Succession backdrop
Drama•Comedy

The Worst Episodes of Succession

Every episode of Succession ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Succession!

Binge this in 1d 15h•Peaking at 9.2/10

Follow the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control.

Airs on
HBO
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons4

All1234

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Succession Season 1 Episode 3 - Lifeboats
    7.2/10(50 votes)

    #1 - Lifeboats

    S1:E3

    With Waystar's stock plunging to dangerous lows, Kendall is confronted with a major crisis involving a secret bank debt. Upset with Marcia for pulling rank in the Roy apartment, Shiv decides to enlist an old paramour to conduct a background check on Logan's third wife. Kendall and Roman attend their first big meeting in their new roles, as do Tom and Greg.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jonathan Glatzer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Succession Season 1 Episode 2 - Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory
    7.5/10(56 votes)

    #2 - Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory

    S1:E2

    Logan's incapacitation sets off a heated succession debate among his children, as the Board rushes to inform the media about leadership contingencies before the stock market opens. Greg is tasked to retrieve some important items from the Roy apartment. Kendall makes an impassioned final plea to keep Waystar/Royco in the family, and receives some sobering news.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Tony Roche

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Succession Season 1 Episode 1 - Celebration
    7.6/10(65 votes)

    #3 - Celebration

    S1:E1

    On his 80th birthday, media magnate Logan Roy, whose imminent retirement was thought to be a given, shocks his family by announcing he's staying on indefinitely as CEO of Waystar/Royco. The news shatters his son Kendall, the heir apparent who's in the midst of negotiating the purchase of a digital-media venture founded by a slick operator named Lawrence.

    Director:Adam McKay
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Succession Season 1 Episode 4 - Sad Sack Wasp Trap
    7.6/10(50 votes)

    #4 - Sad Sack Wasp Trap

    S1:E4

    With the company’s annual foundation gala fundraiser approaching, and his dad out of the picture, Kendall polishes up his speech while enlisting an on-air personality from the Waystar’s ATV Networks to accompany him. Shiv tries to minimize damage from a sordid photo that threatens a client's political future. Tom inherits a “virus” from his predecessor.

    Director:Adam Arkin
    Writer:Anna Jordan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Succession Season 1 Episode 5 - I Went to Market
    7.7/10(47 votes)

    #5 - I Went to Market

    S1:E5

    After hearing Logan’s plan to expand in to local TV, Kendall begins to plot a vote of no confidence against his father. Greg drives his ornery grandfather Ewan from Canada to New York for a Thanksgiving reunion with Logan. Tom grows increasingly concerned about the terms of his prenuptial agreement with Shiv, and recruits Greg for a clandestine task.

    Director:Adam Arkin
    Writer:Georgia Pritchett

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Succession Season 1 Episode 8 - Prague
    7.7/10(43 votes)

    #6 - Prague

    S1:E8

    Tom has a bachelor’s party to remember. Kendall eyes a new business opportunity with a pair of idealistic entrepreneurs. Roman looks to land a deal for local TV stations with his father’s longtime nemesis. Logan tasks Greg to act as Kendall’s babysitter during Tom’s party. Shiv and Gil get ambushed during a TV interview on a Waystar network.

    Director:S.J. Clarkson
    Writer:Jon Brown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Succession

    READ
  7. Succession Season 1 Episode 7 - Austerlitz
    7.8/10(42 votes)

    #7 - Austerlitz

    S1:E7

    In an effort to fix his public image, Logan agrees to a family therapy session at Connor’s New Mexico ranch that Logan intends to double as a publicity stunt. While lying low, Kendall spends some time with the locals and finds his sobriety tested. Shiv considers putting herself in a precarious situation when Nate pushes her to join a potential presidential candidate’s team.

    Director:Miguel Arteta
    Writer:Lucy Prebble

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Succession Season 1 Episode 9 - Pre-Nuptial
    7.8/10(43 votes)

    #8 - Pre-Nuptial

    S1:E9

    The Roys assemble at an English castle to prepare for Shiv and Tom’s wedding. The children reunite with their mother Caroline, who is every bit as acerbic as Logan. As guests mingle and clash, Kendall learns from Stewy and Sandy that their plot for a hostile takeover of Waystar has been fast-tracked in order to catch Logan off guard.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Succession Season 4 Episode 1 - The Munsters
    7.8/10(44 votes)

    #9 - The Munsters

    S4:E1

    As Kendall, Shiv, and Roman hone their pitch for potential investors in LA, a call from Tom shifts the siblings' focus towards one of their dad's long-coveted companies. Back in NY, Greg's uninvited plus-one raises questions at Logan's birthday party, Connor considers throwing a gargantuan sum at his campaign, and Tom seeks assurances from Logan.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Succession Season 4 Episode 2 - Rehearsal
    7.8/10(41 votes)

    #10 - Rehearsal

    S4:E2

    After Shiv discovers that Tom is following Logan’s playbook, she, Kendall, and Roman consider backing Sandi and Stewy’s aggressive play on the Matsson deal. Meanwhile, Logan gives an impromptu pep talk to the ATN newsroom… and outsources a tricky conversation with Kerry. Later, Connor tries to make the most of his rehearsal dinner when Willa goes AWOL.

    Director:Becky Martin
    Writers:Tony Roche, Susan Soon He Stanton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Succession Season 4 Episode 6 - Living+
    7.8/10(38 votes)

    #11 - Living+

    S4:E6

    Ahead of a crucial new product launch on Investor Day, Shiv weighs a business proposal from Matsson, while Kendall and Roman call an impromptu meeting to flip the script on their latest interaction with the tech billionaire. Later, the brothers each try to match Logan’s tempestuous style, with varying results.

    Director:Lorene Scafaria
    Writers:Georgia Pritchett, Will Arbery

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Succession Season 2 Episode 2 - Vaulter
    7.9/10(38 votes)

    #12 - Vaulter

    S2:E2

    Roman and Kendall do a “routine health check” of a new media brand to help Vaulter to determine the future of the company. Tom tasks Greg with sniffing out waste at ATN, as Greg wonders if the divisive media outlet is the right fit for him. Connor and Willa host a soiree to mark their return to New York. Shiv brings Tom in the loop about her future at Waystar and with Gil’s campaign.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writer:Jon Brown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Succession Season 2 Episode 7 - Return
    7.9/10(34 votes)

    #13 - Return

    S2:E7

    The Roys head to the UK, where Roman and Shiv try to strike a deal with their mother and Logan and Kendall face the consequences of their last visit.

    Director:Becky Martin
    Writer:Jonathan Glatzer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Succession Season 3 Episode 6 - What It Takes
    7.9/10(37 votes)

    #14 - What It Takes

    S3:E6

    Logan and team head to Virginia for a conservative political conference, where Roman finds out surprising news about his mother.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writer:Will Tracy

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Succession Season 1 Episode 6 - Which Side Are You On?
    8.0/10(50 votes)

    #15 - Which Side Are You On?

    S1:E6

    With the vote of no confidence against Logan approaching, Roman attempts to sway a neutral board member, while Kendall frantically shores up his “yea” votes. Logan arrives in Washington to meet with the president, but worries he's been snubbed after a last-minute cancellation. After successfully thwarting a potential scandal, Tom introduces Greg to fine dining.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writer:Susan Soon He Stanton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Succession Season 3 Episode 2 - Mass in Time of War
    8.0/10(39 votes)

    #16 - Mass in Time of War

    S3:E2

    Kendall tries to get his siblings, as well as Stewy and Sandi, on his side. Fearing his legal situation, Greg asks Ewan for help.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Succession Season 3 Episode 4 - Lion in the Meadow
    8.0/10(35 votes)

    #17 - Lion in the Meadow

    S3:E4

    Logan and Kendall have their first meeting together with Josh, a major investor worried about their family feud.

    Directors:Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
    Writer:Jon Brown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Succession Season 2 Episode 1 - The Summer Palace
    8.1/10(40 votes)

    #18 - The Summer Palace

    S2:E1

    Kendall tries to make amends with his dad for his takeover attempt betrayal. Logan receives some unvarnished advice from his banker about the next best move for Waystar Royco. As Tom maneuvers for a new position in the company, Shiv tries to determine whether Logan is playing mind games regarding his successor.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Succession Season 2 Episode 3 - Hunting
    8.1/10(38 votes)

    #19 - Hunting

    S2:E3

    Logan informs his management team of his plan to make another attempt to acquire a rival media company. Greg worries his meeting with a Logan biographer puts his standing with the family at risk. Connor's presidential announcement irritates Logan.

    Director:Andrij Parekh
    Writer:Tony Roche

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Succession Season 2 Episode 8 - Dundee
    8.1/10(36 votes)

    #20 - Dundee

    S2:E8

    The entire Roy clan travels to Logan's hometown of Dundee, Scotland, for a celebration of Logan's 50 years in the business. Kendall becomes enamored with Jennifer, an actress in Willa's play. A former employee proves difficult to silence.

    Director:Kevin Bray
    Writer:Mary Laws

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Succession Season 3 Episode 1 - Secession
    8.1/10(40 votes)

    #21 - Secession

    S3:E1

    Following his bombshell presser, a righteous Kendall scrambles to find a base of operations, while Logan's team searches for safe harbor.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Jesse Armstrong

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Succession Season 3 Episode 3 - The Disruption
    8.1/10(37 votes)

    #22 - The Disruption

    S3:E3

    With the DOJ at the door, Logan summons his arsenal, while Tom makes a potentially life changing offer. Kendall becomes obsessed with his own takedown.

    Director:Cathy Yan
    Writers:Georgia Pritchett, Ted Cohen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Succession Season 4 Episode 4 - Honeymoon States
    8.1/10(38 votes)

    #23 - Honeymoon States

    S4:E4

    As Roman, Kendall and Shiv navigate a misstep with Matsson, the Waystar team discusses a pivotal recommendation to the board ahead of the GoJo sale. Angling for position, Kendall seeks support from Stewy and Hugo.

    Director:Lorene Scafaria
    Writers:Jesse Armstrong, Lucy Prebble

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Succession Season 2 Episode 4 - Safe Room
    8.2/10(38 votes)

    #24 - Safe Room

    S2:E4

    Roman begins a six-week management training program. Connor and Willa attend the funeral of a family friend with a complicated past. Logan and Kendall arrange a covert meeting with PGM CEO Rhea Jarrell. Controversy surrounds a star anchor.

    Directors:Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
    Writer:Georgia Pritchett

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Succession Season 2 Episode 6 - Argestes
    8.2/10(36 votes)

    #25 - Argestes

    S2:E6

    As Logan looks to finalize a deal to buy the Pierce family's papers and TV stations at a media & banking retreat, a threat to the deal arises from an unexpected quarter. Tom worries about ATN's new slogan after learning some distressing news from Greg. Kendall, Shiv and Roman fail to see eye to eye on how to handle damage control ahead of a panel featuring the Roys.

    Director:Matt Shakman
    Writer:Susan Soon He Stanton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Lifeboats" is the worst rated episode of "Succession". It scored 7.2/10 based on 50 votes. Directed by Mark Mylod and written by Jonathan Glatzer, it aired on 6/17/2018. This episode scored 0.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Sh*t Show at the F**k Factory".