In the realm of addictive television dramas, if you enjoyed the gripping power dynamics of Succession, then HBO Max's Industry should not be missed. This British creation, with its mesmerizing cast of anti-heroic characters, delves even deeper into the cutthroat world of ambition and wealth. While both shows explore themes of power and avarice within the hyperwealthy, Industry sets its sights on a group of twenty-somethings who are eager to prove themselves within the prestigious Pierpoint & Co., an investment bank located in London.

Unlike the already affluent Roy family of Succession, the protagonists of Industry come from diverse backgrounds and are driven by their desperate desire to succeed. Meritocracy is the order of the day at Pierpoint, with one's financial prowess taking precedence over personal identity. However, this ovation for success is accompanied by a toxic work environment devoid of moral compass.

Our entry point into this world is Harper Stern, brilliantly portrayed by Myha'la Herrold. Harper is a prodigious trader harboring a dark secret - she never graduated from college. As a young black American woman among a sea of predominantly white British men on the sales floor, Harper stands out. This distinction catches the attention of her boss, Eric Tao (Ken Leung), who sees her potential and takes her under his wing. Harper is joined by other determined colleagues including Yasmin, the daughter of a wealthy publishing family, Gus, a gay black conservative trader, and Harry, a high achiever from a working-class background.

Season three of Industry, slated to premiere on August 11, brings on board Kit Harrington from Game of Thrones. Harrington assumes the role of Henry Muck, the affluent CEO of Lumi, an eco-friendly energy startup preparing for its initial public offering (IPO). Despite Lumi's claims of sustainability, the company's true intentions are brought into question. While some banks might hesitate to support such a problematic company, Pierpoint's sole focus is profiting from the IPO rather than scrutinizing Lumi's long-term viability.

Industry deliberately avoids becoming a diatribe against the investment banking sector. Rather than moralizing, creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay prefer to explore the underlying philosophy of greed that echoes Gordon Gekko's mantra: "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good." The show draws attention to the consequential collapse of a company, like Lumi, founded on lofty ideals but leaving destruction in its wake.

What started as an intimate portrayal of personal relationships and the erosion of humanity within a workplace has now expanded into a broader examination of the global economy, Britain's role in propping up failed companies, and rival trading ventures. Down and Kay acknowledge that their initial inexperience as writers led them to focus on a contained experience. However, as the characters evolve, the stakes become higher and Industry intersects with the wider world, including politics, media, and class.

Beyond the financial intricacies and the characters' tangled love lives, the true allure of Industry lies in witnessing capable individuals excel at their jobs under immense pressure. The show masterfully presents competent professionals continuously proving their brilliance within a high-stress environment. Comparable to films like Margin Call and Michael Clayton, Industry highlights the rewards and sacrifices of successful individuals in a world where wealth is not guaranteed, but something to be achieved through blood, sweat, and moral compromise.

With its gripping narrative and compelling characters, Industry has emerged as a standout successor to Succession, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, power, and the price one must pay for success. Prepare to be enthralled by the relentless pursuit of greatness in Industry's gritty portrayal of the cutthroat world of investment banking.