Jesse Armstrong’s decision to end the fourth season of Succession has left fans devastated, but Armstrong’s choice is actually a bold move that avoids the common pitfalls of overstay and creative fatigue often seen in other popular TV shows. Historically, successful TV series tend to linger on for far too long, long after their expiration date, and often without a clear purpose. Shows like The X-Files, The Office, and Boardwalk Empire all suffered from this problem, with some even trying to prolong their life by introducing new characters or plot twists, but ultimately these attempts fell flat.
One of the primary reasons these shows failed to deliver is the loss of their original creative force. When David Duchovny left The X-Files, the show’s writers tried to replace Mulder, but it didn’t work, as the show’s main characters were irreplaceable. Similarly, The Office’s struggles after Steve Carell’s departure were due to the show’s inability to find a new creative direction, and the introduction of new characters and plotlines felt forced.
Seinfeld’s decline after Larry David left the show is another notable example. The show’s unique writing style and humor were deeply tied to David’s perspective and neuroses, and it was impossible to replicate this without him. Without a predetermined creative force driving the show, Succession could easily fall into the same trap.
A Still From Succession TV Show (Photo: Succession)
In contrast, Armstrong’s decision to end Succession on his own terms ensures that the show will have a definitive conclusion, free from the constraints of budgetary deadlines or trying to prolong the show’s life for the sake of its popularity. With its unique blend of satire and drama, Succession’s artful storytelling cannot be easily replicated, and Armstrong’s decision to conclude the show on his own terms allows him to maintain creative control and deliver a satisfying finale.
The success of shows like The Sopranos and The Wire, which also ended on their own terms, demonstrates that allowing a showrunner to have creative control over the ending can result in a greater reward for fans. Armstrong’s decision to end Succession is a testament to his confidence in his storytelling and his ability to deliver a conclusion that will satisfy fans. As the show’s four seasons become available for fans to watch on repeat, fans can trust that Armstrong has given them a gift that will endure long after the show has ended.
