Eesha Kulkarni

The much-awaited Season 4 of Succession has finally premiered on March 26, after months of eager anticipation from fans. The latest trailer from HBO revealed a tumultuous power struggle within the Roy family, with explosive fallout in the relationship between Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) and Shiv (Sarah Snook), as well as Lukas Mattson’s (Alexander Skarsgård) questioning of the future of his deal with Waystar Royco. Additionally, an ominous scene of Kendall (Jeremy Strong) walking towards the ocean has raised eyebrows among viewers, leaving many wondering what the future holds for the troubled character.

Succession follows the Roy clan, a family of spoiled rich kids vying to take over the family media conglomerate from their stern father. The show feels like it captures everything that’s wrong with the world, all condensed into one over-privileged family. And somehow it’s still tremendous (pitch black) fun to watch. The critically acclaimed show has won five Golden Globes and nine Primetime Emmys, so far – it’s been nominated for 25 Emmys at this year’s ceremony alone, which will take place in September. Of course, you don’t need to be told how good Succession is. You’re here to see what shows are just as good, if not better.

And while there’s nothing else with Succession’s precise mix of sharp comedy and ruthless drama, there are a lot of great series about rich people with issues, highly dysfunctional families, and intense power struggles. We’ve rounded up a list of some of them that should hold you over until you get to hear those unmistakable opening notes of Nicholas Britell’s mood-setting theme song again.

Empire

Empire (not to be confused with The Empire, the historical show on the same platform) is a dynamic and enthralling drama that skillfully blends the worlds of hip-hop and high-stakes family politics, evocative of the hit show Succession. With a captivating plot that delves into the complexities of wealth, power, and legacy, the show centres around a family embroiled in a fierce battle for control of Empire Entertainment, a fictional music and entertainment company. As the stakes escalate and tensions mount, viewers are treated to a thrilling and suspenseful ride that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Watch it here.

Dynasty

This riveting drama follows not one, but two wealthy and influential families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, as they navigate the treacherous waters of power and wealth. A reboot of the beloved ’80s classic, this modern iteration boasts an impressive cast and stunning visuals, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a captivating drama filled with strong and complex female characters.

Watch it here.

Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey is a critically acclaimed drama that chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants as they navigate the sweeping changes brought on by the shifting socio-political landscape of post-Edwardian England. With a stellar cast and an incredible storyline, the show delves into the complex relationships between the family members and their servants, and how they must adapt to the changing times in order to survive. From the struggles of the working class to the challenges faced by the landed gentry, Downton Abbey offers a fascinating look at the social hierarchy of a bygone era, and the ways in which it was forever transformed by the tumultuous events of the early 20th century.

Watch it here.

Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies is a gripping drama that follows the intertwined lives of five women in a quiet town, each with their own dark secrets and hidden agendas. When a murder occurs, the women are forced to confront their pasts and the damaging secrets they’ve been hiding, threatening to shatter their carefully curated lives of wealth and privilege. With an exceptional cast delivering outstanding performances and a thought-provoking storyline, the show skillfully explores themes of domestic abuse, motherhood, and the complexity of female relationships, making it a standout among its peers.

Watch it here.

Ozark

Ozark is a drama that follows the harrowing journey of a financial adviser and his family as they become entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and treachery. When he’s forced to launder a staggering $500 million in just five years to appease a ruthless drug boss, the family finds itself on the brink of disaster, forced to navigate a world of financial crime and violence. As they struggle to keep their heads above water, the couple also deals with the challenges of parenting and maintaining a façade of normalcy in the face of mounting danger. Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers or just looking for a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Ozark is sure to deliver.

Watch it here.

The Staircase

The Staircase is a captivating drama that reimagines the true crime docuseries of the same name, following the curious case of Michael Peterson, a novelist accused of murdering his wife. The series explores Peterson’s trial and conviction while delving into the family dynamics of all five of his children as they grapple with their loyalty and desire to learn the truth. With overlapping themes of familial power struggles and complicated relationships, Succession fans will find The Staircase just as engaging. The show is a deconstruction of the true crime genre, offering a unique twist on the family drama.

Watch it here.

The Great

For a power struggle fix, look no further than The Great. Set in 18th century Russia, the show follows a fictionalised account of Catherine the Great’s (Elle Fanning) marriage to Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult). The young Catherine quickly discovers that her husband is cruel and unqualified, leading her to plot his overthrow and claim the throne. While The Great is a period piece, it revels in dark comedy, similar to Succession’s approach to its darkest moments.

Watch it here.

Billions

Billions and Succession may seem similar at first glance, but they differ in their approach to New York’s high-powered finance world. While both shows focus on wealthy and obsessed individuals, Billions leans into the absurdity of its characters and lets them indulge in their riches. Following the personal and professional conflicts of U.S. district attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis), the show is a soapy wealth drama that offers a more humorous take on the genre.

Watch it here.

Industry

Much like Succession, Industry was a thoroughly unexpected and totally addictive delight when it premiered. It also features a cast of actors whose names you might not have been all that familiar with, and follows a group of young graduates as they try to secure their dream jobs at a prestigious London investment bank. While it shares similarities with Succession in its portrayal of the cutthroat business world, Industry is more focused on the challenges faced by young professionals as they try to get ahead. With a diverse cast of characters, like well-connected rich girl Yasmin (Marisa Abela) and in-over-his-head Robert (Harry Lawtey), and plenty of interpersonal drama, the show is a compelling and fun watch.

Watch it here.