Speech: 'Succession' and 'Downton Abbey' reinforce the desire for wealth, claims Hanna Kuusela

TV series depicting the wealthy, such as "Succession" and "Downton Abbey," cater to viewers' desires by blending relatability with the extraordinary, argues Hanna Kuusela, an associate professor of sociology. These shows allow audiences to admire exotic, luxurious lifestyles while also connecting with the characters' personal struggles and dilemmas.

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Richly depicted TV series teach us to accept growing inequality.

Kuusela suggests that these popular programs inadvertently reinforce conservative values by framing the lives of billionaires, royalty, and aristocrats primarily through the lens of family dynamics. This focus on personal relationships within wealthy families may distract from or even legitimize the broader societal issue of growing inequality.

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Viewers can simultaneously admire an exotic lifestyle and relate to the characters' problems.

Instead of presenting alternatives to the current societal structure, these series, according to Kuusela, encourage acceptance of the status quo. The underlying message conveyed is that the existing disparities in wealth are a natural or acceptable part of life, rather than a problem that requires systemic change or critical examination.

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According to her, series depicting the families of billionaires, royals, and aristocrats guide the viewer to see the rich primarily as family members.