On his 80th birthday, the family of the businessman Logan Roy is in for a surprise when he reveals shocking news pertaining to his succession, news which shocks his son Kendall who anticipated being his father's heir while he negotiates the purchase of a digital media startup.
With Logan in the hospital, the Roy children argue over who should run Waystar during their father's incapacitation. Eventually, Kendall is chosen as the CEO and Roman as the COO.
Kendall and Roman struggle to save Waystar and stave off possible financial decline, all while Marcia, Logan's third wife, prevents the family from checking up on the hospitalized Logan.
Everyone is taken by surprise during the company gala, with Tom learning about crimes committed on Waystar's cruises, and Logan announcing he's back to his post as the CEO.
Witnessing his father's erratic behavior encourages Kendall to propose a vote of no confidence against Logan. He also considers getting Ewan, Logan's brother, to take over his brother's post, the thing that Ewan refuses, while Kendall gets more allies to his side.
Kendall, Roman, and Frank ceaselessly try to amass allies to their side, and Kendall proves willing to go to great lengths to achieve this. On the day of the vote of no confidence, several occurrences threaten both sides.
Logan plans for a family therapy session at Austerlitz, but Kendall refuses to attend. Several surprises unfold as Kendall sues his father for firing him, while it is discovered that Logan is behind allegations about Kendall's drug abuse.
Roman prepares for Tom's bachelor's party. Meanwhile, Logan tries to make sure of Kendall's safety after he relapses and sinks further into his drug addiction problems, while Kendall plots revenge through a possible CEO position.
With the Roys assembling for Shiv and Tom's wedding, several secrets unfold, threatening to cancel the wedding. Meanwhile, Stewy and Sandy want to seize the chance of Logan being away to fast-track their takeover with Kendall at their side.
After a moment of truth, Tom and Shiv reconcile. Meanwhile, Kendall tells his father about the takeover, and Logan goes mad. As Kendall goes on a quest to get cocaine, a tragedy occurs and he reaches rock bottom, with no one but his father to lend him a hand.