Dynasty: The Murdochs — who cares which billionaire will control billions?

"To explain the Murdochs, you have to understand the television show Succession." So quips New York Times writer Jim Rutenberg a few minutes into this four-part documentary about Rupert Murdoch’s empire and, specifically, his children’s battle for control of it when he dies.

The film matches the eldest Murdoch siblings — independent Prudence, dutiful favourite Lachlan, “problem child” James and brilliant but overlooked Elisabeth — to their Succession counterparts, yet despite suspenseful strings and off-key piano motifs this is no Emmy-award-winning drama.

Rather, it is an exhausting if exhaustive rundown of all things Murdoch, with the siblings often overshadowed by their dad.

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