Succession Theme Song Overview
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Succession theme song, composed by the visionary Nicholas Britell, is widely considered one of the greatest TV intros of the modern era. Britell intentionally crafted a sound that blended the “old world” prestige of the Roy family’s wealth (represented by strings and piano) with the chaotic, modern aggression of their corporate warfare (represented by 808-style beats and hip-hop rhythms).
Created by Jesse Armstrong, the HBO series aired from June 3, 2018, to May 28, 2023, following the power struggles within Waystar Royco. The theme’s pulsating beats and haunting, slightly discordant piano melody perfectly mirror the fragility and ruthlessness of the Roy family dynamics. The remix version, often associated with the title “Puppets,” further emphasizes the control and manipulation at the heart of the show.
The music earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. Throughout its four-season run, the theme became an unmistakable signal to viewers that they were about to enter the high-stakes, uncompromising world of Logan Roy and his heirs.
