Inheritance: Fiat Podcast
What does it really take to build a dynasty, and pass it on? The family dramas behind some of the world’s biggest businesses.
When you’re born into a powerful business dynasty, what comes first: the family or the firm? And when it comes to passing on control, who gets the top job? Inheritance explores the family dramas behind some of the world's biggest businesses.
In this 10-part series from the BBC World Service, we look behind closed doors- inside the billion-dollar deals and the family power struggles that shape global empires.
Latest season: Fiat. The Agnelli family is the equivalent of Italian royalty. Its influence extends far beyond business into politics, sport, culture and Italy's national identity. But when the family is hit by a series of tragedies, it causes a fracture that will echo down the generations.
Previously on Inheritance: Samsung. When the Samsung chairman has a heart attack, his heir is pushed into the spotlight. The complex manoeuvring to secure his succession re-opens old family wounds, prompts one of the biggest scandals in South Korea’s history, and – eventually – helps to bring down a president.
Episodes to download
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10. The good son—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
10/10Samsung faces an uncertain future when its chairman is jailed
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9. Leverage—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
9/10JY Lee steps into the biggest role of his life. Can he navigate business and politics?
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7. The crown slips—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
7/10The Lee family suffers a tragic loss, then faces claims of professional wrongdoing
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6. Octopus—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
6/10Samsung turns to Hollywood as it searches for global recognition
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4. Shoes to fill—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
4/10KH Lee takes charge of Samsung, but the business is struggling
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3. The princes’ rebellion—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
3/10A betrayal at the heart of Samsung shakes up the succession
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2. Move fast and break things—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
2/10Samsung survives an early scandal on its way to becoming a global tech giant
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1. My kingdom for a horse—Samsung
Mon 23 Mar 2026
1/10Samsung’s future hangs in the balance as its heir-in-waiting faces jail
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Introducing Inheritance: Samsung—Samsung
Mon 9 Mar 2026
1/10When Samsung’s chairman has a heart attack, his son faces a risky succession struggle


