Episode
“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
45:02
Published: Mon Mar 27 2023
Description
Host Kara Swisher is joined by Succession creator Jesse Armstrong and executive producer Frank Rich to unpack “The Munsters”, episode one of the final season. Then, Kara talks with Ben Smith, co-founder of the news site Semafor, about the Roy kids’ new media venture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chapters
The Succession Season 4 premiere episode titled "The Munsters" sees Logan getting ready to sell Waystar to Gojo, and today, on the podcast, we'll hear from the series creator and executive producer.
00:00 - 02:59 (02:59)
Summary
The Succession Season 4 premiere episode titled "The Munsters" sees Logan getting ready to sell Waystar to Gojo, and today, on the podcast, we'll hear from the series creator and executive producer.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The speaker recognizes the challenge of balancing sentimentality and respect for the characters in concluding a story.
02:59 - 09:08 (06:09)
Summary
The speaker recognizes the challenge of balancing sentimentality and respect for the characters in concluding a story. He advises to simply concentrate on the emotional, dramatic conclusion, and not to overthink it too much.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
In this podcast episode, the topic of tech billionaires starting their own media companies is discussed.
09:08 - 11:58 (02:50)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the topic of tech billionaires starting their own media companies is discussed. Kendall's pretentious project is used as an example as the hosts talk about the warmth of the bond between characters on the previous season.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The conversation explores the difference between traditional media titans, like Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone, and new-age business starters, like the founders of Snapchat, in terms of their age, upbringing, and approach to business.
11:58 - 15:53 (03:55)
Summary
The conversation explores the difference between traditional media titans, like Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone, and new-age business starters, like the founders of Snapchat, in terms of their age, upbringing, and approach to business.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The "Succession" writers discuss the importance of the characters' relationships and dynamics, and how their interactions create a sense of reality and aliveness for the audience.
15:53 - 21:16 (05:23)
Summary
The "Succession" writers discuss the importance of the characters' relationships and dynamics, and how their interactions create a sense of reality and aliveness for the audience.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The podcast explores why audiences and writers are enticed by complex characters that are neither good nor bad, and how writers delve into their own experiences to give life and depth to these complicated characters.
21:17 - 27:59 (06:42)
Summary
The podcast explores why audiences and writers are enticed by complex characters that are neither good nor bad, and how writers delve into their own experiences to give life and depth to these complicated characters.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The creators of the TV show "Master of None" discuss their approach to avoiding obvious turns and staying true to the characters, while still exploring interesting and nuanced storylines.
27:59 - 31:54 (03:55)
Summary
The creators of the TV show "Master of None" discuss their approach to avoiding obvious turns and staying true to the characters, while still exploring interesting and nuanced storylines.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
The day-to-day work to save a struggling media startup involves grinding out verticalized ad sales and building niche content, work that is below the pay grade of media magnates like Jeff Bezos.
31:54 - 37:03 (05:09)
Summary
The day-to-day work to save a struggling media startup involves grinding out verticalized ad sales and building niche content, work that is below the pay grade of media magnates like Jeff Bezos. Many media companies see this work as important but know that it is not always high return on investment.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
Established brands in the media industry hold a level of trust and resonance beyond that of newer media startups, and even bankrupt companies such as Time and Newsweek hold a legacy in the collective consciousness.
37:03 - 43:38 (06:35)
Summary
Established brands in the media industry hold a level of trust and resonance beyond that of newer media startups, and even bankrupt companies such as Time and Newsweek hold a legacy in the collective consciousness. While new wealth has led to dilettante billionaires investing in media, their lack of experience can impede their ability to succeed in the industry.
Episode“The Munsters” with Jesse Armstrong, Frank Rich, and Ben Smith
PodcastHBO's Succession Podcast
In this episode, Kara Swisher talks to Ben Smith, co-founder of the new media venture Semaphore, about the second episode of the third season of Succession.
43:38 - 45:03 (01:25)
Summary
In this episode, Kara Swisher talks to Ben Smith, co-founder of the new media venture Semaphore, about the second episode of the third season of Succession. They discuss Greg and Tom's relationship becoming more complicated and the unique sense of humor that the show employs.