How To Watch Succession In Australia: Answers To The Questions Everyone Is Asking
Ah, Succession. The show that has everyone talking, whispering, and probably judging their own family dynamics a little too hard. From the razor-sharp dialogue to the morally bankrupt yet utterly compelling Roy family, it's the ultimate guilty pleasure. But for us Aussies, there's always that little hurdle: how do we get our fix of corporate backstabbing and casual obscenity?
If you've found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing those cryptic memes, and feeling utterly out of the loop, fear not! This is your unofficial, no-BS guide to watching Succession Down Under. We’ll break down the streaming situation, the best viewing practices (because, let's be honest, this show deserves your full attention), and maybe even touch on whether Shiv would survive a Bondi heatwave.
So, grab yourself a lamington, settle into your comfiest couch, and let's dive into the burning questions everyone’s asking.
The Million-Dollar Question: Where Can I Watch Succession in Australia?
This is the big one, the opener for any serious Succession fan. The answer, thankfully, is pretty straightforward. Succession is a HBO original series, and here in Australia, that means one very specific streaming service.
Drumroll please… it’s Binge!
That’s right. If you’re not already subscribed to Binge, you might want to consider it. They are the exclusive home for all things HBO, including the crown jewels like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and of course, our beloved Succession. Think of it as your VIP pass to the Roy empire.
But Wait, What About Other Services?
You might be thinking, "Hang on, what about Foxtel Now or even Stan?" Good questions! While Foxtel used to be the exclusive home of HBO content, their streaming landscape has shifted. Binge now holds the primary rights for new HBO series. Stan, while a fantastic platform for a variety of international shows, doesn't currently have Succession.
So, if you’re looking for the latest season as it drops, or want to go back and binge-watch the iconic first seasons, Binge is your one-stop shop.
A Quick Note on Free Trials
Planning a Succession marathon and don't want to commit long-term? Keep an eye out for Binge’s free trial periods. They often offer them, allowing you to catch up on a season (or two!) without spending a cent. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t wish to continue with a paid subscription. We wouldn't want any unintended subscription fees adding to your GoJo-level debt!
When Can I Watch New Episodes? The Global Release Dilemma
This is where things can get a little tricky, especially if you’re used to shows dropping at midnight like some kind of exclusive sneaker release. Succession, being an HBO show, airs in the US first. This means:
New episodes typically premiere in the US on a Sunday evening.
Now, for us in Australia, that translates to a Monday morning release on Binge. So, while the Americans are winding down their Sunday, we're just getting ready to dive into the Roy family’s latest drama.
The "Spoiler-Free" Challenge
This is arguably the hardest part of being a fan in Australia. Monday mornings, especially if you’re working or have other commitments, can be a minefield of potential spoilers. Social media, particularly Twitter and Instagram, can be a treacherous place. Our advice?
Embrace the Monday morning drop.
If you can, try to watch the new episode as soon as it’s available on Binge. This is the safest way to avoid those pesky spoilers that can ruin the punch of a well-crafted insult or a shocking betrayal.
Alternatively, if your Monday is packed, commit to avoiding social media until you've watched the episode. This requires discipline, I know, but the payoff – experiencing the episode as intended, with all its twists and turns – is absolutely worth it.
Think of it as a mini-detox from the digital world, a way to reclaim your narrative before Logan Roy (or any of his offspring) can dictate it to you. It's a small act of rebellion in a world that’s constantly trying to steal your thunder.
Maximising Your Succession Viewing Experience: Beyond Just Hitting Play
Watching Succession isn't just about passively consuming content. It's an event. It’s about appreciating the artistry, the performances, and the sheer audacity of it all. Here’s how to elevate your viewing game:
The "Roy Family" Watch Party
Gather your own “inner circle” – perhaps your chosen family, your best mates, or even your long-suffering partner. Make it an event! You could even assign character roles. Who’s your Shiv? Your Kendall? Your Roman? This adds an extra layer of fun and discussion, especially during commercial breaks (or, you know, while you’re pausing to process the sheer brilliance of a particular line).
Pro-tip: Encourage everyone to come prepared with their own witty, cutting remarks. It’s a great way to practice your own dialogue skills, though perhaps avoid using them on your actual family unless you’re aiming for a real-life Roy family drama.
The Soundtrack of Success (and Failure)
One of the unsung heroes of Succession is its incredible music. Nicholas Britell’s score is masterful, perfectly capturing the opulence, the tension, and the underlying melancholy of the Roy world. Make sure your sound is on point! Invest in some decent speakers or headphones. You want to feel every thumping beat of that theme music, every subtle sting that underscores a moment of profound existential dread.
Fun Fact: Britell has spoken about how he wanted the music to reflect the "beautifully awful" nature of the Roy family. He aimed for a sound that was both grand and deeply unsettling. He absolutely nailed it.
The Cocktail/Mocktail Companion
What would a power play be without a beverage? Channel your inner Roman and mix up a sophisticated, or perhaps slightly questionable, cocktail. A classic Old Fashioned, a dry martini, or even a dangerously strong G&T would fit the bill. For those who prefer to stay sober (or, like Connor, have other… unique beverage preferences), a mocktail can be just as stylish.
Cultural Nod: Remember Kendall's infamous water bottle moment? While we don't recommend replicating that specific level of despair, a high-quality bottled water can be a subtle nod to the show's themes of manufactured well-being and underlying desperation.
Common Succession Questions Answered (Because We’ve All Been There)
Beyond the streaming logistics, there are a host of other questions that pop up as you delve deeper into the Succession universe:
Is It Worth the Hype?
Yes. A resounding, unequivocally yes. The hype is real. The writing is exceptional, the performances are award-worthy (and have the trophies to prove it), and the characters, despite their flaws, are utterly captivating. It’s a masterclass in television drama.
Who Are the Main Characters? (A Quick Refresher)
You’ve got Logan Roy, the patriarch, the titan of media, and a man whose "love" is measured in business deals. Then there are his children:
- Kendall Roy: The heir apparent, perpetually trying to prove himself, often spectacularly failing.
- Siobhan "Shiv" Roy: The political operative, sharp and ambitious, always playing the long game.
- Roman Roy: The joker, the youngest, with a dark sense of humour and a deep-seated need for validation.
- Connor Roy: The eldest, somewhat detached, with eccentric ambitions and a penchant for the theatrical.
And, of course, their significant others, the sycophantic hangers-on, and the ruthless business rivals. It's a whole ecosystem of ambition and backstabbing.
How Many Seasons Are There?
As of the time of writing, there are four seasons of Succession. The fourth and final season concluded in May 2023, bringing an end to the Roy family saga.
Important Note: Since this is the final season, there will be no more new episodes after Season 4. So, while you can binge the whole series, the story is complete. This might be a relief for some, a heartbreak for others.
Will There Be a Spin-Off?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the rumour mill is always churning. Given the popularity and the sheer number of fascinating supporting characters, it's not impossible. However, for now, the focus is on the completed Roy family story. We'll have to wait and see if any of the supporting cast gets their own "Waystar Royco" to run (or ruin).
What's the Deal with the Language?
Prepare yourself. The dialogue in Succession is famously profane. The F-bomb is dropped with the frequency of a Sydney bus. It's not gratuitous, though. It's part of the characters' unfiltered, often brutal, way of communicating. If you're sensitive to strong language, you might want to prepare yourself, or perhaps utilise the mute button strategically during particularly heated exchanges.
Cultural Insight: The show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, is British, and there’s a certain dry, cutting wit that permeates the dialogue, often laced with a surprising amount of British vulgarity. It's a unique blend that makes the insults land with extra force.
Beyond the Boardroom: What Succession Teaches Us (Sort Of)
While we're all captivated by the dramatic twists and turns of the Roy family's lives, there are some subtle, albeit darkly humorous, lessons embedded within the show. Beyond the obvious about the corrupting nature of immense wealth and power, consider this:
The Importance of Communication (Even When It's Toxic): The Roys communicate, albeit in a way that would send a therapist running for the hills. They have their own language, their own shorthand. It reminds us that even in dysfunction, there’s a form of connection, however twisted.
Family is… Complicated: This is perhaps the most relatable aspect. No matter how rich or powerful, family dynamics remain messy. We see the yearning for approval, the resentments, the fierce loyalty (sometimes), and the deep-seated betrayals that can exist within any family unit. It’s a stark, often uncomfortable, reflection of our own relationships.
Ambition Can Be a Double-Edged Sword: The relentless drive of the Roy children is both admirable and deeply tragic. They chase power, but it rarely brings them true happiness or peace. It’s a cautionary tale about the pursuit of success at all costs.
A Final Reflection: From Roy's Empire to Our Own
Watching Succession, with its sprawling estates, private jets, and cutthroat business deals, can feel a million miles away from our everyday lives here in Australia. We might not be wrestling for control of a media empire, but we all navigate our own little kingdoms. Whether it’s the office, the family dinner table, or even just deciding who gets the last Tim Tam, we all have our own power plays and dynamics.
The show, in its own darkly comedic way, reminds us of the complexities of human relationships, the allure of ambition, and the enduring, often messy, ties of family. So, as you settle in to watch the Roys, perhaps with your own chosen family and a strategically chosen beverage, take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of it all. And maybe, just maybe, reflect on your own negotiations, your own declarations of love (or thinly veiled threats), and the unique way you navigate your own personal boardrooms.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch that scene with Tom and Greg at the funeral. It’s just too good!