'Family Business' director calls 'Succession' comparisons 'lazy'
What's the story
Following Netflix's announcement of Family Business under its Next On Netflix 2026 India slate, the upcoming corporate drama quickly drew comparisons to global series like Succession and Billions. Co-creator and director Hansal Mehta addressed the speculation, firmly rejecting the rumors and calling them "lazy comparisons."
Show's uniqueness
Mehta explained why he feels the parallels are unfair
Mehta told Bollywood Hungama, "Lazy comparisons. Liking Succession or Billions doesn't make every story about power or families a remake." "It's the same as calling every crime saga The Godfather, or every political drama House of Cards." "A corporate backdrop may invite surface-level comparisons, but Family Business is not adapted from, inspired by, or remotely similar to Succession in its story, plot, or characters."
Twitter Post
See the teaser for 'Family Business' here
New blood meets old money. With immense power at stake, the lines blur between family and business.
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia)
Watch Family Business, coming soon, only on Netflix.#FamilyBusiness#FamilyBusinessOnNetflix#NextOnNetflixIndiapic.twitter.com/jVFokDRtfuFebruary 3, 2026
Show's inspiration
'It is a wholly original Indian series...'
Mehta added, "It is a wholly original Indian series, drawn from multiple Indian corporate battles and family dynamics unique to our culture." He further clarified that while he admires international shows in the genre, Family Business has its own identity. "I'm a huge admirer of both shows, but our show has its own identity, rooted in a very different socio-cultural, emotional, and economic world."
Series overview
Meanwhile, here's everything to know about 'Family Business'
Family Business is a high-stakes drama centered on a corporate succession war within one of India's most powerful business families. The story centers on a visionary billionaire who handpicks a successor, only to seize back control months later, igniting a ruthless power struggle fueled by betrayal, broken alliances, and long-buried secrets. The star-studded cast includes Anil Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Rhea Chakraborty, and Neha Dhupia, among others.