Succession: Old Money vs. New Money Explained On TV

HBO’s Succession presents a fascinating contrast between two families — The Roys and The Pierces — who represent two distinct worlds of wealth and privilege.

The Roys, who have built their vast business empire through their own hard work, determination, technology, and media, are the embodiment of the American dream of self-made success… often referred to as “new money."

The Pierces, on the other hand, represent the traditional aristocracy of America, or “old money” with their wealth and power inherited over generations and a distinct sense of “noblesse oblige” to deploy their riches for the good of the downtrodden.

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TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Introduction
1:21 1. The Roys Are Not “Old Money”
8:11 2. Logan’s “New Money” Faith In The Self-Made Man
11:12 3. The Pierces Are “Old Money”
14:30 4. Pierces vs. Roys: Old Money vs. New Money

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The Roys of New York City are a prime example of new money, with their ostentatious displays of wealth, constant bragging, and (especially as it relates to the kids), their inability to talk about anything else.

These behaviors stand in stark contrast to those of old money families, who have a generations-long tradition of discretion regarding sex, money, and politics. A simple way of understanding it could be:

“New money screams, old money whispers”

Logan Roy, the patriarch of the family, is a self-made man who has amassed a massive fortune, but he is not without his insecurities.

He is acutely aware of his status as "new money" and carries a significant chip on his shoulder as a result.

His marriage to Catherine, a member of the British aristocracy, is a clear indication of his desire to elevate his family’s standing in society.

Despite this fact, Logan is deeply critical of the old castes of Europe, the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy class, and even the fat titans of media that he destroyed when he was young.

His contempt for the old guard is palpable, and his desire to forge a new path for himself and his family is evident in everything he does.

The younger generation of clan Roy takes up this model and goes to the extremes of new money culture in their behaviors.

Since Logan raised them and their English aristocratic mother didn't pay much attention to them, they represent a new kind of wealth that is marked by excess and a lack of sophistication.

Kendall Roy, the on-and-off heir apparent to the Roy Empire, is first shown (and then many times after throughout the show) in a manner that speaks to his unrefined nature.

His obsession with rap music and unrefined rhyming is a clear departure from the more sophisticated musical preferences of the old money elite.

This serves as a reminder of the fundamental differences between old money and new money, and how they are reflected in even the most seemingly insignificant details of one’s behavior and lifestyle.

Furthermore, Kendall’s social skills are often lacking, as he struggles to connect with others on a personal level and often comes across as awkward or uncomfortable in social situations.

This lack of refinement is another hallmark of new money, as those who have inherited their wealth and status often receive extensive training in etiquette and social graces from an early age.

Lastly, both Kendall is prone to making impulsive and rash decisions, such as his ill-fated attempt to take over the company from his father in the first season.

This lack of patience and foresight is often associated with those who have suddenly acquired their wealth and power, rather than those who have inherited it over generations. This is a trait that is consistently exemplified by Shiv, Connor, and Roman as well.

Indeed, Logan’s other son, Roman, is an example of the shallow and indulgent lifestyle that is often associated with new money.

His hedonistic and impulsive lifestyle is characterized by a lack of concern for basic societal norms and a preference for base pleasures.

For instance, Roman’s casual and flippant approach to sex is indicative of his unrefined nature. His preference for older women and lack of discretion is a stark contrast to the old money elite, who place a high value on propriety and decorum.

Furthermore, Roman’s ignorance of basic household items, like a gallon of milk, is yet another indication of his unrefined and privileged background.

Those who have inherited their wealth and status over generations are often more attuned to the value of money and the practicalities of everyday life, while new money individuals like Roman are insulated from such concerns.

[oldmoneyluxury]

COMMENT: Agree or disagree? What do you think will happen at the end of Succession?

[awoods]

I just want to say that Connor Roy was interested in politics from a very young age

[frankenviews]

That's why we have this show. New Money has difficulty with executing succession. That's where the drama comes from. Old money has long held traditions and systems already in place for succession. If Logan was simply more emotionally mature and less insecure, he could have easily set up plans for succession years before any serious health concerns.

[nikhilajith]

This is the crux of the whole show. The reason Old Money is... well, old, is because of how well they manage to transfer their wealth to successive generations, and maintain close family ties. The Roy’s can’t even manage to do it once.

[jacksonblitzkreg]

Another point at where this is highlighted very well would be: Caroline Collingwood’s comments about her husband. How he “bought his own furniture”. This is referencing British aristocrats that would inherit their family stately home, fully loaded with old furniture and paintings. To add to this she made a rather deign comment regarding him not being posh as his dad was a doctor. Even though the working class in England would consider a man like Peter, (a clearly privately educated man with parents in the middle class) to be in fact, posh.

[jonyba]

The Roy family "halftime" huddle during the episode at the Pierce's compound was some serious-ass comedy.

[Boblw]

There’s new money, old money and my class: no money.

[jaimicottrill]

There was an interesting part in the Netflix show "Inventing Anna" about the difference between new money and old money. One of the people fooled by Anna said he was convinced she was old money because of how she ordered wine. New money will order the most expensive wine, even if they know nothing about it whereas old money will know which bottles are quality and will order based on where the wine is from. There are many subtle difference like that if you know how to look.

[fahda]

I think you missed the point of that episode and the series. Sure the old money/ new money dynamic is what flies at you when you initially meet the pierces compared to the Roys. But the writers go on to ridicule the pretentiousness of the pierces. The shakespeare recitations, the fake modesty. Nan inviting the housekeeper to have drinks with them but then later stealing credit for the housekeeper's cooking. And then Ultimately the negotiation scene where you realize that despite all the high mindedness, she's actually all just about the money. Notice the scene where Logan ups the offer. You can literally see her gulp down saliva due to greed at the prospect of more money. The writers just go to show you that despite the pierces supposed old money status, they're just the Roys a couple of generations down the line. It's not as cut and dry as old money= stoic, refined, new money= greedy, rash. The writing on Succession is too smart for that.

[HiddenWen]

Actually, the Roys are quite "stealth wealth" for new money. They aren't driving gold-wrapped RR Cullinans, rather they travel in pretty typical business mobiles like the Mercedes S-class, Cadillac Escalades, and Lincoln Navigators. None of them wear "hype beast" style clothing, they dress in well-tailored and timeless looking clothing. The only new money give away is their attitude.

[wojciechgrodnicki]

Logan Roy is more hard working as an individual than anyone in an old money family. However, old money benefits from the law of averages and doesn't rely on the efforts of a single dynamic individual to do the work. They have a system where many less talented people learn to work together to outlast any aggresive tycoon who comes along.

[jonathancohen]

Nan Pierce inviting her housekeeper to have a drink with the family is clearly a sign of old money mannerisms. Old money grow up with domestic staff and see them as part of the family whereas the Roy family would view them as employees who are socially beneath them.

[hiddenriverarts]

It is about refinement. It is about being cultured. The Roys are barbarians in comparison. The Pierces are about the Trivium, the Liberal Arts, knowing classical languages and ancient history. The 3 Roy children are representative of business school values. The only Roy who could, conceivably, thrive in the Pierce family is Connor, with his love of history, and the arts. He is such an odd duck to his father and siblings; but, were he raised among the Pierces, he would have felt seen and valued. His best qualities would have been nurtured.

[EughhBrothereughh]

Its quite funny that to us they're all "rich people" but in their own rich people world there's an hierarchy in where they feel looked down at and mocked even, the micro aggressions. Imagine Roy's feeling like they dont belong in a room full of people like the Pierces, feel inferior because they know they're in the lower level compared to old money families. I wonder how does that make them feel having to always try hard and impress and flex their assets or use other ways to feel included in that "elite circle" but they still be looked down at. Kinda sad but funny at the same time.

[Spaced]

I really don't agree, the Roys are technically not old money but they really are in that camp, Pierces are practically aristocrats in comparison to anyone. The only person that has ever said Logan started off humble was himself, he inherited his uncles business but he was involved in it even earlier and it sounded pretty extensive. They look and act like old money, they are much closer to being old money than new. The big tech guys Kendall looks up to are the modern representation of new money.

[ritaroad]

I read in Forbes that if you have 1.3 million in investments you’re comfortable. If you have 2.3 million you’re wealthy. When Greg says he still stands to inherit 5 million everyone laughs and he’s told he’ll be the richest poor guy. 😂That one made me laugh.
I couldn’t stand the Pierce family, so phony.

[palerider]

Great and insightful analysis. The only point I would add is that despite the old tradition refinement of the Pierces, at the end of the day, the matriarch Pierce couldn't help but to try to get her delicate fingers on an extra billion from the Roys. Old money or new money, everybody wants the most money they can get.

[patronofdragons]

Old money "whispers" is due to the various revolutions and social changes, where being seen as rich and flashy was dangerous. Depending on where you live, old money being subtle has only been a thing for the past few centuries.

[cklam]

Agree. The Roy's appear unsophisiticaed in all occasions. They don't seem giving much thoughts for their young, not to mention their next generations. Their obssession for power and wealth, by hook or by crook, is scary.

[afafeelkasimi]

If the Pierces are old money, and The Roys are new money, then Tom and Greg are newer money.