# Succession (2018–2023) — Celluloid TV fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/shows/succession/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-26

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 91% |
| Celluloid Editorial Rating | 96/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 89% |
| Metascore | 89/100 |
| IMDb | 8.9/10 |
| Fan Score | 88% |
| Creator | Jesse Armstrong |
| Platform | HBO Max |
| Genres | Drama |
| Seasons | 4 (39 episodes) |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |

## Quick answer

Succession (2018–2023) is a Drama series created by Jesse Armstrong, streaming on HBO Max. It holds a 91% Celluloid Score — Celluloid Pick — from Celluloid editorial (96%), Metascore (89/100), IMDb (8.9/10), TMDB fan (88%) across 4 seasons. Audience snapshot (not in the composite): 89%.

## Celluloid verdict

A savagely funny and Shakespearean tragedy of the ultra-rich, powered by career-best ensemble acting and some of the sharpest dialogue ever written for television.

## Synopsis

The aging patriarch of a global media empire refuses to loosen his grip on power, pitting his four adult children against one another in a vicious, ever-shifting battle for control of the company and his approval. Wealth, betrayal, and family dysfunction collide at the highest levels of American business.

## Cast

Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Nicholas Braun

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Most searched questions

**Is Succession worth watching?**
Yes — Succession earns a 91% Celluloid Score (Celluloid Pick), from editorial 96%, Metascore 89/100, IMDb 8.9/10, TMDB fan 88%. Audience snapshot is separate (89%). A savagely funny and Shakespearean tragedy of the ultra-rich, powered by career-best ensemble acting and some of the sharpest dialogue ever written for television.

**Why is Succession so highly rated?**
Succession scores 91% from four inputs: Celluloid editorial 96/100, Metacritic 89/100, IMDb 8.9/10 and TMDB fan rating 88%. The separate audience snapshot is 89%. A savagely funny and Shakespearean tragedy of the ultra-rich, powered by career-best ensemble acting and some of the sharpest dialogue ever written for television. See the full breakdown on the Succession series page.

**Is Succession based on a real family?**
It is fiction, widely read as inspired by media dynasties (e.g. Murdoch-like empires). Watch Succession as a closed four-season satire.

**Is Succession on HBO Max?**
Yes — Succession is available on HBO Max in many regions (catalogued under HBO Max on Celluloid). Rights differ by country; confirm in the HBO Max app or the where-to-watch notes.

**Is Succession on Netflix?**
No — Succession is not on Netflix. It streams on HBO Max, and on Celluloid it is catalogued under HBO Max. Streaming rights rotate by country, so confirm in your region before subscribing.

**What year did Succession come out?**
Succession first aired in 2018 and ran through 2023 (2018–2023). Created by Jesse Armstrong; it streams on HBO Max today.

**How many seasons of Succession are there?**
Succession has 4 seasons across 39 episodes (2018–2023). Status: ended / complete.

**How long does it take to watch Succession?**
At roughly 40–50 minutes per episode, Succession’s 39 episodes take roughly 29 hours of runtime (plus credits). Binge pace depends on season breaks.

**Where can I watch Succession?**
Succession streams on HBO Max in supported regions. On Celluloid it is catalogued under HBO Max. Rights rotate — confirm in your country on the platform app.

**Who is in the cast of Succession?**
Succession stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, and others. Created by Jesse Armstrong.

**How many episodes are in Succession?**
Succession has 39 episodes across 4 seasons (2018–2023).

**What is Succession about?**
The aging patriarch of a global media empire refuses to loosen his grip on power, pitting his four adult children against one another in a vicious, ever-shifting battle for control of the company and his approval. Wealth, betrayal, and family dysfunction collide at the highest levels of American business.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

Markdown mirror: https://celluloidscore.com/shows/succession.md