15 Shows That Are Almost as Ruthless as Succession

1. Billions

In the high-stakes world of New York finance, U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades and hedge fund king Bobby Axelrod are locked in a perpetual game of cat and mouse. It's law versus money, with power as the ultimate prize. Remember when Axelrod buys a house to spite Rhoades, kicking the rivalry up a notch? Every power play, betrayal, and backroom deal exposes the ruthlessness of a world where billions of dollars are at stake.

2. Mad Men

Don Draper, a suave but deeply troubled ad executive, is at the center of this drama set in a 1960s New York advertising agency. Don's not just selling the American Dream; he's chasing it too, but his dark past and personal demons are always in hot pursuit. He navigates through a world of corporate politics, rampant sexism, and personal crises. And who can ignore the array of complex female characters like Peggy Olson, who climbs the corporate ladder amidst rampant workplace sexism?

3. Power

James "Ghost" St. Patrick is living a double life. A successful nightclub owner by day and a drug kingpin by night. He's got a loyal right-hand man, Tommy, and a wife, Tasha, who's as involved in the criminal underworld as he is. Ghost wants out of the drug game, but as we see, leaving isn't easy. Remember when he was ready to leave it all behind for Angela, an old flame, but crime pulled him back in? Every episode, Ghost's two worlds teeter dangerously on the brink.

4. Game of Thrones

It's the ultimate battle for the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The show's ruthlessness is legendary – with political intrigue, betrayal, and bloody power struggles at every corner. Think of Ned Stark's shocking execution, the Red Wedding, or Cersei's explosive revenge on the High Sparrow and his followers. Every character, noble or not, is expendable, reminding viewers that in the game of thrones, you win or you die.

5. House of Cards

Frank Underwood, with his Southern drawl, breaks the fourth wall to take us on his ruthless climb to the U.S. presidency. Betrayals, manipulations, and dark political machinations are his playground. Assisted by his equally ambitious wife Claire, their unflinching pursuit of power leaves a trail of casualties. The time Frank pushed journalist Zoe Barnes in front of a moving train still haunts us, showcasing just how far the Underwoods are willing to go.

6. The Sopranos

Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, deals with the pressures of heading a criminal organization while managing a tumultuous personal life. Therapy sessions reveal his vulnerability and the deep-seated issues driving his violent tendencies. Family, in both senses of the word, is a recurring theme – balancing responsibilities as a father and a husband with the demands of being a mob boss isn't for the faint-hearted. Remember the unsettling tension every time a character, even a beloved one, faced Tony's wrath?

7. Narcos

Based on the true story of Colombia's infamously violent drug cartels and the government's attempts to stop them. We are thrown into the dark underworld of drug lord Pablo Escobar's empire. It's a dangerous dance between Escobar, his enemies, and the DEA agents determined to bring him down. Who could forget the horrific scene of Avianca Flight 203 being blown up mid-air, showcasing the unrelenting violence that defined an era?

8. Sons of Anarchy

Jax Teller is a man caught between two worlds. As a member of an outlaw motorcycle club, he's entrenched in a life of crime and violence. But Jax is also a father and a son, constantly struggling with his own identity and the legacy of his late father, the club's founder. Remember the internal war after Jax discovers his father's manifesto, a document that challenges the club's criminal activities? It's Shakespearean tragedy meets biker gang.

9. Boardwalk Empire

Enter the world of Nucky Thompson, the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City during Prohibition. He's not just the city's treasurer but also a gangster, weaving together the worlds of politics and crime seamlessly. Rival gangsters, federal agents, and politicians keep Nucky on his toes. The scene where he eliminates Jimmy, his protégé, to consolidate power? It's a cold reminder of the show's underlying brutality.

10. The Crown

While not violent like Succession, The Crown's emotional and psychological ruthlessness is palpable. Charting the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, we are pulled into the intricate, cold world of the British monarchy. Remember Princess Margaret's heart-wrenching decision to call off her engagement with Group Captain Peter Townsend under pressure from the Church and State? It underscores the personal sacrifices made in the name of duty and tradition.

11. Ozark

Marty Byrde's not your average financial planner. He's also a money launderer for a Mexican cartel. When a scheme goes south, Marty moves his family to the Ozarks, promising to wash millions. Between dodging FBI agents and dealing with local criminals, the Byrdes are perpetually in hot water. Who wasn't on the edge of their seat when Marty was forced to witness the execution of his partner Bruce after his skimming operation was exposed?

12. Better Call Saul

Before he was Saul Goodman, he was Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to make a name for himself. Jimmy's transformation into Saul, the sleazy lawyer we meet in Breaking Bad, is riddled with ethical quandaries, betrayals, and moral compromise. His complex relationship with his brother Chuck, a successful yet mentally troubled attorney, lays the foundation of Jimmy's descent. Remember the courtroom scene where Jimmy exposes Chuck's illness to save his own skin? Unforgettable.

13. Peaky Blinders

The Shelby crime family, led by the enigmatic Tommy Shelby, rules the streets of post-WWI Birmingham, England. Tommy's a war hero, a gangster, a politician – a man of many faces. His ruthless ambition sees the Shelbys clashing with other gangs, the police, and sometimes, each other.

14. Fargo

Every season introduces a new cast and a new crime, yet the Midwestern U.S. setting and the brutal, often darkly comedic tone remain constant. In the first season, the mild-mannered Lester Nygaard's encounter with the sinister hitman Lorne Malvo sets off a chain of violent events. Lester's transformation from a bullied insurance salesman to a murderer is as ruthless as it gets.

15. Breaking Bad

Meet Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher who gets a lung cancer diagnosis. Sounds tragic until Walt decides to start cooking meth with former student Jesse Pinkman to secure his family's financial future. They enter the violent drug world, and suddenly, Mr. White is not so nice anymore. We watch Walt transform from a sympathetic character to someone we barely recognize, making decisions that leave us gasping. The time he lets Jane, Jesse's girlfriend, die? Chilling.