HBO Has Done It Again

I watch a lot of TV (congrats, dude). With so many outlets, I'd argue there's more good TV than ever. I'd even argue that there's more really good TV than ever. But, what ultimately classifies eras of television is the amount of great TV that comes out - and there's typically only one new great show every 2-4 years. 2007-2011 gave us the beginning of Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and Game of Thrones - an uncharacteristically great stretch. However, although those shows extended into the last few years and Thrones is still airing, it doesn't feel like there have been any new shows in the last few years that have reached that "great" threshold that will have a firm place in history. Last weekend, I finally watched Succession, and I'm ready to declare it a great show.

I know it's only been 1 season, but I can just tell there's something special about this show. To start, it's outrageously funny. Given that it's produced by Adam McKAy and Will Ferrell, this shouldn't come as a surprise, but given the general tone of the show and its classification as a drama, it's a bit unexpected. There aren't many shows out there that make me laugh out loud when I'm watching on my own, but Tom and Greg had me howling all weekend. The portrayals of those two characters are unbelievably funny. It's often less about what is said as opposed to how it's said. Their interplay is constantly cutting through the show's tension in a way that adds to it rather than making the tension seem trivial. As if those two weren't enough, the late-season coming-of-age of Roman and Connor brought a whole different dark/light humor dynamic that's only going to continue to develop. It's a huge testament to the writing staff that despite being a drama, this show is funnier than most comedies.

The story is great, the humor is great, but what ultimately is propelling me to declare this show "great" instead of "really good" is the season finale. My goodness. At times (especially in the most recent season) Game of Thrones feels really gripping because of the fantasy world around it and that mystique, but Succession was able to achieve that same gripping feel through raw emotion and exceptional acting. I watched the finale a second time this week and just can't get over how good it is. Even when I knew the outcome, the weight of Kendall's life as he runs through the woods was seismic. I still felt the hope, the sadness, the unease, and everything in between. It was a scene and an episode that made me feel only as the very best of TV makes me feel.

I have no clue what the impending seasons will hold and what routes the plot will take, but I'm all in. As I watch future seasons, I will do so with complete confidence that 20 years from now people will still  be watching and talking about this show. It's rare for a show to make such a declaration so early in its lifespan, but believe me when I say that this is one that you don't want to miss out on. If you haven't watched it yet, you've now officially got plans this weekend.