One of the major reasons why HBO’s dramedy Succession is such a hit with fans is because of the show's savage put-downs and cruel insults delivered by some of the most overprivileged characters ever conceived. Having been compared as a more serious Arrested Development, the series follows the mind games of the ultra-rich, dysfunctional Roy family and their aim to lead its multimedia empire.
Every episode is jammed pack with memorable put-downs, all meticulously crafted, and highly intelligent. What makes the show even better is, according to Jeremy Strong, who portrays Kendall, the show’s insults are a mix of written lines and improv.
Updated on August 17th,, 2022 by Kevin Pantoja: With news that the highly anticipated season 4 of Succession has begun filming, fans are eagerly waiting to find out how things will unfold after the epic season 3 finale. There were some brutal Logan Roy quotes dished out as he removed his children from power and the entire face of the show is set to change. One thing that won't be different though is how these characters talk to one another. Even in a loving fashion at times, the Roy family and everyone around them are not afraid to throw out vicious insults and lines that might be harsh but they're also pretty hilarious in this series' messed-up world.
“The Logan Roy School Of Journalism. What's Next, The Jack The Ripper Women's Health Clinic?”
Ewan
Ewan Roy (who happens to be Greg’s grandpa) makes a jab at his estranged brother Logan with this insult. Their relationship has always been rocky and he makes it clear why with this line.
Ewan is quite spiteful of Logan’s success and loves to call out the awful things he does, so this line was a stab at Logan’s incessant branding in the episode and is a way to point out his constant malarkey. On top of constantly trying to verbally bring down his brother, Ewan warns Greg to watch his back when dealing with his own family.
"Boar On The Floor!"
Logan
The entire concept of "Boar on the Floor" is one of those things that feels like it is the definition of Succession as a show. It wouldn't really work in any other setting.
Logan Roy shouted this as he forced Tom, Frank, and others to the ground to play the game.
He had them oink and act like pigs in the most degrading and humiliating ways. It's the kind of thing that Logan does to people he doesn't respect, leading to one of the show's most embarrassing moments.
"There He Is, The Little Man Who Started This Big War."
Shiv
Season 2 ended with a bang as the phenomenal "This Is Not For Tears" episode concluded in shocking fashion. Instead of taking the fall as his father intended, Kendall publicly called out some of Logan's wrongdoings, setting them on a collision course.
Upon seeing Kendall for the first time in season 2, Shiv had this line ready for him. While she clearly acknowledges that he had the guts to start this war, she wasn't shy about throwing in a dig and referring to him as a "little man."
"Dance Of The Sugar Plum Failure."
Roman
The relationship between the siblings on Succession has never been healthy but Rome has always kind of been a bit rougher on everyone else. He is even someone who isn't afraid to bring someone down while they're at their highest point.
In this scene, Shiv was trying to simply have a good time and cut loose on the dance floor. Leave it to Roman to name her dance with this line, ensuring that he called his sister a failure for no good reason. It's the perfect Roman Roy line.
"Are You A Sick-O?"
Logan
It's tough to pick out the most memorable scene of season 3 but one that has sparked many memes since it happened was Roman accidentally sending a sext to his father instead of Gerri. Roman's face as he realized what happened was priceless.
Logan took him into a separate room to confront him about it and opened with this line as he slid the phone to his son. It's the kind of thing that immediately made Roman feel even lower. His father asked him this with a cadence that suggested he already knew his son was nothing more than a sick-o.
“I Guess If You Did Have Somethin' Goin' On Deal Wise, It's Kind Of Like Dead In The Water Now, Right? Like Some Of The Women That Went On Those Cruises.”
Stewy
Although Stewy only got about three minutes of screen time in “Argestes,” he may as well be named the MVP for delivering the episode’s most brilliant insult.
The line, of course, refers to the fact that he, along with Sandy, definitely knew about the Pierce deal and the controversy surrounding the cruises. In fact, he even knew more about the multiple cover-ups concerning the cruises than Kendall did. This was a big verbal stab also pointing out that there’s a leak in the Roy family.
“Romulus, When You Laugh, Please Do It In The Same Volume As Everyone Else. We Didn't Get You From A Hyena Farm.”
Logan
In Season 2, Episode 5 “Tern Haven,” the Roys spend a weekend with the Pierces at their family estate. Determined to make a good impression on the Pierces so he can purchase rival company PGM, Logan tells all his children to be on their best behavior and to tone down their usual antics.
When Roman ends up laughing too loud while the two families mingle, Logan savagely tells his son the above line. It cuts deep and is made worse by the fact that Logan was so cavalier about insulting his son in front of everyone.
“The Butter Is Too Cold! The Butter's All F**ked! You're F**kwads And You F**ked It! - There's Dinner Rolls Ripping Out There As We Speak!”
Connor
Connor is quite laid back compared to his other siblings, considering he doesn’t usually involve himself with the family’s drama surrounding who will inherit the company from Logan and become the next CEO.
However, he becomes quite neurotic when he prepared for Waystar Royco’s annual foundation gala, which takes place in “Sad Sack Wasp Trap.” This classic line comes from Connor when he throws a tantrum and starts yelling at the wait staff.
“It's Tough To Have To Tell You This But I'm In A Sexual Relationship With Your Mother And She Talks In Her Sleep.”
Gerri
This one-liner also comes from the same episode as mentioned above. Earlier in “Sad Sack Wasp Trap,” Tom is given secret documents about a massive cover-up concerning multiple crimes committed on Waystar’s cruises, which include murder and sexual assault.
When Tom decides to go public with information, Gerri advises against it. When he confronts Gerri about where she heard about the cruise cover-up at the big gala dinner, she savagely insults Tom with this reply. Gerri isn't one to typically engage in this kind of talk, making it even more biting.
“What Is That – Date Rape By Calvin Klein?”
Shiv
In the very first episode of Succession, titled "Celebration," the Roy clan can be seen gathering at Logan’s house, excited to find out who he will name as the next CEO of Waystar Royco.
When Shiv goes in to hug Roman at their father’s house, she doesn’t hesitate to insult Roman and his new cologne by asking this. With no major comeback, all Roman can say is “You wish,” to which Shiv confusingly replies “You wish?” It’s a pretty hilarious moment that sets up what to expect from this dysfunctional, ultra-rich family.
“He Said That To Be Nice. I Think What He Meant To Say Is That He Wished That Mum Gave Birth To A Can Opener Because At Least Then It Would Be Useful.”
Roman
Continuing with the sibling insults, Roman throws this shade at Kendall in front of Shiv while their father is recovering in the hospital after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in the second episode.
Even though their father is gravely ill, the Roy children continue to bicker with each other as they fight for control of Waystar. With this line, Roman is also trying to get under Kendall’s skin by stating how little he is loved by their parents, and who is the smartest of the clan.
“I Look At Your Face And, No Offense, But I See Dead Babies.”
Connor
In Season 1, Episode 9 “Pre-Nuptial,” the Roys assemble at Eastnor Castle in England to prepare for Shiv and Tom’s wedding. For the big event, Shiv invites U.S. Democratic senator and presidential candidate Gil Eavis, whom she was working for at the time.
When Connor gets a chance to converse with Gil, he throws this line at him, not only for having differing political views but also because of Gil’s public hate for the Roy family. There’s nothing worse than being compared to dead babies.
“Europe! A Nice Bit Of War-Torn, Spooky, Anti-Semitic, Vampire-y, Authoritarian Europe.”
Tom
In “Hunting,” Logan and his Waystar employees head to Hungary for the company’s annual retreat. This anti-Europe rhetoric insult comes straight from Tom, who takes a swing at Hungary during his hunt with Greg.
With this one-liner, Tom, along with the show’s creators Jesse Armstrong and actor Matthew Macfadyen who are both British, are able to make fun of the continent as a whole.
“Great, Get In There And Operate, Doctor Google.”
Kendall
This is another insult to come from the second episode in season 1. When Logan is rushed to the hospital, the Roy siblings are trying to figure out what is happening to their father, and if they need to find more capable doctors to give him care.
As Roman searches for information on his phone, he states, “According to this it sounds like a stroke, but it could be an acute subdural hematoma.” Kendall, knowing what Roman just looked up isn’t helpful, viciously mocks his younger brother’s intelligence by telling him to go in there and operate, “Doctor Google.”
"F*** Off!"
Logan
It's the quote most synonymous with Succession at this point. It has become a catchphrase for Logan Roy and even the actor who portrays him, Brian Cox, wore it on a mask he sported at an awards show.
While this isn't about a specific use of the line, it's Logan's go-to whenever something or someone upsets him. He simply shouts "F*** off" and it puts down whoever it is directed at. The line has become so iconic that it's the ultimate encapsulation of Logan and the show as a whole.