of their lives and their hidden desires.
At the center of the series is the hotel’s manager, Armond, who is struggling with his own addiction issues and trying to keep things running smoothly for the guests. Meanwhile, tensions rise among the wealthy vacationers as they deal with their own personal problems and the power struggles that arise between them.
7. Dynasty (2017 – 2022)
“Dynasty” is a reboot of the classic 1980s soap opera of the same name, follows the wealthy Carrington family, who are embroiled in scandal and drama across their business and personal lives. The head of the family, Blake Carrington, is a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to protect his empire. His children, Fallon and Steven, both struggle to find their place in the family dynasty and navigate their own complicated romantic relationships.
As the series progresses, the Carringtons are constantly faced with challenges and betrayals from both within and outside the family. They must deal with everything from corporate takeovers to murder mysteries, all while trying to maintain their positions of power and wealth.
“Dynasty” features an ensemble cast led by Elizabeth Gillies, Nathalie Kelley, and Grant Show, along with notable guest stars like Nicollette Sheridan and James Mackay. The show is known for its over-the-top drama, extravagant costumes and sets, and addictive plot twists.
8. The Crown (2016 – )
“The Crown” is a historical drama series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of England from her early days as a newlywed to the present day. The show explores the complexities of the royal family and the political and social events that shaped their lives and the country.
The series is known for its stunning production values, gorgeous costumes and sets, and exceptional performances by its cast, including Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, and Helena Bonham Carter. Each season covers a different period in the Queen’s life, as well as the lives of other members of the royal family, such as Princess Margaret and Prince Charles.
“The Crown” has been praised for its attention to historical detail and its ability to weave together personal drama with larger political and social issues. The show delves into topics like the Suez Crisis, the assassination of JFK, and the rise of Margaret Thatcher, all through the lens of the royal family.
Despite some controversy over its fictionalized elements, “The Crown” has become a critical and commercial success. It has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, and has captivated audiences around the world with its captivating storytelling and outstanding performances.
9. House of Cards (2013 – 2018)
“House of Cards” is a political drama television series that follows the Machiavellian schemes of Frank Underwood, a ruthless politician from South Carolina who will stop at nothing to achieve his ambitions for power in Washington D.C.
Over the course of six seasons, the show chronicles Underwood’s rise to become President of the United States, and the lengths he goes to manipulate and control those around him. Along the way, he is aided by his equally power-hungry wife, Claire, as well as an array of other politicians and lobbyists.
The show is known for its dark and complex characters, sharp dialogue, and intricate plot threads that keep audiences guessing until the very end. The cast performances are standout, led by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in the lead roles, and supported by a talented ensemble including Michael Kelly, Kate Mara, and Corey Stoll, among others.
Despite controversy surrounding its original lead actor, “House of Cards” has garnered critical acclaim for its ability to capture the ruthless world of political power-plays, and for its prescient commentary on the state of American politics. It sets itself apart by breaking the fourth wall, with Frank Underwood addressing the audience directly, adding an extra layer of intrigue and irony to the show.
Whether you’re a fan of political dramas or simply enjoy a good character study, “House of Cards” is a must-watch series. Its clever writing, captivating performances, and exploration of the darker sides of human nature make it a standout entry in the genre.
10. The Righteous Gemstones (2019 – )
“The Righteous Gemstones” follows the lives of the Gemstone family, a prominent and wealthy family of televangelists who run a megachurch empire. The Gemstones are led by patriarch Eli Gemstone, played by John Goodman, who built the family’s religious empire on his charisma and savvy marketing tactics.
The series explores the varied and often eccentric personalities of the Gemstone family, including Eli’s three grown children: Jesse, Judy, and Kelvin. As the series progresses, we see the family deal with internal power struggles, personal demons, and a host of other issues that threaten to tear the family apart.
“The Righteous Gemstones” is a must-watch for fans of irreverent comedies and those interested in the world of televangelism. It offers a hilarious and occasionally poignant look at a family whose ambitions far outweigh their morals, and the consequences they face as a result.