"HBO's Succession Podcast" is a podcast released in July 2020 by HBO, as a companion to their series, Succession. It was hosted by Roger Bennett in its first season and Kara Swisher in its second and third.
All three seasons can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Background[]
Throughout its 31-episode run, the podcast featured many members of the cast, unpacking the events of the series and psychology of their characters.[1] In its second and third seasons, Swisher would also speak with outside experts, such as titans, whistleblowers, and political consultants, to reveal Succession's terrifying accuracy in portraying real world events.[2]
Episodes[]
Season 1[]
| # | Title | Length | Release date | Special guest(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Cox | 32 minutes | July 13, 2020 | Brian Cox |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by the man at the top of the Waystar Royco org chart: Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winner Brian Cox, the gent who plays Succession's bellicose patriarch Logan Roy. Brian talks his tenacious career arc, whether Logan really loves his children, and dives deep into that age-old Logan Roy adage: "Fuck Off."[3] | ||||
| 2 | Jeremy Strong | 40 minutes | July 19, 2020 | Jeremy Strong |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by the haunted, hip hop slinging, dead-eyed, try-hard heir apparent to your favorite media, cruise and theme-park empire, Jeremy Strong, aka Kendall Roy. Jeremy discusses the extremes he goes to meet his character, Kendall's relationship with his father, and the one line that caused him to turn against his family.[4] | ||||
| 3 | Sarah Snook | 42 minutes | July 26, 2020 | Sarah Snook |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by Sarah Snook, who plays Shiv Roy, that astute, acerbic, entitled lover of non-monogamous relationships, unbridled power and backless turtlenecks. Snook talks landing the role on a longshot video from Australia, the dynamics and origins of Shiv's relationship with Tom, and if she is the rightful heir to the Waystar Royco throne.[5] | ||||
| 4 | Kieran Culkin | 34 minutes | August 2, 2020 | Kieran Culkin |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by Emmy-nominee Kieran Culkin, who plays Roman Roy, the louche, gutter-mouthed, broken third son of monstrous patriarch Logan. Kieran talks Roman's unfiltered approach to life, the character's sexual hangups, and finally embracing acting as a "career" in his mid-30s.[6] | ||||
| 5 | Nicholas Braun | 27 minutes | August 9, 2020 | Nicholas Braun |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by Emmy nominee Nicholas Braun, who plays Cousin Greg, the gangly, toe fungus-beset, California Pizza Kitchen aficionado capable of stapling his pants to his own leg. Braun talks about his comedic connection with Matthew Macfadyen, whether Greg has the killer instinct to rise to the top of Waystar Royco, and meeting Succession fan, President Bill Clinton.[7] | ||||
| 6 | J. Smith-Cameron | 32 minutes | August 16, 2020 | J. Smith-Cameron |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by J. Smith-Cameron, who plays Gerri Kellman, Waystar Royco's General Counsel, the smartest person in the room and a true boss in a sea of manboys. Smith-Cameron talks Gerri as a strong, empowering female role, her ability to steal a scene with a side-eye or smirk, and the origin of the term "slime puppy."[8] | ||||
| 7 | Alan Ruck | 26 minutes | August 23, 2020 | Alan Ruck |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by Alan Ruck, who plays Connor Roy, the Presidential hopeful, sugar daddy and Napoleon artifact aficionado. Alan talks what one line unlocked Connor for him, his character's relationship with "the golden trio" of Roy siblings and Rasputin's penis.[9] | ||||
| 8 | Matthew Macfadyen | 31 minutes | August 30, 2020 | Matthew Macfadyen |
| Host Roger Bennett is joined by Emmy nominee Matthew Macfadyen, who plays Tom Wambsgans, the brown-nosed king of beta-maleness and cuckold crown prince of doomed love. Matthews talks transforming his velvety British voice into Tom's American accent, his antithetical relationships with Shiv and Greg, and the sheer terror of eating Logan Roy's chicken.[10] | ||||
Season 2[]
| # | Title | Length | Release date | Special guest(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rich Doesn't Equal Smart | 32 minutes | October 17, 2021 | Jennifer Palmieri |
| In the first episode of the Succession podcast, host Kara Swisher unpacks the season three premiere episode, "Secession," which features a deliciously awkward phone call between Gerri and the president's press secretary. Kara is joined by former White House Communications Director, Jennifer Palmieri to talk about real life media conglomerates lobbying the White House, and whether Waystar's move was savvy, or just a complete disaster. Kara also ranks which character is up in this week's episode, who's down, and who made the most surprising power move.[11] | ||||
| 2 | "Narcissist, Taker, or A**hole" | 28 minutes | October 24, 2021 | Adam Grant |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by organizational psychologist Adam Grant to discuss Season 3, Episode 2, "Mass in Time of War," and dive into the complicated family business dynamics of the Roy children. Kara and Adam talk about what happens when a culture of lies, narcissists, ego is fueled by a demanding and demeaning boss. Plus Kara gives her take on who ended this week's episode of Succession on top of the leaderboard, who's down, and who made the biggest power move.[12] | ||||
| 3 | "Comic Cowardice or False Power" | 36 minutes | October 31, 2021 | Lucy Prebble |
| In the third episode of the podcast (corresponding with Season 3, Episode 3, "The Disruption,") Kara Swisher and Succession Executive Producer Lucy Prebble talk about how the writers of the show walk the line between tragedy and comedy. We hear how Succession creator Jesse Armstrong pushes the writers to steer clear of anything that could veer into soap opera, and learn where they find inspiration in real world events. And of course, Kara goes through this week's Succession "Power Rankings."[13] | ||||
| 4 | "The Bigger the Party, the Bigger the Fraud" | 22 minutes | November 7, 2021 | Mark Cuban |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by entrepreneur and NBA governor Mark Cuban for a conversation corresponding to season 3, episode 4, "Lion in the Meadow." They dissect the business acumen of Logan Roy and his efforts to keep control of his company in the face of shareholder hostility. Cuban gets into what it means to be a high stakes investor in a family company that's trying to stay in control. With Logan's back against the wall and his health at risk, can he afford not to have a succession plan? Mark doesn't seem to think so. And as usual, Kara gives her take on this week's installment of power rankings.[14] | ||||
| 5 | "Cringe Ranking" | 24 minutes | November 14, 2021 | Aminatou Sow |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by writer and podcast host Aminatou Sow to discuss the world of privilege and role of race in Succession. They discuss the Roys' private jets at stake in season 3, episode 5 "Retired Janitors of Idaho," and Aminatou explains how she feels about representation in Succession, and the window it provides into an isolated world of privilege. Also, Kara lets us know who's up and who's down in this week's power rankings.[15] | ||||
| 6 | "Donor Pregnancy" | 25 minutes | November 21, 2021 | Anthony Scaramucci |
| Host Kara Swisher talks with political pundit Anthony Scaramucci for a conversation corresponding to season 3, episode 6, "What It Takes." Using his brief-but-legendary stint as Trump's White House Director of Communications he offers unique insight into the Roy family and its role in fictional politics. They also discuss the media's role in anointing a presidential candidate. Plus, Kara details who is climbing or falling down the Succession leaderboard in this week's power rankings.[16] | ||||
| 7 | "23-Foot Tall Pair of Spread Legs" | 22 minutes | November 28, 2021 | Stephen Carter |
| Host Kara Swisher talks with Succession production designer Stephen Carter and party designer for the wealthy Ken Fulk for a conversation corresponding to season 3, episode 7, "Too Much Birthday." With Kara, Stephen talks about how set ideas came together for Kendall's 40th birthday bash and some of our favorite episodes throughout the seasons. Later in the show Kara gets dishy with party planner Ken Fulks, who details how parties for the rich and wealthy really go down. And Kara details who is climbing or falling down the Succession leaderboard in her final power rankings of the season.[17] | ||||
| 8 | Onions and Football in Tuscany | 28 minutes | December 5, 2021 | Hunter Harris, Mark Mylod |
| Host Kara Swisher talks with pop culture writer Hunter Harris and Succession Director Mark Mylod about episode 8, "Chiantishire." Despite being in Tuscany for a lavish wedding, the Roys seize the moment to have some of the most devastating conversations of the season. Kara gets the details on shooting those scenes and getting those performances from director Mark Mylod who reveals the subtle way he tries to keep Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong in the zone as Kendall and Logan Roy. Kara also gets to dish about the episode with culture writer Hunter Harris who was on set with the Succession crew in Tuscany.[18] | ||||
| 9 | The Finale | 34 minutes | December 12, 2021 | Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and executive producer Frank Rich to discuss the shooting of episode 9, reaching those surprising betrayals in the finale, and life in the writers' room. Episode 9, "All The Bells Say" has one of the most painful scenes between Kendall, Roman and Shiv that was ever written. Jesse takes us through the process of writing and shooting it and why it was so key for Jeremy Strong to be physically uncomfortable in order to pull it off. Will Kara have any luck getting inside information about season 4? Listen and find out.[19] | ||||
Season 3[]
| # | Title | Length | Release date | Special guest(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Munsters" | 45 minutes | March 26, 2023 | Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, Ben Smith |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and executive producer Frank Rich to unpack "The Munsters", episode one of the final season. Then, Kara talks with Ben Smith, co-founder of the news site Semafor, about the Roy kids' new media venture.[20] | ||||
| 2 | "Rehearsal" | 41 minutes | April 2, 2023 | Lucy Prebble, Lara Wasser |
| Host Kara Swisher and Succession executive producer/writer Lucy Prebble dig into the family dynamics on display in season four, episode two, "Rehearsal." Then Kara talks with divorce attorney to the stars, Laura Wasser, about Shiv and Tomâs messy separation.[21] | ||||
| 3 | "Connor's Wedding" | 47 minutes | April 9, 2023 | Jesse Armstrong, Mark Mylod, Brian Cox |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by series creator Jesse Armstrong and episode director Mark Mylod. Then she has a spirited conversation with actor Brian Cox.[22] | ||||
| 4 | "Honeymoon States" | 51 minutes | April 16, 2023 | Sarah Snook, Lucy Prebble, James B. Stewart, Rachel Abrams |
| Sarah Snook sits down with Host Kara Swisher to unpack episode four, "Honeymoon States." Kara also welcomes back executive producer/writer Lucy Prebble and speaks with James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams, authors of the new book Unscripted, which covers the Redstone family.[23] | ||||
| 5 | "Kill List" | 37 minutes | April 23, 2023 | Kieran Culkin, Dick Costolo |
| Host Kara Swisher is joined by Kieran Culkin to discuss what's going on with Roman in episode five, "Kill List" â the Roys' Scandinavian adventure. Then, the former CEO of Twitter, Dick Costolo, shares thoughts on Lukas Matsson and the veracity of the deal at that Nordic retreat.[24] | ||||
| 6 | "Living+" | 37 mintues | April 30, 2023 | J. Smith-Cameron, Lorene Scafaria |
| Host Kara Swisher sits down with J. Smith-Cameron to process episode six, "Living+" and the future of Gerri Kellman at Waystar Royco. Plus, director Lorene Scafaria discusses how Kendall walks the line between success and failure, as he tries to follow in his father's footsteps.[25] | ||||
| 7 | "Tailgate Party" | 33 minutes | May 7, 2023 | Matthew Macfadyen, Eric Schultz |
| Matthew Macfadyen joins Host Kara Swisher to unpack Tom's pre-election jitters and the state of his marriage in episode 7, "Tailgate Party." Then, Kara chats with former Obama Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz, who advised the Succession writers on how to convey the all-too-real, cozy relationship between politics and media.[26] | ||||
| 8 | "America Decides" | 48 minutes | May 14, 2023 | Jesse Armstrong, Ben Ginsberg, Jon Klein |
| Host Kara Swisher and Succession creator Jesse Armstrong unpack the electoral and familial chaos of episode 8, "America Decides." Plus, Kara is joined by two political consultants who helped the Succession writers create this incredibly tense episode: Ben Ginsberg, a lawyer and advisor who played a central role in the Bush-Cheney administration, and Jon Klein, a political analyst and former president of CNN.[27] | ||||
| 9 | "Church and State" | 36 minutes | May 21, 2023 | James Cromwell, Jeremy Strong, William Villanova |
| This week, itâs a full house to discuss the penultimate episode of Succession, "Church and State." First, host Kara Swisher unpacks Ewanâs surprise eulogy with actor James Cromwell. Then, she finds out how real-life funeral planner William Villanova helped the Succession team create a perfectly extravagant service for Logan Roy. And finally, Kara checks in with Jeremy Strong about Kendall's blockbuster speech and where he stands as we head into the series finale.[28] | ||||
| 10 | "With Open Eyes" Part 1 | 56 minutes | May 28, 2023 | Jeremy Strong, Alexander SkarsgÄrd |
| Host Kara Swisher unpacks the Succession series finale, "With Open Eyes," in a two-part supersized podcast. In part one, Kara talks with Alexander SkarsgĂ„rd about why his tech billionaire character, Lukas Matsson, just canât let Waystar Royco go. Then Kara goes deep with Jeremy Strong to discuss the tragic end of Kendall and what his character really wanted all along. Part two, coming later this week, features an extended conversation with director and executive producer Mark Mylod.[29] | ||||
| 10.5 | "With Open Eyes" Part 2 | 36 minutes | May 30, 2023 | Mark Mylod |
| In part two of the series finale podcast, it's time to say goodbye to the Roy family, once and for all. Host Kara Swisher sits down with director and executive producer Mark Mylod. He breaks down everything about episode 10, 'With Open Eyes" â from the first table read, to that tense boardroom showdown, the Tom/Shiv of it all, and the final fate of the Roy children.[30] | ||||
Reception[]
For its third season, hosted by Swisher, the podcast was named "Podcast of the Year 2023" by Adweek[31]; however, fans and critics alike criticized Swisher's method of hosting, believing she had strayed too far form the original plot of the podcast.[32] One critic suggested:
| â | If youâre not already entranced by the travails of the wealth-addled, jet-saddled class, particularly as skewered in Succession, this is probably not the podcast for you. But if youâre in this cultural moment till its soon-to-be-reached conclusion, then this second-level analysis is worth your time. | â |
â Fiona McCann[src]
| ||
Listen[]
Succession Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Succession Podcast on Spotify
Succession Podcast on Amazon Music
Succession Podcast on YouTube
