The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various aspects of our daily lives, including the entertainment industry. The highly anticipated fourth season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series Succession also faced numerous setbacks and changes due to the pandemic.
Since its debut in 2018, Succession has been a major hit with audiences and critics alike. The series follows the complex dynamics within the Roy family, who are the owners of a massive media conglomerate called Waystar Royco. The show has garnered attention for its compelling storytelling, sharp writing, and outstanding performances from the ensemble cast.
The third season of Succession concluded in 2019, and fans eagerly awaited the next season. However, the production of Succession Season 4 faced numerous challenges due to the pandemic. In this article, we will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the upcoming season of Succession.
Delayed production schedule
The pandemic forced HBO to delay the production schedule of all their shows, including Succession. The show was originally scheduled to start filming in April 2020, but due to the pandemic, production was halted. The entire cast and crew had to wait until it was safe to resume filming, which caused a significant delay in the production schedule.
According to reports, production finally resumed in November 2020 in New York City. Safety protocols were put in place to ensure the safety of the cast and crew, including frequent testing, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing.
Changes to the writing process
The pandemic not only impacted the production schedule but also posed challenges for the writing process. Succession creator Jesse Armstrong has mentioned in interviews that the pandemic forced him to adapt the storyline of the upcoming season.
Armstrong explained that the pandemic provided an opportunity to explore the impact of a crisis on the Roy family’s media empire. He said, “It’s just irresistible, I’m afraid, to see what COVID has done in a way to the Rich List and to the conversation around wealth, and who’s kind of benefited from this moment of disruption that we’ve had.”
Therefore, it appears that Succession Season 4 will be influenced by the pandemic and its impact on the wealth and power dynamics of the characters.
Cast and crew changes
The pandemic also caused changes in the cast and crew of Succession. Reports emerged in September 2020 that actor Brian Cox, who plays the patriarch of the Roy family, Logan Roy, had tested positive for COVID-19. The news came a few days after the show had resumed filming. This led to a brief pause in production and forced other members of the cast and crew to quarantine.
Additionally, actor Mathias Varela, who plays the character of Cristobal in the show, was unable to return due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. It is unclear how this will affect the storyline, as Cristobal played a significant role in the previous season.
Impact on the release date
The pandemic-related delays in the production schedule have led to uncertainty about the release date of Succession Season 4. HBO has not yet announced a release date for the upcoming season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating any news.
Reports suggest that the delay caused by the pandemic has pushed the release date to late-2021 or even early-2022. This is disappointing news for fans who have been waiting eagerly for the next installment in the series.
Changing landscape of the entertainment industry
The pandemic has caused significant changes in the entertainment industry, particularly in the way that audiences consume content. With cinemas and theaters closed, streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max have become the primary way for people to access entertainment.
This shift in the entertainment landscape has had an impact on HBO’s decision to release the upcoming season of Succession. Reports suggest that HBO may consider releasing the entire season at once, rather than weekly episodes, as they have done for previous seasons.
This decision would be in line with the trend of binge-watching, which has become popular among viewers who want to consume entire seasons at once. However, this approach could also impact the cultural conversation around the show, as viewers would discuss the entire season in one go, rather than discussing individual episodes over time.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the upcoming season of Succession. The delayed production schedule, changes to the writing process, cast and crew changes, and the changing landscape of the entertainment industry have all affected the show in various ways. Fans of the show may have to wait a little longer than expected for the next season, but the impact of the pandemic may make it more compelling than ever.
