April 16th 2023.
Kieran Culkin succinctly captures the sheer magnitude of wealth that the Roy family possesses in HBO's hit series, Succession. The show is a masterful exploration of the one percent of the one percent, highlighting the extravagance of ordering a helicopter like we would an Uber. It has been heralded as one of the best television programmes of the 21st century, sweeping awards ceremonies with its 13 Emmy wins.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) The Roy family battles to control their media empire, Waystar Royco, as their father's health starts to decline
The emergence of numerous shows surrounding the lives of the super-rich has viewers flocking to watch the unpalatable guests, backstabbing bankers, and seedy figures bidding on the poor. Although it seems contradictory that there is a surge in programming about the wealthy during a time of financial hardship, people turn to television for luxury during difficult times. Broadcast historian Finola Doyle O'Neill notes that during recessions, shows like Dallas and Dynasty proved popular for their escapism and opulence.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Succession has become a commercial and critical success, but is far from being an outlier
Entertainment Editor Lucy Mapstone explains that audiences watch these shows to gain a glimpse of a lifestyle they may never have, and to judge the wealthy. However, the lens in which audiences view wealth in more recent programming is far from deferential; they are all uniquely contemptible. It seems that having unimaginable levels of wealth is a poisoned chalice and viewers can see the struggle to maintain it, as well as the impact it has on personalities.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) The lens in which viewers view the wealthy has changed to one of contempt
Kieran Culkin aptly highlighted the immense wealth of the Roy family in HBO's hit series, Succession. While it may be linked to designer labels and luxury locations on screen, the true wealth lies in the finer details. Roman Roy said in a 2019 interview, 'You don't duck when getting out a helicopter because we grew up getting out of helicopters, you just walk right the f*** out.'
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) This portrayal of the super-rich is not an outlier, with numerous dramas showing wealthy people misbehave on screen. Audiences are flocking to watch them, as even during economic hardship, television provides an escape. Finola Doyle O'Neill, a broadcast historian, noted that when there was a recession in the early 80s, shows like Dallas and Dynasty were popular, as they provided a form of escapism.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Lucy Mapstone, Entertainment Editor at The Agency, recognizes the trend of viewers wanting to see the Roys fly around in private jets and have exploits on a whim. People also enjoy judging those that are seemingly 'above' them in society, but Succession and other programs show us that having unimaginable levels of wealth is a poisoned chalice.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) There is a sense of schadenfreude in watching the wealthy suffer, which could be fuelled by the political climate and unequal distribution of wealth. Thus, viewers can covet the luxury and opportunities families such as the Roys have on offer, but also understand that none of the clan are particularly happy.
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