How composer Nicholas Britell created the sound of 'Succession'

The final episode of Succession airs on Sunday, bringing an end to the hit HBO series and, almost as importantly, what some have called "the definitive TV theme of the 21st century."

The opening theme, with its dissonant chords, dramatic strings and 808 beats, has remained a popular earworm over the last few years, not to mention fodder for high-profile remixes and viral memes.

All of that came as a surprise to Nicholas Britell, the composer behind the show's Emmy-winning score.

"What's happened with Succession has been beyond my, any of our wildest dreams, I think," he told Morning Edition. "And certainly on the music side, it's been very special that the music has resonated the way it has. I did not expect that."

is Britell's first foray into television. He previously worked on acclaimed films including , and . That's how he