Like so many pilots, this is about exposition. If you are criticizing this because the characters are creeps, you may as well stop watching. That's the subject matter. It is corporate greed and infighting among an unlikeable family. It's a series. It's going to play out with an ensemble cast, and it's going to take time to know them. The old guy really has the reins and he is in the hospital, and he has set up a war. Wait and see.
21 Reviews
Brian Cox can do no wrong..
alicepepperpot25 August 2019
Celebration
lassegalsgaard18 February 2020
Jesse Armstrong makes his big return to television after "Fresh Meat," doing so with a satirical drama about a big media family. In an age where Donald Trump is the leader of the free world, it looks like Armstrong has made a series that could end up being more relevant than the first look would suggest. As a series, it presents a collectible of unlikable characters that all become interesting in their own ways before the final name has passed the screen during the end credits. It sets up a possible outcome from the very beginning and without noticing it, crafts an environment that could bring something extraordinary to the table. While not being the new pinnacle of TV, "Succession" starts off strong and interestingly enough to keep viewers wanting to watch the next episode, both through interesting storytelling and a huge ensemble cast, led by the brilliant Brian Cox. Adam McKay also brings a lot of his trademarks to the series, and as a fan of that style, it seems like a match made in Heaven. This could turn out to be the next great thing, or it could turn out to be a complete waste of time and energy.
Fantastic, Superb!
normanfaria6 August 2018
A Compelling and Darkly Funny Introduction to a Dysfunctional Family Empire
ziancara12 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The pilot episode of Succession sets the tone for the rest of the series with its exploration of a wealthy, dysfunctional family and their media empire. Led by a powerhouse performance from Brian Cox as the patriarch Logan Roy, the episode provides a compelling and often darkly funny glimpse into the dynamics of this wealthy and powerful family.
From the outset, it's clear that the family is far from perfect, with each member harboring their own secrets and ambitions. The episode wastes no time in setting up the conflicts that will define the series, as Logan suffers a health scare and his children jockey for position to take over the family business.
The writing is sharp and insightful, with clever dialogue that reveals the characters' true intentions and desires. The episode is also visually striking, with sweeping shots of the family's lavish lifestyle and the media empire they control.
While the series is often compared to Game of Thrones, it distinguishes itself by focusing on the power struggles within a single family rather than a larger political landscape. This narrower scope allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations.
The only downside to the pilot episode is that it can feel overwhelming at times, with so many characters and subplots introduced in a short amount of time. However, the writing and performances are strong enough to keep the viewer engaged and invested in the story.
Overall, the pilot episode of Succession is a compelling and darkly funny introduction to a dysfunctional family empire. It sets the stage for a series that is sure to be a standout in the television landscape.
From the outset, it's clear that the family is far from perfect, with each member harboring their own secrets and ambitions. The episode wastes no time in setting up the conflicts that will define the series, as Logan suffers a health scare and his children jockey for position to take over the family business.
The writing is sharp and insightful, with clever dialogue that reveals the characters' true intentions and desires. The episode is also visually striking, with sweeping shots of the family's lavish lifestyle and the media empire they control.
While the series is often compared to Game of Thrones, it distinguishes itself by focusing on the power struggles within a single family rather than a larger political landscape. This narrower scope allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations.
The only downside to the pilot episode is that it can feel overwhelming at times, with so many characters and subplots introduced in a short amount of time. However, the writing and performances are strong enough to keep the viewer engaged and invested in the story.
Overall, the pilot episode of Succession is a compelling and darkly funny introduction to a dysfunctional family empire. It sets the stage for a series that is sure to be a standout in the television landscape.
Celebration
alzeem-349539 May 2023
The pilot episode of HBO's hit drama series Succession, "Celebration", introduces us to the Roy family, a rich and influential media dynasty ruled by Logan Roy (Brian Cox), a tyrannical and manipulative patriarch. His 80th birthday party becomes a battleground for his family members, who vie for power and position in the company. The episode features superb writing and performances, with Brian Cox delivering a masterful portrayal of Logan and Jeremy Strong impressing as his tormented son and heir Kendall. The supporting cast, including Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, are also outstanding. The episode creates a tense and captivating atmosphere, with sharp and clever dialogue and impressive direction. "Celebration" sets up the series for an engrossing and entertaining ride, as we follow the Roy family's struggles and schemes. Succession is a show that will keep you hooked with its drama, intrigue, and sharp writing.
8.9/10, Amazing
dcdude-269889 August 2023
Higher rated? Yes please. This was no a bad pilot episode. In fact, this was actually really good. My favorite things about this episode were the Cinematography, the music, and the dialogue. My favorite characters in this episode were Logan, Kendall, and Shiv. I am starting to have doubts about how bad this show could've been when I first learned about it, but I was really really wrong. This wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. If you are looking for a cool buisness show on Max, I definitely recommend you watch this show right here. I first started watching this show because it had a 10/10 episode on this app before, so I intend to see if it deserved it.
Great start!
nklemmetsen11 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was a slow burn episode that was filled with compelling characters and a great concept. While This was not the best pilot of all time. Its good and it has a lot of good moments. While some moments Are slow. This is a example of what good storytelling is. And logan is the best character so far, hope he dosent die from the brain bleeding. The writing in This episode is fine. Tha plot is pretty good and I'm very interested to see what happends next. People say This show is so good so I hope its all true. I'm going to be watching the whole show over a short amount of time so I will have episode 2 review out soon. This was my short thoughts.
Amazing pilot
JonyVeana8 January 2022
Cox,Culkin and Strong steal the show amazing first episode by Adam Mckey this is like game of thrones in modern times, this is worth your time guys, this will be one of the best tv shows in HBO history alongside the wire, the sopranos and the leftlovers.
RoyalTenenbaums/arrested development?
iceburg465 June 2018
Did I miss something?
eoswaldbigred4 August 2020
All my friends said I had to watch this show. If the first episode is any indication, yuck. So boring. Rich people being boring. Not one single likeable character. Why does everyone say this is such a great series?
[8.2] Daddy, pick up the phone!
cjonesas9 April 2022
Interesting
richardrc-185967 August 2023
About halfway through the episode I was like what? I can't relate to any of them. I'm Small town guy but I love some entertainment. And man, this was not it. But, after the speech from the dad and figuring out the cliche of characters, it clicked. Wow. Good stuff. The dad is the alpha dog u want to run a company and survive wall street and the son who wants so hard to fill daddy's shoes just will never live up to it. And they all fall in the cliche field. But they all played it well. The acting is good. I can't relate at all. But I can guarantee this is how wallstreet works. Upclass overpaid white people us country folk want nothing to do with. And I'm sure the feeling is mutual.
Giving it another chance.
stellacarlin15 July 2023
I got to say I tried watching this a few years ago and could not get into it but after hearing all the hype once again after Emmy nominations this week I decided to give it another try and OMG it is good! Looking forward to binge watching four seasons worth. I guess the expression is true. Mo money, mo problems!
I got to say I tried watching this a few years ago and could not get into it but after hearing all the hype once again after Emmy nominations this week I decided to give it another try and OMG it is good! Looking forward to binge watching four seasons worth. I guess the expression is true. Mo money, mo problems!
I got to say I tried watching this a few years ago and could not get into it but after hearing all the hype once again after Emmy nominations this week I decided to give it another try and OMG it is good! Looking forward to binge watching four seasons worth. I guess the expression is true. Mo money, mo problems!
The Asian "dude" is the only likeable character.
CHUDMasterPatriot19 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Roman is a moron and acts like a toddler. Shiv is an idiot and resembles Clare from Six Feet Under too much, and Kendall is such a cliche as the hard working disappointment to his father boss of the company. The dialogue is awful, the plot stinks, and the characters are incredibly unlikeable. I'll watch the second episode because the pilot may have just been a total bust. Just because this show is on HBO and foil language is permitted doesn't mean every other sentence has to be disgusting. It shows lack of creativity in writing. This show really lacks substance and I'm not expecting anything better front the second episode of this season.
Naval gazing for the the well to do arriviste ?
jmccrmck-6517217 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I assume that the series is inspired by Sumner Redstone and his Viacom empire and the nutty stuff he did while running the company (in to the ground ?) So I would be on board for that plot / story line. The dialog and characters, arrogant nasty and self centered, are so overplayed ( are there real people that act and talk like that ?) that you really can't get caught up in it and that's without dealing with bizarre camera work, do we really need both those elements just to make it seem "edgy"? It just is not the least bit subtle, like a teacher at a blackboard giving a lesson not leaving you to do any thinking for yourself. Will you want to watch ? Probably yes but it is more like a train wreck than a well thought out piece of work with high production values. So yes you may be drawn in but I can't imagine anyone really getting lost in the drama like you might in a really well done work of cinema. Potential , yes, substance in short supply.
Pointless
lluca-4774819 August 2020
Succession ( Drama)
carmenjulianna22 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
If you want to watch a drama that is overplayed & A boring cast that are so annoyingly unappealing & uninteresting, then this is the drama for you. Over-the-top & Over-acted by far that I was forwarding almost each episode to the end; I was no nearer to the plot than the first of the 10 episodes. Each episode was a repetition of the previous one, that it became increasingly frustrating watching this wealthy overbearing narcissistic family anymore. None of the (forgettable) characters are likeable & I believe a missed opportunity to use the nephews role in the drama in a much more successfully Positive way was a waste.!!! As he seems to be the only normal character in the drama.
A Miss..👎
A Miss..👎
"Who Commitioned A 2nd Series???
carmenjulianna30 September 2019
Are we all watching the same programme here, that a review of a 10/10 was given???
What a croc...
Brian Cox is the least pleasant Actor to have been chosen for the (character role) of 'Logà n Roy' EVER. He brings nothing to the dynamics of the script; and is consistently nasty and unmaternal. His children are all distant and gross, and would preferably hang their father. What benefit to the public does this serve. It has no real entertainment factors and certainly the characters played are unappealing. Watching this 2nd series was no more entertaining than the previous. It definitely needs a new figurehead as Brian Cox does nothing to convince. Kieran Culkins' character whom plays the younger son seems like he's on something; yet he's in the boardroom with all the major players. No more needs to be said regarding this series really. Don't waste your time or energy 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
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