Betrayal runs deep as the Roy family passes a treacherous power struggle (Photo: Succession /HBO Films)

Succession Season 3 Ending Explained: The Fallout of a Crushing Betrayal

The countdown begins for Succession Season Four with calculated schemes on the horizon.

Logan Roy’s vocabulary of sharp expletives still isn’t enough to sum up the chaos that unraveled in the explosive finale of Succession Season Three.

The Roy family’s latest ruthless maneuvers left viewers worldwide stunned as betrayal and power struggles reached new heights, shifting the balance of power within the family.

Logan Roy’s fierce expletives can’t capture the chaos of Succession’s dramatic finale (Photo: Succession /HBO Films)

Pro tip: betting against Logan is always a losing game. With Succession Season Four now confirmed to premiere on March 27 in the UK on Sky, and a day earlier in the US on HBO, the countdown to the next chapter in this cutthroat saga has begun.

Judging by the trailer, viewers can expect more calculated schemes and intricate dynamics, with Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfayden) ominously warning, “This is a chessboard, and every move is crucial.”

As the premiere date nears, here’s a breakdown of Season Three’s finale to ensure you’re ready for the high-stakes drama awaiting in Succession Season Four.

(Final spoiler warning ahead.)

A Critical Agreement

The finale’s dramatic turn began with Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) floating lifelessly in a pool, leaving everyone to speculate whether it was an attempted suicide or a tragic accident.

Kendall ultimately survived, giving his siblings a reason to unite—albeit temporarily—over a symbolic game of Monopoly. Tom Wambsgans snagged a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, while Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) was caught cheating to win. The moment underscored the show’s penchant for foreshadowing.

While Kendall recovered in the hospital, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) displayed an uncharacteristic concern for his grandkids, attempting to assure them of their father’s well-being.

The fragile peace didn’t last long. A call with Gerri Kellman shifted Logan’s attention to a pivotal meeting with Matsson (Alexander Skarsgård), a tech entrepreneur, regarding a potential merger between GoJo and Waystar Royco.

Though Logan initially dismissed Matsson’s offer outright, he seemed to reconsider after Matsson suggested a full buyout rather than a merger. Logan’s decision to send Roman back to the family before Caroline’s wedding hinted at deeper plans.

The Wedding in Italy

The four Roy siblings gathered for what was supposed to be lunch but quickly devolved into a clumsy intervention for Kendall. Shiv’s efforts to steer the conversation were undermined by Roman’s jokes and Connor’s frustration at being sidelined.

Connor erupted after Kendall referred to himself as the eldest son, asserting his place in the family and venting about his unacknowledged engagement to Willa. Later, Willa begrudgingly accepted his proposal with the lukewarm sentiment, “How bad could it be?”

Kendall Roy’s lifeless moment in the pool leaves viewers questioning his fate (Photo: Succession /HBO Films)

At the wedding, Greg Hirsch’s ambitions reached new heights as he set his sights on wooing a Contessa, aiming to ascend socially. His newfound confidence even led him to insult Roman in a bid to secure the Contessa’s attention.

Meanwhile, Shiv’s wedding toast to her mother was laced with irony, given her marriage to Tom was visibly strained. Logan’s absence raised suspicions, which intensified when Gerri disclosed updates on the merger.

Confronting Truths

Kendall’s isolation at the wedding reflected his inner turmoil. When Shiv and Roman approached him, they were met with a confession about his role in the waiter’s death at Shiv’s wedding. The admission marked a turning point in their relationship, bringing the siblings closer.

Their brief unity was disrupted when news of Logan’s decision to proceed with the buyout emerged. Determined to stop the deal, they banded together, leveraging their supermajority rights to block the merger.

A United Front

The siblings, emboldened by their newfound alliance, planned to confront Logan. Shiv was the first to suggest that Logan’s willingness to sell reflected his lack of faith in them.

Their strategy revolved around using their collective power as a supermajority to block the deal. Roman hesitated but eventually sided with his siblings. Shiv’s call to Tom to initiate the plan revealed his growing detachment as he plotted his own moves.

Tom’s conversation with Greg hinted at his betrayal, as he sought Greg’s loyalty, framing it as a deal with the devil. Greg, unfazed, agreed, dismissing any need for a conscience.

The Showdown

The siblings faced Logan, determined to sway him against the buyout. Logan dismissed their concerns, citing the financial benefits of the deal. Kendall mocked Logan’s greed, while Roman’s hesitation nearly derailed their efforts.

In a shocking twist, Logan revealed he had renegotiated his divorce settlement with Caroline, effectively eliminating the siblings’ leverage. His triumph was sealed as he walked away, leaving his children powerless.

The finale concluded with a betrayed Shiv realizing Tom had aligned himself with Logan, prioritizing his ambitions over their marriage. Meanwhile, Roman’s plea to Gerri fell on deaf ears as she chose loyalty to the company over their friendship.