Fans of hit HBO comedy-drama Succession have faced largely unwelcome news this week, as the show’s upcoming fourth season has been officially confirmed to be its last.
The critically-acclaimed series follows the unthinkably wealthy Roy family – specifically family patriarch Logan Roy and his troubled children Kendall, Roman, and Shiv – who control the largest media company in the world. It explores the family’s profound dysfunctionality and the betrayal, hurt, and scheming that come with the family members’ infighting and struggles for power as Logan’s reign edges closer to its end.
Speaking to the New Yorker, show creator Jesse Armstrong confirmed his choice to conclude the series with its fourth season which is due to air on March 26th. The announcement comes as a surprise to most Succession fans, particularly given the fact that the season four trailer released in January gave no indication that the new season would be the show’s last.
When asked about the timing of his choice to reveal his decision, Armstrong told the New Yorker: “We could have said it at the end of the season. I quite like that idea, creatively, because then the audience is just able to enjoy everything as it comes, without trying to figure things out, or perceiving things in a certain way once they know it’s the final season. But … I feel a responsibility to the viewership, and I personally wouldn’t like the feeling of, ‘Oh, that’s it, guys. That was the end.’”
Armstrong also said that he felt “deeply conflicted” about choosing to end the series, but wanted to “do something … muscular and complete, and go out sort of strong”.
The fourth season will begin in the aftermath of the dramatic season three finale, in which the Roy siblings found themselves coming together as they were collectively betrayed by their father and, most shockingly, Shiv’s husband, Tom.
A gripping and complex final season thus awaits Succession fans, as the fate of the show’s fascinating characters will become revealed over the course of its suspenseful final episodes.
Season four of Succession will air on HBO and Sky Atlantic on March 26.
Words by Ellie Henderson
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