“Better than Succession”: 10 sleeper-hit corporate dramas to watch now on BBC, NOW, Netflix and more

Exciting stories aren’t limited to crimes or global events. The world of money and even ordinary jobs can be just as thrilling when people are facing big challenges, with clear good guys and bad guys, and a lot at stake for everyone involved.

Okay, so I have to start with Succession – it’s just the show that really got everyone obsessed with dramas about powerful families and big companies, you know? But there’s so much other great TV out there too, and I want to share what I’ve been watching – let’s talk about the best shows around!

1. Succession (NOW)

Beyond being a story about a wealthy family, Succession feels like a classic Greek tragedy on a grand scale. The series centers around the Roy family and their media empire, Waystar RoyCo. The powerful patriarch, Logan Roy (played brilliantly by Brian Cox), constantly wavers between stepping down and holding onto control, unwilling to choose an heir from his ambitious children, who are all vying for his favor.

The relationships within a powerful family are deeply fractured, and the siblings Kendall, Siobhan, and Roman are constantly clashing as they compete to take over the business. This critically acclaimed and captivating drama features Kieran Culkin, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Matthew Macfadyen.

2. Industry (BBC iPlayer)

Following the 2008 financial crisis, a group of ambitious young bankers navigate the cutthroat world of high finance. Created by former investment bankers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, this story of rivalry and deception – often compared to the show Succession – offers a realistic look at the industry, from the polished exterior of power suits and intense competition to the darker, more troubling aspects of a career that demands relentless dedication.

3. Mad Men (Disney+)

If you’re fascinated by the fashionable world of 1960s New York and the lives of its middle class, Mad Men is the perfect show to transport you there. The series centers around Don Draper, who leads the creative department at the well-respected advertising firm, Sterling Cooper.

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Jon Hamm is enjoying great success in his career and remains captivating on screen – he’s still best known for a particular role – but he privately struggles with personal difficulties.

This acclaimed series follows Draper as he struggles to balance his family life, confront the repercussions of his past, and maintain a professional image at work.

4. Severance (Apple TV)

Okay, so I just finished watching this new show from Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson, and it’s seriously wild! It’s basically a workplace drama, but with this crazy sci-fi twist. The main idea is that people can literally split their consciousness in two – one version of you goes to work (‘your innie’) and the other lives your personal life (‘your outie’). And here’s the really mind-bending part: neither one knows what the other is up to! They basically share a body and just switch on and off, totally unaware of each other’s experiences. It’s dark, funny, and just really clever.

Mark, played by Adam Scott, leads a team at the mysterious Lumon Industries, but he’s frustrated with the company’s empty promises and desperately wants to escape his strange, confined work life. The show draws inspiration from classic series like The Prisoner and films such as One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, creating a thrilling and thought-provoking blend of workplace drama, science fiction, and psychological suspense.

5. Suits (Netflix)

Yep, the Meghan Markle one.

Mike Ross, despite lacking a law degree, lands a job working for a top lawyer because of his incredible memory. The catch? He has to hide the fact that he never went to law school while helping his boss with challenging cases. He manages to pull it off… for a while, at least!

While the show’s later fame is often linked to Meghan Markle, if you look past that, you’ll discover an enjoyable legal drama that ran for seven seasons.

6. The Morning Show (Apple TV)

This new Apple TV series features a rivalry between two powerful figures in the entertainment world – a conflict that plays out both on screen and, reportedly, behind the scenes.

The series follows Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as they navigate the high-stakes world of morning news, where a scandal erupts after their former colleague, Mitch Kessler (played by Steve Carrell), is fired due to accusations of sexual misconduct.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Greta Lee, Jon Hamm, Marion Cotillard, Bel Powley, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

7. Billions (Paramount+)

This drama follows the intense rivalry between tough prosecutor Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and ruthless hedge fund manager Bobby ‘Axe’ Axelrod (Damian Lewis). The show dives into the questionable and extravagant world of the wealthy and those who operate outside the law.

Similar to The Wolf of Wall Street, this film delivers the same excitement, glamour, and edgy content, all set against a backdrop of questionable ethics among the ultra-rich in the world of finance.

8. Empire (Disney+)

Comparing Empire to Succession isn’t helpful for either show, but they do have one thing in common: both center around a powerful patriarch preparing to hand over control to their children.

Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is a powerful music executive who’s getting ready to retire. He decides to have his three sons compete for control of his company, unaware that his recently released ex-wife, Cookie (played by the fantastic Taraji P. Henson), is also determined to take charge.

9. The Dropout (Disney+)

This isn’t your typical story of corporate power struggles. It’s the true story of Elizabeth Holmes, played by Amanda Seyfried, and how she started a company called Theranos. Theranos claimed to have groundbreaking blood-testing technology and attracted a lot of investment money, but it was eventually revealed to be a scam.

10. WeCrashed (Apple TV)

The latest example of corporate wrongdoing is depicted in a story featuring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway, who play a married couple named Adam and Rebekah Neuman.

As a long-time observer, it was amazing how the people behind WeWork pitched their idea. They really sold investors on the idea that they weren’t just renting office space – they were completely changing how we work! They made it sound like this shared-office concept was the way of the future, not just another property company.

The company seemed incredibly promising, once valued at $47 billion. However, a closer examination revealed it was founded on ego and false information.

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2026-03-23 00:23