Television has always been a mirror reflecting societal values, aspirations, and challenges. TV shows have depicted the diverse paths to success and the complexities of ambition, from boardrooms to kitchens, from courtrooms to football fields. Whether through gripping dramas or inspiring documentaries, these shows offer more than entertainment—they provide insights and lessons on perseverance, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Join us as we delve into 15 TV shows that entertain and shape our understanding of success.
1. Succession
Succession is not just a story of a powerful family fighting for control of a media empire—it’s a deep dive into the psychology of ambition, power, and the cost of success. The show’s portrayal of the Roy family, particularly the patriarch Logan Roy, demonstrates that at the highest levels of success, power dynamics are rarely clean, and loyalty is often expendable. Logan, who has built a massive media conglomerate, uses manipulation and control to maintain his position at the top, showing that in the corporate world, relationships are transactional, and those who can navigate the treacherous waters of family dynamics and business politics tend to rise above others.
The character of Kendall Roy is crucial to understanding the nature of ambition and success in Succession. Kendall is the son who desperately seeks his father’s approval, believing that by taking over the family business, he can prove his worth. His struggles with self-doubt, addiction, and moral conflicts highlight the internal battle that many face on the road to success. Kendall’s journey shows that ambition can be both a driving force and a destructive one, leading to both great successes and devastating failures.
The theme of ruthless ambition is woven throughout the series. Characters often betray one another to climb higher, and the ethical compromises they make are portrayed without glorification. What Succession teaches us is that success often requires an unrelenting pursuit of power, but it comes with emotional costs, broken relationships, and sometimes, a loss of identity. The show forces us to confront a difficult question: How far are we willing to go for success, and is the cost worth it?
2. The Apprentice
The Apprentice was more than just a platform for Donald Trump’s public persona; it was a glimpse into the competitive, high-stakes world of business, where success is determined by the ability to stand out, think on your feet, and execute ideas flawlessly. The contestants on The Apprentice are thrust into business challenges that require creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to sell oneself. They are not just competing for a job at Trump’s company—they are competing for validation of their worth in the cutthroat business world.
The show emphasizes the importance of self-presentation and confidence. Contestants who excel on The Apprentice are not always the most qualified but the ones who can convince others of their abilities and make a lasting impression. Success, as portrayed in the show, is as much about how you present yourself as it is about what you actually bring to the table. Creativity and innovation are key components in achieving success, as we see contestants constantly coming up with new ideas or finding clever ways to tackle business problems.
Another important lesson from The Apprentice is the significance of resilience and adaptability. In each episode, contestants are tested under pressure, and their ability to pivot quickly, manage stress, and come up with new solutions is vital to staying in the competition. The show demonstrates that business success requires the ability to think on your feet, manage failure, and adapt to changing circumstances. Watching The Apprentice teaches us that no matter how well-prepared we think we are, real success often comes down to being able to respond to unexpected challenges with creativity, resourcefulness, and poise.
3. Deadliest Catch
Deadliest Catch might appear to be a reality TV show about fishermen, but at its heart, it is an exploration of human resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of success in the face of extreme adversity. The show follows crews of crab fishermen as they brave the perilous conditions of the Bering Sea, one of the most dangerous working environments in the world. Each episode highlights the physical and mental challenges the crews face, from brutal storms to mechanical failures, and offers a raw, unfiltered look at the dangers of their profession.
The show is a compelling reminder that success often requires pushing through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The fishermen featured on Deadliest Catch risk their lives not just for personal gain but to ensure the survival of their crews. Their perseverance, grit, and unyielding determination to complete their missions in the face of danger are lessons in resilience. Success is not always easy or glamorous, and Deadliest Catch teaches us that sometimes the road to achieving our goals requires enduring hardship, persevering through setbacks, and maintaining a sense of teamwork and camaraderie when everything else seems to be falling apart.
What sets Deadliest Catch apart is its focus on the human aspect of success. The show doesn’t just focus on the dangers of the job—it delves into the emotional and personal struggles of the fishermen. Whether it’s the strain of being away from family for long stretches of time or the toll that a life at sea takes on their bodies, these personal stories add depth to the show’s portrayal of success. The fishermen remind us that achieving great things often requires great sacrifices, and the human spirit can triumph even in the harshest conditions.
4. Suits
Suits is a classic example of how the world of high-stakes corporate law is portrayed in a way that’s both aspirational and somewhat fantastical. At its core, the show is about a group of lawyers navigating the complex, competitive world of corporate law in New York City. However, what makes Suits so compelling isn’t just the legal drama—it’s the characters and their journey toward personal and professional success.
Harvey Specter, the central character, is the epitome of confidence and charisma. He is the kind of lawyer who wins not just with his legal knowledge but with his ability to charm, manipulate, and outthink his opponents. Harvey’s success is built on a foundation of strategic thinking, confidence, and an almost unshakable belief in his own abilities. His character teaches us that success often requires more than just expertise—it requires an ability to present oneself with confidence, influence others, and navigate complex social dynamics with ease.
Mike Ross, the show’s other central character, brings a different kind of lesson. Although he lacks formal legal qualifications, Mike’s natural intellect and intuition allow him to navigate the legal world with remarkable success. His character teaches us that success doesn’t always follow a linear path. Sometimes, it’s about leveraging the skills you have, thinking outside the box, and being resourceful in situations where others might falter. Mike’s journey from a fraud to a respected lawyer also underscores the importance of integrity and doing what it takes to earn respect.
Jessica Pearson’s leadership style offers another key lesson. As a managing partner, she embodies the importance of maintaining control and composure, especially in high-pressure situations. Her calm, collected approach to leadership contrasts with Harvey’s more impulsive style, showing that there are different paths to success in leadership roles. Meanwhile, Rachel Zayn’s story teaches us the value of persistence, as she overcomes significant challenges to achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer. Suits shows us that success in the corporate world isn’t just about legal expertise—it’s about leadership, resilience, and the ability to play the game, sometimes bending the rules to suit your needs.
5. Mad Men
Mad Men takes viewers back to the glamorous and competitive world of 1960s advertising, offering a glimpse into a time when creativity, ambition, and personal reinvention were driving forces in the business world. The show focuses on the lives of the employees at Sterling Cooper, a prominent advertising agency on Madison Avenue in New York City. The characters in Mad Men are not just striving for success in their careers—they are reinventing themselves in a rapidly changing world, grappling with personal demons, and navigating societal expectations.
At the heart of the show is Don Draper, a man who is constantly reinventing himself to escape his troubled past and climb the ranks of the advertising world. Don’s journey is a powerful reminder that success often involves reinvention—transforming yourself to fit into the opportunities that come your way. His character teaches us that it’s never too late to start over, and that success often requires shedding old identities and embracing new possibilities.
Peggy Olson’s character arc offers another vital lesson. Starting as Don’s secretary, Peggy rises to become a successful copywriter in her own right. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Peggy’s journey is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t come easily, and that sometimes it takes years of hard work, sacrifices, and overcoming gender and societal barriers to achieve your goals. She shows us that with determination, we can defy expectations and carve out our own path to success.
Mad Men also explores the complexities of leadership, particularly through the character of Joan Holloway. Joan is a secretary who, through a combination of beauty, brains, and sheer determination, rises through the ranks of the company. Her story teaches us that success is not only about what you know but also about how you leverage your skills and relationships. However, her journey is also a poignant reminder of the personal costs of ambition, particularly for women during the 1960s. Mad Men forces us to confront the darker aspects of the pursuit of success, showing that while it may be glamorous on the surface, it often comes at a personal price.
6. Top Gear
Top Gear is a thrilling, boundary-pushing show that, at its heart, is about far more than just cars. While the races and car reviews are certainly exciting, Top Gear is ultimately a show about problem-solving, creativity, and pushing limits—whether on a winding mountain road, in the desert, or even in unpredictable weather conditions. The three hosts—Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond—are each unique in their approach to challenges, but together they form a cohesive team that embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. The dynamic between the hosts adds an element of humor and personality, showcasing how diverse traits can work together to achieve success.
The challenges faced on Top Gear are often impossible and absurd, but that’s exactly why the show is so compelling. Each challenge requires a different set of skills, from precision and patience to courage and quick thinking. For example, when the hosts are tasked with building an off-road vehicle from scratch or attempting to race across an entire continent, their ingenuity and resourcefulness are put to the test. The results may not always be perfect, but the process of innovation and problem-solving is what defines their success. Top Gear teaches us that success is not about flawless execution; it’s about creativity, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks. These qualities are valuable in any field—whether you’re designing a car, starting a business, or navigating life’s challenges.
Furthermore, Top Gear highlights the importance of embracing your core qualities. Jeremy Clarkson’s brash confidence, Richard Hammond’s fearlessness, and James May’s methodical approach to problem-solving show that success comes from leveraging your unique strengths rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. In many ways, the show teaches us that the key to success lies in fully embracing who we are and using that authenticity to push forward, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
7. The Bear
The Bear is a gripping and raw look at the reality of running a restaurant, focusing on Carmen Berzatto, a young chef from the high-end culinary world who is forced to take over his family’s struggling sandwich shop after the death of his brother. The show takes a gritty, no-holds-barred approach to the chaos, stress, and emotional toll that come with managing a business, while also diving into the complicated dynamics of family, grief, and redemption.
The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the kitchen becomes a microcosm for the struggle to balance personal and professional life. Carmen, despite his exceptional skills as a chef, faces constant setbacks and resistance from both his employees and himself. His story demonstrates that success isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about building a great team, adapting to circumstances, and persevering in the face of adversity. The chaotic energy of the kitchen is mirrored in Carmen’s internal conflict, which further emphasizes the emotional resilience required to navigate the path to success.
The Bear also teaches us that success is not linear. Carmen’s culinary brilliance is overshadowed by his inability to manage his team, control his emotions, and prioritize his well-being. The show illustrates the crucial lesson that success in any career is multi-faceted—it requires not just skill and expertise, but also emotional intelligence, leadership, and the ability to support others in their growth. Success is often the product of collective effort, and no matter how talented you are, you need a solid team to achieve lasting success. The Bear emphasizes the importance of tough skin, adaptability, and leadership in a world where everything can go wrong at once.
8. Empire
Empire chronicles the rise and fall of the Lyon family as they navigate the power struggles, personal betrayals, and business deals that come with controlling a multi-million-dollar music empire. At the heart of the show is Lucious Lyon, the charismatic and often ruthless patriarch who runs Empire Entertainment. His character embodies the notion of success through raw ambition, drive, and the strategic use of influence. Lucious will stop at nothing to ensure his family’s legacy remains intact, even if it means manipulating those closest to him.
While Lucious’s success may seem glamorous on the surface, Empire sheds light on the harsh realities that accompany power. His journey showcases the moral ambiguity that often arises when one is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of ambition. The show forces us to confront the reality that success can come at a personal cost, often affecting relationships, mental health, and one’s ethical standards. Lucious’s use of power and influence demonstrates how success in business—particularly in high-stakes environments—often involves making tough, sometimes ruthless, decisions. It is a reminder that ambition unchecked can lead to destructive consequences, and that the pursuit of success requires not only intelligence and drive but also a strong moral compass.
The show also explores the idea of legacy—how our actions today shape the future. The Lyon family’s internal power struggles highlight the complexities of maintaining control over a multi-generational empire. Empire shows that building something that lasts requires more than just ambition and talent—it requires the ability to navigate power dynamics, personal sacrifices, and the delicate balance between family and business.
9. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a game show that, on the surface, might seem simple: answer a series of trivia questions to win a million dollars. However, the show offers profound lessons in the importance of knowledge, preparation, and decision-making under pressure. The contestants are not just being tested on their knowledge of obscure facts; they are being tested on their ability to stay calm under pressure, trust their instincts, and take calculated risks. The iconic “phone-a-friend” lifeline became a symbol of seeking guidance when the stakes are high, reinforcing the idea that success doesn’t always come from knowing the right answer—it’s about being resourceful, thoughtful, and using the tools at your disposal.
The critical moment when John Carpenter used his “phone-a-friend” lifeline to call his father before answering the final million-dollar question serves as a poignant reminder that preparation and knowledge are invaluable. It’s not enough to have raw intelligence—you need to be proactive in acquiring knowledge and be ready to put it to use when the time comes. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire teaches us that success comes from being prepared, staying calm in high-pressure situations, and using our resources wisely.
The show also illustrates the importance of calculated risks. The contestants must decide when to walk away with their winnings and when to press on, knowing that the next question could make or break their chances. Success often requires taking risks, but those risks must be well thought out and aligned with one’s goals. The show teaches us that knowing when to take a leap of faith and when to exercise caution is a valuable skill in any field.
10. Billions
Billions delves deep into the world of finance, law, and power, following the intense rivalry between Bobby Axelrod, a billionaire hedge fund manager, and Chuck Rhoades, a U.S. Attorney intent on taking him down. Set in the high-powered world of New York City, the show offers a riveting look at the lengths people will go to achieve success, maintain power, and manipulate others for their own gain. At its core, Billions explores the dynamics of wealth, ambition, and the psychological games that often accompany high-stakes success.
Bobby Axelrod’s rise from humble beginnings to financial mogul is a study in ambition, strategy, and calculated risk-taking. His success is not simply the result of hard work—Axelrod is constantly navigating moral gray areas and using his wealth and influence to bend the rules to his advantage. The show explores the tension between wealth and ethics, showing that success in the financial world often comes with moral compromises. Axelrod’s ability to manipulate people and control situations demonstrates the power of understanding human nature—one of the key elements of success in any high-stakes environment.
Chuck Rhoades, on the other hand, represents the relentless pursuit of justice and morality. His character illustrates how personal convictions can both propel us to success and lead to destructive consequences. Rhoades’s obsession with taking down Axelrod serves as a reminder that success in the pursuit of power can often come with personal costs. Billions teaches us that success is not just about wealth or intellect; it’s about understanding human behavior, managing personal ambitions, and navigating a web of social and professional dynamics. It highlights the importance of strategy, emotional intelligence, and the constant battle between right and wrong in the pursuit of success.
11. Shark Tank
Shark Tank is the quintessential show for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering an unflinching look at what it takes to get a business off the ground. Contestants pitch their ideas to a panel of wealthy investors (the “sharks”), hoping to secure funding for their ventures. What Shark Tank reveals is that success in business is as much about presenting yourself and your vision with confidence as it is about having a solid business idea. In fact, many entrepreneurs have succeeded based on their passion, presentation skills, and the ability to inspire belief in their business, even if their product or service wasn’t fully developed yet.
The show emphasizes the importance of preparation and clarity. The entrepreneurs who perform well in the Tank are not only those who have great ideas—they are also the ones who have done their homework. They know their market, their competition, and their financials inside and out. The sharks are notoriously tough, asking sharp questions that force entrepreneurs to defend their business models, strategies, and projections. This high-pressure environment teaches the value of knowing your business from every angle and being ready to pivot when necessary. The ability to answer tough questions, address concerns, and articulate a clear vision for growth is what separates successful business people from those who fail to secure investments.
Additionally, Shark Tank illustrates the power of networking and mentorship in business. Many entrepreneurs fail to realize that a successful business isn’t built in isolation. The sharks provide more than just capital—they offer mentorship, expertise, and the connections that entrepreneurs need to scale their businesses. The show reminds us that success is often achieved through collaboration, learning from those who have been in the game for much longer, and seeking advice from people who have already walked the path you want to follow.
12. Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad, is an unconventional show about success that explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally ambiguous lawyer, Saul Goodman. Unlike traditional portrayals of success, Saul’s rise is steeped in ethical compromises, manipulation, and bending the law to suit his needs. While his journey might seem like a cautionary tale, it offers important insights into how ambition, resourcefulness, and a willingness to think outside the box can lead to success—albeit at great personal and moral cost.
Saul’s story illustrates the power of creativity in problem-solving. When he first starts out, he is an underdog, struggling to find his place in a competitive and often cutthroat legal world. Over time, he learns to manipulate the system and exploit legal loopholes to his advantage, proving that success sometimes comes from being clever and resourceful rather than strictly adhering to rules. While his methods are morally questionable, they reflect the fact that achieving success often requires unconventional thinking and the ability to take advantage of opportunities that others might miss.
However, Saul’s character also serves as a warning about the cost of cutting corners. As his success grows, so does his moral decline, and Better Call Saul poignantly shows how bending the truth and making morally dubious decisions can have long-term consequences. Success achieved through dishonesty or manipulation might seem appealing in the short term, but the toll it takes on one’s integrity, relationships, and future is significant. The show teaches us that while creativity and resourcefulness are important for success, they must be balanced with a strong sense of ethics and integrity.
13. Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen is more than just a cooking competition; it’s a high-stakes environment where aspiring chefs are put to the test under the watchful eye of Gordon Ramsay. What makes the show so compelling is not only the intensity of the kitchen but the way it underscores the importance of resilience, grit, and the ability to take criticism in stride. The contestants face brutal feedback, harsh challenges, and long hours, and those who succeed are the ones who can handle pressure, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
The show highlights that success, particularly in a high-pressure environment, requires emotional toughness and a thick skin. Ramsay’s critiques are often harsh and personal, but they also serve as an important lesson in resilience. Rather than letting criticism break them, successful contestants learn to use feedback as fuel to improve their skills and performance. In the real world, we often face similar challenges, where our work or ideas are scrutinized, sometimes unfairly. Hell’s Kitchen teaches us that success doesn’t come from avoiding criticism but from being able to process it constructively and use it to our advantage.
Another key lesson from Hell’s Kitchen is the importance of focus and teamwork. A kitchen is a fast-paced environment where every second counts, and the ability to stay organized, work with others, and maintain focus under pressure is crucial. Contestants must learn to manage stress, delegate tasks, and communicate effectively with their team. The show illustrates that success often depends not just on individual talent but on the ability to work collaboratively and support others in reaching common goals. The lessons learned in Hell’s Kitchen can easily be applied to any career that requires high levels of coordination, communication, and performance under pressure.
14. QI
QI (Quite Interesting) is a British game show that challenges contestants with obscure, quirky, and often humorous questions, and yet it offers deep lessons on success—particularly when it comes to creativity, quick thinking, and the value of curiosity. While the show may seem lighthearted and comedic on the surface, it actually underscores the importance of knowledge, wit, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. Contestants on QI must think quickly, engage in witty banter, and provide thoughtful answers to questions that range from the absurd to the profound.
One of the key takeaways from QI is the value of curiosity. The show is built on the idea that there is always more to learn, and it encourages both contestants and viewers to remain curious about the world around them. Success is often the result of continual learning, expanding our knowledge, and being open to new ideas. The show emphasizes that curiosity doesn’t just apply to academic knowledge—it extends to life experience, creativity, and problem-solving. Contestants are often rewarded for offering unique, offbeat answers that show they have an unconventional way of thinking, which demonstrates that success comes from engaging with the world in a new and creative way.
Another lesson QI teaches us is that humor and engagement are vital to success. The show is filled with witty exchanges and light-hearted moments, yet the underlying message is clear: people who can engage others with humor, charm, and creativity are often more successful in making connections, advancing their careers, and influencing others. The ability to entertain while being knowledgeable is a rare skill, but it’s one that can open doors and build lasting relationships, making it an essential element of success.
15. Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights is more than just a show about high school football—it’s a heartfelt exploration of leadership, perseverance, and the pursuit of success in a small town obsessed with the sport. At the heart of the show is Coach Eric Taylor, whose leadership style is a powerful lesson in dedication, discipline, and inspiring others. Coach Taylor’s approach to leadership emphasizes the importance of personal values, mental toughness, and understanding that success often requires sacrifice.
Coach Taylor’s character demonstrates that true leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about understanding people, motivating them, and guiding them toward a shared goal. His leadership is grounded in empathy, discipline, and resilience, teaching us that success in leadership doesn’t come from authority or control but from inspiring others to believe in themselves and work together toward a common goal. Taylor’s leadership is also marked by his unwavering belief in his players, even when they falter. His faith in their abilities, especially when they don’t see it themselves, is a powerful reminder that great leaders help others realize their potential and keep pushing them to strive for greatness.
The show also touches on the pressures of success, particularly for young athletes. The team members face intense scrutiny and high expectations from their community, and their personal lives often collide with the demands of their sport. Friday Night Lights illustrates that success doesn’t always come easily—it requires resilience, hard work, and the ability to push through obstacles, even when things seem unfair or impossible. Success in this context is not just about winning games; it’s about character, mental toughness, and remaining focused on the bigger picture, no matter the setbacks. It teaches that the pursuit of success is a lifelong journey, one that requires dedication, discipline, and an unwavering belief in yourself and others.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of these 15 TV shows, one thing becomes clear: the journey to success is as varied as the characters and stories portrayed on screen. From the ruthless world of corporate boardrooms to the adrenaline-fueled kitchens of top chefs, each show offers unique insights and lessons. Whether you’re inspired by the determination of athletes in “Friday Night Lights” or the strategic brilliance in “Billions,” these shows remind us that success is not just about reaching a destination but also about the challenges overcome and the lessons learned along the way. So, as you continue your journey, remember the stories and characters who have paved the way—they may just inspire your next step towards achieving your own success.