Is Succession Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Mar 30, 2023
Succession
This series was Created by Jesse Armstrong, Succession is an American satirical black comedy-drama TV series that premiered on HBO in June 2018. The show follows the Roy family, the owners of the global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar RoyCo, as they fight for control of the company amidst concerns about the health of their patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox). Starring Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, and others, the series has been critically acclaimed for its writing, acting, music, and production values. Succession has won multiple awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama and the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. The fourth and final season premiered on March 26, 2023. In addition to its critical success, Succession has also become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes and internet discussions. The show's themes of power, greed, and family drama have resonated with audiences around the world, making it one of the most talked-about shows on television. As the series approaches its final season, fans are eagerly anticipating the resolution of the Roy family's tangled web of conflicts and alliances. With its compelling characters, biting humor, and gripping storyline, Succession has firmly established itself as one of the most iconic TV shows of its time, and its legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
Is Succession Based on a True Story?
As the highly anticipated fourth and final season of HBO's Succession approaches, many are curious about the real-life inspirations behind the show's characters and storylines. While the series is only loosely based on the Murdoch family and their media empire, it shares many similarities with their world, from its New York City setting to its conservative news network and ongoing succession disputes. By exploring the parallels between Waystar Royco and News Corp, and examining how the core members of the Roy family compare to the Murdochs, we can see just how closely the show mirrors reality, even as a satirical take on the subject. As we delve deeper into the world of Succession, we'll gain a new appreciation for the show's insightful commentary on power, family, and the cutthroat world of media conglomerates.
Rupert Murdoch Vs Logan Roy
Both the Murdoch and Roy families, who are the central figures of the hit TV series 'Succession', share some similarities. Both patriarchs, Rupert Murdoch, and Logan Roy are immigrants, with Logan starting his media company from scratch while Rupert inherited and expanded his. Additionally, both have had multiple marriages, with Rupert being married four times and Logan currently on his third wife. Both families have political affiliations and ties to the Republican Party, and have a number of potential successors, with Rupert having six children and Logan having four. However, despite these similarities, Rupert Murdoch and Logan Roy have different personalities and approaches to their businesses. While Murdoch is known for being a newspaperman who has diversified his business to support his papers, Logan is shown to be more interested in exerting power and expanding his media conglomerate. In terms of temperament, Logan is portrayed as brash and loud, while Murdoch is often seen as soft-spoken. These differences add layers of complexity to the characters and their relationships, making 'Succession' a compelling and multi-dimensional show.
Waystar Royco vs. News Corp
While Waystar Royco and News Corp differ in their business ventures, Waystar is more diversified, owning theme parks and a cruise line, which Rupert Murdoch's company has never shown interest in. However, both companies share numerous similarities, making it clear that News Corp is the inspiration for Waystar Royco. For instance, Waystar's conservative news network ATN is based on Fox News, the book publisher Northstar Publishing resembles News Corp's Harper Collins, and the right-wing tabloid New York Globe is modeled after the New York Post. Furthermore, Logan Roy's pursuit of Pierce Global Media mirrors Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of Dow Jones in 2007.
Elisabeth Murdoch Vs Shiv Roy
Elisabeth Murdoch and Shiv Roy are two vastly different individuals, despite the fact that their fathers both own media empires. While Shiv is a left-leaning political operative who worked for presidential candidate Gil Eavis before leaving politics to focus on the family business, Elisabeth is not as politically involved. Although Elisabeth was rumored to be a potential successor to her father, she established her own empire through her production company, Sister. It's worth noting that Shiv's husband, Tom Wambsgans, is loosely based on Elisabeth's first husband, Matthew Freud, who worked in public relations.
Lachlan Murdoch Vs Kendall Roy
Similar to Kendall Roy, Lachlan Murdoch is the eldest son of a media tycoon and a potential successor to the family empire. Lachlan serves as co-chairman of News Corp and CEO of Fox Corporation, and he has been involved in the family business since he was 18 years old. However, Lachlan did not take a sabbatical from News Corp, unlike Kendall's departure from Waystar Royco. While both Lachlan and Kendall share a dedication to building a vast empire and competing with their younger siblings, Lachlan did not engage in any aggressive war against his father. The primary inspiration for Kendall's character is Lachlan Murdoch, but the show portrays Kendall battling substance abuse to keep his character in a grey area.
James Murdoch Vs Roman Roy
In every family business, there seems to be a black sheep who's known for their rebellious and controversial behavior, and for the Murdoch and Roy families, those individuals are James and Roman, respectively. James is known for his involvement in the News International phone hacking scandal, which was a huge embarrassment for the Murdoch family. Roman Roy, on the other hand, is seen as somewhat of an outsider due to his unorthodox approach to business and his more right-wing views. While James is known for his liberal political views, both he and Roman are seen as the rebels of their families, which could potentially damage their chances of inheriting the family business.
What is Succession Based on?
The TV series Succession draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including real-life media dynasties like the Murdochs and the Hearsts, as well as former US President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II. Executive producer Adam McKay says the show's focus on dynastic wealth and power makes media families like the Murdochs particularly interesting. Despite similarities between the show's fictional Roy family and the real-life Murdochs, actor Brian Cox says he did not base his performance on any one person. Armstrong and executive producer Adam McKay wanted to explore the impact of dynastic power and the effect of inherited wealth on the world around it.
While the show draws on many stories of succession and high politics, the media families were the most interesting and dramatic. Armstrong had been working on a screenplay about the Murdoch family before the show, and there are clear similarities between the fictional Roys and the real-life Murdochs. Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox, is a billionaire businessman whose media empire is similar to Murdoch's News Corp. As Roy's children become more involved in the family business, drama ensues. Overall, the article highlights the various sources of inspiration that came together to create the world of "Succession."
Succession Review
Succession is back for its fourth and final season, with Logan Roy's media empire on the verge of being sold to Gojo. Three of his children are creating The Hundred, while Shiv is considering other employment options. When Shiv's estranged husband, Tom, reveals that Logan is planning to acquire the Pierce conglomerate, the siblings consider snaffling it themselves. Meanwhile, would-be president Connor is polling poorly and needs to spend $100m to boost his ratings. The opening episodes focus on both family dynamics and corporate intrigue, as Logan questions whether there is an afterlife. The review highlights the characters and their dynamics, with particular attention paid to Tom's turncoat status and his concern about staying within the family if he and Shiv divorce. Cousin Greg is still portrayed as a clodhopping fool, and Willa's disdain for Connor, who is polling at an unsolid 1%, is a joy to watch. The review concludes by stating that Succession is a drama set in the heart of darkness, with a comedy set around to illuminate its inescapable, eternal depths, and that viewers should gather their strength for one last look into the abyss.
Succession Ending Explained
Succession's fourth season takes a bold step with Logan Roy, who has been cast as the villain of the series. In the premiere episode, Logan is portrayed as a more empathetic character, revealing that he is destined for failure regardless of the outcome. Despite his continued animosity towards his children, the episode highlights Logan's loneliness, as he laments his lack of friendships and the absence of joy in his life. Everyone around him is so afraid of him that they dare not make even the slightest joke in his presence. Even if he wins, Logan is doomed to a miserable existence without his family. While he claims to view people solely as economic units, he begins to question whether there is more to life than money. The episode's final scene is a quiet one, with Logan watching an ATN broadcast and expressing his disdain to Cyd Peach, an ATN executive. However, Logan fails to recognize that his own lack of passion is the root cause, instead blaming Cyd for the channel's quality. Despite everything that has occurred in the previous three seasons, nothing can bring true happiness to Logan.
Succession Season 4, Episode 1, Ending Scene of Shiv & Tom
In the season 3 finale of Succession, Tom's betrayal of Shiv put an immense strain on their already troubled marriage. In the first episode of season 4, their interactions are limited to sarcastic comments aimed at each other. Tom has aligned himself with Logan and Waystar Royco against Shiv and her siblings, but he still harbors concerns about his marriage to Shiv, which he voices to Logan. This is further emphasized in their final scene together. In the closing moments of episode 1, Shiv returns home to gather some clothes and finds Tom leaving the bedroom. They exchange insults as usual, but the episode ends on a slightly tender note as they lie together on the bed, holding hands. Despite their rivalry and the realization that their marriage is doomed, they still have feelings for each other. As they part ways, their final lines are "We gave it a go," signifying the end of their marriage.
Is Succession Based on a True Story - FAQs
"Succession" is a drama series that follows the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful family that owns a global media and hospitality empire. The show explores their complex relationships and power struggles as they jockey for control of the family business.
"Succession" is produced by HBO and airs on their network.
As of March 2023, there are four seasons of "Succession".
No, "Succession" is a fictional series, although it draws inspiration from real-life media dynasties and wealthy families.