“Succession” is an American television series that premiered on HBO in 2018. Created by Jesse Armstrong, the show is a darkly comedic drama that explores the power dynamics within the wealthy and dysfunctional Roy family, owners of the global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar Royco. The series is known for its sharp writing, complex characters, and incisive commentary on wealth, family, and corporate intrigue.
Cast:
1. Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox): The patriarch and founder of Waystar Royco, a ruthless and domineering figure.
2. Kendall Roy (played by Jeremy Strong): Logan’s second son and a key executive in the company. Struggles with addiction and the desire for his father’s approval.
3. Roman Roy (played by Kieran Culkin): Logan’s youngest son, known for his wit and playboy lifestyle.
4. Shiv Roy (played by Sarah Snook):Logan’s only daughter, initially estranged from the family, but becomes increasingly involved in the company.
5. Connor Roy (played by Alan Ruck): Logan’s oldest son from his first marriage, who lives a more eccentric and independent lifestyle.
Here are some featured locations in the TV series:
- “Succession” is primarily filmed in various locations to capture the opulence and grandeur associated with the world of the wealthy Roy family. While the show is set in New York City, the production team has used a mix of on-location shooting and studio sets to bring the story to life. Some specific filming locations include:
- Roman Roy’s apartment, often featured in the series, is located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.
- The corporate headquarters of Waystar Royco is a prominent location in the show. While the interiors are typically shot on a set, the exteriors are often filmed at different locations that convey the corporate atmosphere of the company.
- The extravagant wedding of Shiv Roy in Season 2 is set at a picturesque estate. The location used for this event is the Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, which stands in for the fictional wedding venue.
- Various upscale residences and penthouses featured in the series are filmed in high-end neighborhoods in New York City, portraying the lavish lifestyle of the Roy family.
- In the second season, the show expands its scope to international settings. For example, the scenes set in Tuscany, Italy, were actually filmed at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, England.
Interesting facts:
- “Succession” has garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp writing, complex characters, and satirical take on the lives of the ultra-wealthy. Here are some fun facts about the show:
- The series draws inspiration from real-life media and business dynasties, particularly the Murdoch family, which owns a global media empire. However, the show’s creators have emphasized that “Succession” is a work of fiction.
- Jeremy Strong, who plays Kendall Roy, is known for his intense method acting. He reportedly immersed himself in the character by isolating himself from the rest of the cast and crew during certain intense scenes, contributing to the authenticity of his performance.
- The show has a culinary consultant, Nicholas Strangeway, who ensures that the dining scenes reflect the high-end lifestyle of the characters. The attention to detail in food and drink is part of creating a realistic portrayal of the affluent world depicted in the series.
- Brian Cox, who portrays Logan Roy, has mentioned that he prepared for the role by drawing on his own experiences and observing the behavior of powerful figures. He aimed to bring authenticity to his portrayal of the patriarchal character.
- The show’s theme music, “Nicholas Britell,” composed by Nicholas Britell, has become iconic. Britell is known for his work on other acclaimed projects like “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
- “Succession” has received numerous awards and nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Brian Cox won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for his role as Logan Roy.
- The character of Shiv Roy, played by Sarah Snook, was originally conceived as a male character. The show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, decided to change the gender to add more complexity to the dynamics of the Roy family.