What Writers Can Learn from Succession

Succession is filled to the brim with quotable lines. What are your favorite lines from the show?

The show feels so real to me because the characters seem to simply say what they need to rather than what the narrative requires. Great show.

The way these characters speak feels very realistic and genuine. There are many scenes where characters either talk over each other or begin to speak and stop mid sentence. Yet the dialogue is still powerful. The characters and their dialogue come across very authentic. Definitely my favorite show on television. Thank you for this!

So pleasant to hear about writers getting feedback from experts and actually listening to it. I wish we could have more of that, especially in historical productions (not that everything has to always be 100% accurate story- or realities-wise, but it's annoying when unnecessary changes are made not for any story or budget reasons but just because the creators thought: "oh it would be cooler this way")

14:25 The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to be believable.

At the start the show was "boring" in a sense that while I did have a good time watching the episodes, they really didn't leave me waiting for the next one. I tended to watch the next episode days after release. Now the characters have so grown on me I can't wait for the next episode and I'm really sad the show is ending.

Great writing is not mass market or four quadrant, or whatever the term is that means the primary concern of the show or movie is mass appeal. I think some people come to Succession after hearing how wonderful it is, find it doesn't suit their interests, and turn away in disgust saying it's boring or stupid. I don't think the writers ever intended to appeal to everyone. IF this kind of complex, character-driven investigation of human nature and power dynamics I rests you, then Succession will resonate. But if you prefer lighter, more action-driven fare, then it won't...and there's nothing wrong with that. Like all great writing, Succession asks the viewer to actively engage with the material and at times that can be uncomfortable or even taxing, even while it's entertaining. I actually postponed watching it the first couple of weeks (even though I'd been looking forward to it so much) because I was pretty sick from covid, and I knew this is not popcorn viewing where it doesn't matter if you're not really paying attention.

6:09 Never knew Spiderman helped the Succession writers understand ancient Roman dynasties and thus shaped the fabric of the show

Amazing, amazing video. This writers are the top of top. I love how they are all really self aware of what they doing and keep checking if everyone is in the same boat. Really good stuff there, man.

Only must watch TV show for me at the moment, so great to get some insight into their writing process. I disagree with them saying Ken’s rap made you want to look away since it’s my all-time fave moment, plus, it was shot in Dundee where I am from.

12:38 The verisimilitude of how they act is what give this show the edge and makes it feel special.

Such an essential video! Thanks for compiling this.

Succession has been one of the best shows ever made. Everything about it is great- the music, the acting, the sets, etc. BUT it’s one of the best written shows of all time. Might be a good idea to pay writers so we can have more great TV instead of reality shows about realtors.

Really happy you're back, man. You have really good insight in your video essays.

Another A+ breakdown. Thanks.

This is soooo good! Thank you for combining these wonderful quotes into great content 🔥

one of the best just in the last few years? man, this show is one of GOAT.

Glad to see you making videos again!

Never came across this channel before. Instant subscription!

thanks for compiling these interviews. great job as always.