TV

Succession Stars Straight Up Ignored The Script, But It Only Made the Show Even Better

Succession Stars Straight Up Ignored The Script, But It Only Made the Show Even Better
Image credit: Legion-Media

Who is the best improviser on Succession?

Succession is over. The finale was so amazing that it totally blew away the fans. We're all going to miss the show, but fingers crossed for a spinoff in the future.

In the meantime, fans are going crazy rewatching the series and discovering some awesome details. Some of them are even posting comparisons between the show's script and what actually made it onto the screen.

The complete scripts of Succession's all four seasons are available to be purchased on Amazon. Fans didn't hesitate to compare the scripts with the actual lines from the show.

@waterstones #Succession: the complete scripts seasons 1-3 are out now 🤑 #loganroy #kendall #shiv #roman #tom #greg #successionhbo #successionfinale ♬ original sound - Waterstones

As it turns out, actors don't always stick closely to the script — sometimes adding a few words or sometimes completely changing the structure of the phrase.

Despite the meticulousness of the script, the cast of Succession has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring their characters to life through improvisation.

These improvised moments add some authenticity, humor, and spontaneity that captivates the audience and elevates the overall viewing experience.

The fact that Succession allows for improvisation is a testament to the incredible talent of the cast. Each actor brings a unique perspective and interpretation to their role, infusing the characters with depth and complexity.

The improvised moments not only showcase their acting prowess but also demonstrate their ability to think on their feet and adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics within the show.

Kieran Culkin is an absolute fan-favorite in terms of improvisation, as he seems to have more improvised lines than any other actor.

Pretty everyone agrees that Succession stars have literally lived the lives of their characters. However, we should also take into account other factors that may influence the original script.

In the intro to season one complete scripts book, Jesse Armstrong revealed some of them.

For example, lines can be deleted or amended. The length of the script is intentionally extended, considered long at 70-80 pages for an hour of TV. It allows greater flexibility in exploring ideas during the editing process.

Moreover, sometimes there are last-minute changes that are too late to be added in the script. This change may be prompted by staging or location-related challenges encountered during pre-production.