HBO’s Industry might seem like it burst onto the scene recently, but it has steadily become a standout in the world of prestige television. Now in its third season, this high-octane drama centers on young bankers navigating the cutthroat world of high finance at Pierpoint & Co., a fictional investment bank in London. Despite a saturated market, Industry has carved its place alongside shows like Succession and Euphoria, blending themes of ambition, youthful chaos, and emotional intensity with gripping realism. The secret to its success? A unique narrative that leans into a “euphoric sadness,” reflecting both the thrill and the emotional toll of this world.
The Unique Blend of Genres
At first glance, Industry may seem like a marriage between Succession’s corporate drama and Euphoria’s drug-fueled emotional intensity. However, the show goes beyond these influences to stand on its own. It focuses not only on the business of high-stakes trading but also on the messy, often self-destructive personal lives of its characters.
While banking may seem like an uninviting backdrop for storytelling, the creators, Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, craft it with an intimacy that allows viewers to focus on the characters’ journeys. As Mickey Down put it, “It’s more a ‘hang show’ than a show about banking.” This approach humanizes the often-distant financial world, making it relatable and immersive for the audience.
From Pandemic Release to Full-Blown Success
When Industry first premiered in 2020, the world was grappling with the pandemic. Locked indoors, audiences were drawn to the escapism offered by a show that depicted a world of excess—parties, drugs, and a bustling London that felt like a distant dream. According to Down, the first season provided a form of “vicarious enjoyment” for viewers who were cut off from the very experiences the characters indulged in.
Fast forward to the third season, and the reception has shifted with the return of normalcy. With in-person premieres and greater media attention, the show has started to feel like a more tangible part of the cultural conversation, with fans and critics alike appreciating its nuance.
Characters You Love to Hang Out With—Or Hate
One of the show’s key appeals is its ensemble of characters who are, as Down describes them, flawed but relatable. While some might describe them as “heinous individuals,” Down emphasizes that these young bankers are still figuring themselves out, allowed to make mistakes in a high-stakes environment. This rawness makes the characters feel real, drawing viewers into their personal and professional struggles.
There is something magnetic about the way Industry portrays these ambitious yet vulnerable individuals. From trading desks to after-hours parties, the characters exist in a state of heightened emotion, balancing their career ambitions with self-destructive tendencies. It’s in these contradictions that the show finds its “euphoric sadness”—a bittersweet reflection of ambition’s cost.
The Creators’ Journey: From Banking to TV
Part of what makes Industry feel so authentic is the background of its creators. Mickey Down and Konrad Kay both worked in banking before turning to screenwriting, and this personal experience gives the show a level of credibility and realism. Their journey into the world of television was anything but traditional. Down had already begun pursuing TV writing, while Kay was still entrenched in banking. It was only when Kay was fired from his job that the two decided to collaborate on a script set in a bank, drawing from their shared experiences.
Down acknowledges that their rise to success was a bit of a “fly by the seat of your pants” situation, only becoming a reality when they sold a project to NBC. That partnership eventually evolved into the creation of Industry, allowing them to turn their unique professional background into a compelling television narrative.
What’s Next for Industry?
As Industry enters its third season and builds momentum, the future looks promising. The characters’ stories are still unfolding, and the show has plenty of narrative threads to explore. With a mix of critical acclaim and growing fanfare, it is becoming a show that resonates deeply with viewers, especially those drawn to its raw, emotional core.
More than just a series about banking, Industry captures the essence of youthful ambition—its highs, its lows, and everything in between. This, paired with the creators’ deep connection to the material, has made it one of the most compelling dramas on television today.
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