HBO’s popular television series ‘Succession’ may have ended its five-year run in May 2023, but it has certainly left a lasting impression on millions of viewers.
With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.9 from IMDB it’s considered to be one of HBO’s most successful series, in league with legendary shows like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Sopranos’.
But what makes this multi-award winning satirical comedy-drama series so fascinating?
Well, there’s the witty dialogue, of course. Snarky quips from the show such as, “You look tired and your face is giving me a headache” have not only become memes but entered everyday conversation.
And then there’s the high caliber acting and production that delighted viewers. While ‘Succession’ is not exactly plot-driven, viewers are invested in the complex characters and dynamic of the cast. In the years that it ran (2018-2023), the show was nominated and awarded multiple times for Outstanding Drama Series and Best Actor / Supporting Actor at the Emmy Awards.
There are also underlying, deeper reasons why ‘Succession’ was a hit. The University of Pennsylvania found that even though the lavish backdrops and lifestyle featured on the show may not be relatable, the mental health issues of the show’s characters resonated with the audience.
More interestingly, the show feeds the “eat the rich” phenomenon that has gained prevalence in recent years.
‘Succession’ and similar shows like ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Triangle of Sadness’ give the public front row views to scrutinize how the ultra-wealthy live. Audiences are captivated by both the indulgences and the suffering of the rich, powerful and famous.
And finally, who can resist the lavish showcasing of palatial abodes, luxury cars and private jets?
Aviation and plane lovers are sure to have noticed the opulent private jet scenes prevalent in the show. Almost every episode featured the Roy family flying, conducting meetings, or getting onto/off many different private jets.
Actor Kieran Culkin, who plays Roman Roy in the show, mentioned in an interview with The Guardian that the cast was trained by so-called “wealth consultants” who taught them how to, well, act rich.
For instance, when getting off helicopters and private jets, they were taught how to do it casually as though they were just stepping off a bus.
“They told us, ‘You would’ve been doing this your whole lives. You know where the propeller is. You wouldn’t duck your head, you’d just walk right the f**k out,’” Culkin said.
As a treat for aviation enthusiasts who are fans of ‘Succession’, here’s a list of private jets featured in the show.
Private jet charter and rental company Stratos Jets have ranked the private jets from the most expensive to most affordable.
Most expensive private jets featured in HBO’s ‘Succession’
1. Boeing 737-75V (BBJ)
Seen in Season 3, Episode 1: ‘Succession’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $81,000,000
Cost to charter per hour: $26,520 – $31,590
2. Gulfstream G650
Seen in: Season 4, Episode 3: ‘Connor’s Wedding’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $67,000,000
Cost to charter per hour: $19,656 – $22,230
3. Embraer Lineage 1000E
Seen in: Season 2, Episode 9: ‘DC’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $52,500,000
Cost to charter per hour: $23,088 – $26,910
4. Dassault Falcon 7X
Seen in: Season 1, Episode 4: ‘Sad Sack Wasp Trap’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $52,200,000
Cost to charter per hour: $16,692 – $19,110
5. Gulfstream V
Seen in: Season 2, Episode 1: ‘The Summer Palace’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $43,100,000
Cost to charter per hour: $16,536 – $19,110
Summary:
Most affordable private jets in HBO’s ‘Succession’
1. Embraer Phenom 300
Seen in: Season 4, Episode 3: ‘Connor’s Wedding’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $8,900,000
Cost to charter per hour: $9,282 – $10,748
2. Pilatus PC-12
Seen in: Season 3, Episode 2: ‘Mass in Time of War’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $4,500,000
Cost to charter per hour: $3,432 – $4,134
3. Embraer Phenom 100
Seen in: Season 1, Episode 7: ‘Austerlitz’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $4,100,000
Cost to charter per hour: $4,290 – $5,304
4. Cessna 525 Citation Jet
Seen in: Season 1, Episode 7: ‘Austerlitz’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $4,100,000
Cost to charter per hour: $5,850 – $7,176
5. Cessna 208 Caravan
Seen in: Season 4, Episode 3: ‘Connor’s Wedding’
Cost to purchase a brand new aircraft: $2,100,000
Cost to charter per hour: $3,120 – $3,822
Summary:
