Succession has become one of the most talked-about TV shows of recent years, with its gripping drama and sharp humor keeping audiences hooked. Following the lives of the Roy family as they navigate the complexities of their media and entertainment empire, the show has garnered a dedicated following since its debut in 2018. With six seasons now under its belt, viewers have ranked the best episodes that have kept them on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout episodes that viewers have ranked as the best is "Tern Haven" from season two. In this episode, the Roys meet with the Pierce family, who are potential investors in their company. The tension between the two families is palpable, with both sides vying for control and trying to one-up each other. This episode is a masterclass in writing and acting, with standout performances from the entire cast.
Another episode that viewers have ranked as one of the best is "This Is Not for Tears" from season two's finale. This episode sees the culmination of tensions that have been building throughout the season, with the family's power struggles coming to a head. The episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, with shocking twists and turns that leave viewers reeling. It's a testament to the show's ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and deliver satisfying payoffs.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 16, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
On his 80th birthday, media magnate Logan Roy, whose imminent retirement was thought to be a given, shocks his family by announcing he's staying on indefinitely as CEO of Waystar/Royco. The news shatters his son Kendall, the heir apparent who's in the midst of negotiating the purchase of a digital-media venture founded by a slick operator named Lawrence.
The episode was rated 7.38 from 2868 votes.
Logan's incapacitation sets off a heated succession debate among his children, as the Board rushes to inform the media about leadership contingencies before the stock market opens. Greg is tasked to retrieve some important items from the Roy apartment. Kendall makes an impassioned final plea to keep Waystar/Royco in the family, and receives some sobering news.
The episode was rated 7.40 from 2376 votes.
With Waystar's stock plunging to dangerous lows, Kendall is confronted with a major crisis involving a secret bank debt. Upset with Marcia for pulling rank in the Roy apartment, Shiv decides to enlist an old paramour to conduct a background check on Logan's third wife. Kendall and Roman attend their first big meeting in their new roles, as do Tom and Greg.
The episode was rated 7.43 from 2184 votes.
With the company’s annual foundation gala fundraiser approaching, and his dad out of the picture, Kendall polishes up his speech while enlisting an on-air personality from the Waystar’s ATV Networks to accompany him. Shiv tries to minimize damage from a sordid photo that threatens a client's political future. Tom inherits a “virus” from his predecessor.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 2009 votes.
After hearing Logan’s plan to expand in to local TV, Kendall begins to plot a vote of no confidence against his father. Greg drives his ornery grandfather Ewan from Canada to New York for a Thanksgiving reunion with Logan. Tom grows increasingly concerned about the terms of his prenuptial agreement with Shiv, and recruits Greg for a clandestine task.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 1968 votes.
Tom has a bachelor’s party to remember. Kendall eyes a new business opportunity with a pair of idealistic entrepreneurs. Roman looks to land a deal for local TV stations with his father’s longtime nemesis. Logan tasks Greg to act as Kendall’s babysitter during Tom’s party. Shiv and Gil get ambushed during a TV interview on a Waystar network.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 1858 votes.
In an effort to fix his public image, Logan agrees to a family therapy session at Connor’s New Mexico ranch that Logan intends to double as a publicity stunt. While lying low, Kendall spends some time with the locals and finds his sobriety tested. Shiv considers putting herself in a precarious situation when Nate pushes her to join a potential presidential candidate’s team.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 1923 votes.
The Roys assemble at an English castle to prepare for Shiv and Tom’s wedding. The children reunite with their mother Caroline, who is every bit as acerbic as Logan. As guests mingle and clash, Kendall learns from Stewy and Sandy that their plot for a hostile takeover of Waystar has been fast-tracked in order to catch Logan off guard.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 1799 votes.
In the latest episode of Succession, titled "Which Side Are You On?", tensions rise as the vote of no confidence against Logan looms. Roman takes matters into his own hands, attempting to sway a neutral board member to his side. Meanwhile, Kendall races against the clock to secure enough "yea" votes to save himself. As Logan heads to Washington for a meeting with the president, he starts to question whether he's been snubbed. The episode takes a thrilling turn as a potential scandal is successfully averted. And amidst all the chaos, Tom introduces Greg to the world of fine dining.
Comments from viewers of the episode range from excitement to frustration. One viewer couldn't contain their enthusiasm, exclaiming, "What a good episode! I could barely breathe when it was all happening at the end." Another viewer notes that the seemingly impenetrable house of cards is starting to crumble. They write, "This house of cards doesn't seem to be as strong as it looks like. And it will fall apart." For some, this episode marked a turning point in the series, with one viewer declaring it the first truly great episode of Succession. They proclaim, "Great TV. The show has been alright but nothing special until now. This is the first truly great episode of Succession."
With each passing episode, Succession continues to captivate its audience. As one viewer succinctly puts it, "Amazing episode. Things are starting to come together really well." However, not everyone is fully convinced by the characters' decisions. In particular, one viewer struggles to understand Ewan's loyalty to his brother, despite referencing it in an earlier episode. They express their confusion, saying, "I struggle to understand Ewan's decision, even though he referenced it in an earlier episode - '...he's still my brother'. Based on everything that has happened since, I just can't buy it."
With the stakes getting higher and the tensions escalating, it's clear that Succession is delivering on its promise of gripping storytelling. Viewers eagerly await the next episode to see how the intricate web of power and family dynamics will continue to unravel.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 1951 votes.
Amidst the revelry of Tom and Shiv's wedding, tension rises as Logan and his team go into defense mode in response to the Waystar takeover bid. The episode, titled "Nobody Is Ever Missing," takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the situation becomes supercharged. Kendall, in search of an escape outlet, finds himself in a precarious position while Tom uses his new wife's candor to his advantage.
As the season one finale of Succession, "Nobody Is Ever Missing" delivers a strong ending to an already gripping season. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering how the characters will navigate the fallout of the takeover bid. The episode is filled with memorable moments, including Tom's hilarious exchange about the wine and Kendall's ill-fated decision that puts him in the palm of his father's hand.
Fans of the show have praised the season closer, calling it a great finale that leaves them wanting more. The sharp wit and clever dialogue, particularly from characters like Tom and the mother, continue to captivate audiences. With its mix of drama and humor, "Nobody Is Ever Missing" showcases the brilliance of Succession and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next season.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 1851 votes.
