Billions

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 17, 2016
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 193 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 152 out of 193
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 193
  3. Negative: 27 out of 193
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  1. Anonymous85
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Absolutely love this show! Hooked from the start! The quality of the actors and actresses leave plenty of story lines to get hooked into. The jostling for power positions is something you can't get enough of! Cant wait to see where this goes!
  2. jonh
    Jul 14, 2017
    8
    Overall this is a very well done show, with surprising plotlines and outstanding acting by the two main actors, which in my view more than makes up for a number of clunky moments / scenes. I didn't expect to be interested after the initial season, and yet they pulled off another solidly entertaining season in S2, with some very good new characters, and new twists. Good stuff!
  3. zurnzurn
    May 7, 2016
    6
    The plot and dialogue have weak points, and it's not a subtle show. But it moves along, and the acting from Maggie Siff and Giamatti are great. Maggie Siff is particularly interesting, playing a character with conflicted loyalties to the two main characters. Seeing her back with a meaty role was reason enough to watch.
  4. AWESOM-0
    Jan 1, 2020
    9
    Love this show. The scene where chuck goes at the guy for not picking up his dogs poop is awesome! I feel like doing that every time I walk my dogs or go to the dog park and see someone do that.
  5. Bluesmanuk
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    An absolutely captivating and enthralling show that is full of surprises and epic battles. The characters are totally believable and you are always kept guessing as to what is coming next, which makes it even more interesting to watch. Pretty much every character is flawed, whether on the right or wrong side of the law and you can go from like to hate and back again very quickly. I'mAn absolutely captivating and enthralling show that is full of surprises and epic battles. The characters are totally believable and you are always kept guessing as to what is coming next, which makes it even more interesting to watch. Pretty much every character is flawed, whether on the right or wrong side of the law and you can go from like to hate and back again very quickly. I'm already hoping for a pick up for season 2. One of the shows that you count the days down to.… Expand
  6. Lhotse5
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    The best new show on television ! Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis just nail it in every scene. Also, very strong support from the rest of the cast. I really hope this show gets a long run, in spite of the fact that Giamatti is a very much in demand film star.
  7. jbonz
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    Some of the best TV I've seen. Paul Giamatti is on his game like never before and after watching the season finale I've come to the conclusion that he is my #1 favorite actor. The rest of the cast is rock solid as well. The scripting is intelligent and compelling. The soundtrack compliments the rollercoaster of emotionally charged scenes like peanut butter and jelly. I just can't saySome of the best TV I've seen. Paul Giamatti is on his game like never before and after watching the season finale I've come to the conclusion that he is my #1 favorite actor. The rest of the cast is rock solid as well. The scripting is intelligent and compelling. The soundtrack compliments the rollercoaster of emotionally charged scenes like peanut butter and jelly. I just can't say enough good things about Billions and I really hope it's getting the attention it deserves. The critics scoring as of now is incomprehensible to me. Sure, it has a slow build up as most great shows do, and takes a bit of a mental investment to appreciate the writing if you're far removed from the "wall street" scene like I am. However, after a few episodes, I doubt you will be able to pull yourself away. In fact, I challenge you!… Expand
  8. EludiumQ36
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    Billions oozes with quality drama, intrigue, betrayal, chutzpah, hell it's Shakespearean! Sure, it's fictional, but it does provide insight into what influence can be thrown around when you're a billionaire. However, the plebeian DA has his own levers of influence and the power to raid and shutdown businesses, so there's that. Fascinating depiction of the Dance of Death between Axelrod andBillions oozes with quality drama, intrigue, betrayal, chutzpah, hell it's Shakespearean! Sure, it's fictional, but it does provide insight into what influence can be thrown around when you're a billionaire. However, the plebeian DA has his own levers of influence and the power to raid and shutdown businesses, so there's that. Fascinating depiction of the Dance of Death between Axelrod and DA Rhoades.… Expand
  9. efege58
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    Great actors, great performance, great and interesting script. This show is something new and fresh and I love it!. Thanks for another great show, Showtime! Can´t wait to next.
  10. kushka53
    Feb 7, 2016
    10
    Realistic and cut-throat, Billions reflects the world today from the heights of Wall Street. Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis both deliver sharply defined characters that drive the show and leaves the viewer wondering what the next week will bring. The average viewer has no idea of what goes on in a prosecutor's office, nor do they have a sense of the king-like life most billionaires lead.Realistic and cut-throat, Billions reflects the world today from the heights of Wall Street. Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis both deliver sharply defined characters that drive the show and leaves the viewer wondering what the next week will bring. The average viewer has no idea of what goes on in a prosecutor's office, nor do they have a sense of the king-like life most billionaires lead. And yet it all comes at a price, and we get to see that too.… Expand
  11. Knighthawk81
    Jan 19, 2016
    7
    Showtime is desperate for some strong new blood. This series, which stars Damien Lewis and Paul Giamatti could potentially be that. I liked the pilot. I like the set up and the potential for the series. It wasn't a perfect hour, but I'm interested to see where it's going to go.
  12. Bitash
    Jul 24, 2018
    10
    One of the best shows of 2018, super entertaining...so well written, acted and directed...Great cast, acting is soooo good I forget I am watching a movie, never a dull moment and keeps you guessing and wanting to see more. Chuck and Axel actors deserve an Emmy. People who gave it bad review just didn’t get it. I absolutely loved it.
  13. DakotaFred
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    A great show that deserves a MUCH higher rating than a 69. Giamatti, Lewis and supporting cast are all on excellent form here. You've nailed it with this one Showtime!
  14. Matchbox
    Jan 18, 2016
    9
    Having worked in the US hedge fund industry for well over a decade, I viewed previews for Billions with an ambivalent eye. But I watched the premiere last night and was definitely impressed. Many are calling this drama "soapy" -- but I'd just say that it's theatrical, intense and a whole lot of fun. Do the characters, dialog and background music all come across at times as over-the-top?Having worked in the US hedge fund industry for well over a decade, I viewed previews for Billions with an ambivalent eye. But I watched the premiere last night and was definitely impressed. Many are calling this drama "soapy" -- but I'd just say that it's theatrical, intense and a whole lot of fun. Do the characters, dialog and background music all come across at times as over-the-top? Sure, but that feels like the right fit here for a show swimming in the excesses of money and power. And, as someone who has visited a number of hedge fund offices and interacted a lot with hedge fund managers and their staff, I'd say the characters, lingo and plot points of this first episode ring true -- it's all grounded enough in reality for this to work as a legit drama (likely thanks to the input of Andrew Ross Sorkin). No, this isn't arthouse cinema verite or indie mumblecore; it's not supposed to be. And some critics are panning it for "not saying anything important about its subject matter," i.e. not giving us a PC morality lesson about the evils of capitalism straight out of an Occupy Wall Street rally. No, as in real life, the leading characters are all shaded mixtures of good and bad and the writers (hopefully) do not have an agenda they're trying to push. I'll definitely be watching to see if the rest of this season is as good as the pilot. Excellent acting across the board, glossy production values and a well-paced tightly written script. This show goes down easy. 9 out of 10.… Expand
  15. dpromano
    Apr 3, 2016
    9
    Beautifully crafted, intelligently written, well acted, and competently directed. This is not for everyone. But, if you appreciate intelligent this is it.
  16. imthenoob
    Nov 13, 2016
    10
    I have watched several episodes and my opinion hasn't changed. It's one of the best written and interesting dramas that I have seen in a very long time. Giamatti and Lewis both shine and their supporting cast does a wonderful job as well.
  17. chidime
    Jul 25, 2016
    8
    It started fairly well, lost it's way in the middle and then ended with a bang. Tbh, giving it an 8 is a bit of a stretch, but I just like the way they recovered the season towards the end. The problem with Billions is that it struggles to balance the overdramtic and cliche (like Suits or HTGAWM season 2 especially) with fine storytelling. This was what brought it down and that is the onlyIt started fairly well, lost it's way in the middle and then ended with a bang. Tbh, giving it an 8 is a bit of a stretch, but I just like the way they recovered the season towards the end. The problem with Billions is that it struggles to balance the overdramtic and cliche (like Suits or HTGAWM season 2 especially) with fine storytelling. This was what brought it down and that is the only thing keeping it from soaring. The last scene was a nice touch, but it'd have been nice to not have Chuck pop into the office from nowhere. Overall, a series with massive potential, but they need to focus on telling a fine story, and leave the hyperdramaticness to Suits and other C-grade shows.… Expand
  18. JCgirl
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    This is a very well written, directed and acted show. Can't say enough about it! I'm sure there is some true in it. Look forward to each new episode. Love P.G.
  19. jlungs
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    I had high hopes for this new show, perhaps setting the bar a bit high. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti are top notch, but there is just so much they can do with the lackluster script. The writers attempt to spice things up with a series of over the top sex scenes each trying to out porn the other. Enjoyable? Maybe, but necessary? I don't think so. The potential is there, so let's hopeI had high hopes for this new show, perhaps setting the bar a bit high. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti are top notch, but there is just so much they can do with the lackluster script. The writers attempt to spice things up with a series of over the top sex scenes each trying to out porn the other. Enjoyable? Maybe, but necessary? I don't think so. The potential is there, so let's hope the rest of the season picks things up a bit.… Expand
  20. theusercritic
    Apr 4, 2016
    10
    This show has the right amount of action. It has the personal lives of Axe and his wife, of Chuck and his wife, as well as any of the hundred employees and staff. The financial side is offset by the judicial side. Then the fact that Chuck's wife works for the guy (Axe) he's trying to put behind bars. After 11 episodes we still don't know how close they are too each other, and we keepThis show has the right amount of action. It has the personal lives of Axe and his wife, of Chuck and his wife, as well as any of the hundred employees and staff. The financial side is offset by the judicial side. Then the fact that Chuck's wife works for the guy (Axe) he's trying to put behind bars. After 11 episodes we still don't know how close they are too each other, and we keep teasing ourselves that Wendy and Axe are going to hit it off somehow. In fact Wendy and Axe look more compatible, as time goes by. Again, what makes this show work is the amount of action, the number of webs that are automatically woven in the corrupt financial world.… Expand
  21. Brandon88
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    Wow, an incredible breath of fresh air from all the common, copied and redundant garbage on air today. This is a series with probably the best acting ive yet to see on any show, possibly better than game of thrones especially when Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti go at one another's throats. But what makes the series so special are the deep themes that intertwine as the plot evolves.Wow, an incredible breath of fresh air from all the common, copied and redundant garbage on air today. This is a series with probably the best acting ive yet to see on any show, possibly better than game of thrones especially when Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti go at one another's throats. But what makes the series so special are the deep themes that intertwine as the plot evolves. Capitalism, vs government and bureaucrats, which are critical on going debates about what really represents American culture. The series is at the same time entertaining and exciting. Season 1 can of course be improved but its left an excellent launch pad for season 2. I give this series my highest recommendation to anyone slightly curious about the business world, politics or even whats its like to watch masterful acting.
    ENJOY!!    … Expand
  22. doubledown-hust
    Aug 12, 2016
    7
    Directing - 7.0
    Writing - 7.0
    Acting - 8.0 Cinematography - 7.0 Music - 6.0 "Biliions"! -- Sounds like something Strong, Fun, Smart and Powerful, like Wolf of wall street mixed with Richie Rich. But its really the Prince and the pauper - Giamatti (kevin) is the rich boy who is slumming it as a FED and DL Axe! Cool name in from the mean streets now playing the King. These two men    Directing - 7.0
    Writing - 7.0
    Acting - 8.0
    Cinematography - 7.0
    Music - 6.0
    "Biliions"! -- Sounds like something Strong, Fun, Smart and Powerful, like Wolf of wall street mixed with Richie Rich. But its really the Prince and the pauper - Giamatti (kevin) is the rich boy who is slumming it as a FED and DL Axe! Cool name in from the mean streets now playing the King. These two men hate each other ,They bring out the worst in one another - The show is straight up and you watch it more for the actors doing what they do. The show it self is just a stage for these Actors to perform.    … Expand
  23. agonypy
    Sep 20, 2016
    10
    This is by far the best new tv show available on Netflix, with a cast full of great actors! First episode is mind blowing, it instantly gets you hooked.
  24. Jimmywest
    Feb 26, 2017
    10
    Great watch, a modern day power struggle. Who's the Alpha? Bobby Axe dominates the screen with the dollar, where as chuck Rhodes is fighting for himself in the name of the American people.
  25. jacknapier
    May 14, 2017
    10
    My absolute favorite show this year, with Damien Lewis in what I consider his best role ever.

    Featuring an incredible cast where every character brims with nuance and complexity. Each episode progresses at a lightning pace, and the show has masses of rewatch potential as some of the subtle chess moves are only noticed much later. Thank you showtime for a masterpiece of a series. I    My absolute favorite show this year, with Damien Lewis in what I consider his best role ever.

    Featuring an incredible cast where every character brims with nuance and complexity.

    Each episode progresses at a lightning pace, and the show has masses of rewatch potential as some of the subtle chess moves are only noticed much later.

    Thank you showtime for a masterpiece of a series. I could watch them battle forever and not get tired of it.    … Expand
  26. Hoping4Better
    Jan 21, 2016
    2
    I watched the pilot hoping for a decent new series with potential, however I was disappointed that the writers fell back on crude profanity-laced conversation in an attempt to give the show some edginess--that's a cheap alternative to good writing. The main character also seems to pretty closely follow the profile of hedge fund King, Steven Cohen, right down to Cohen's purchase of aI watched the pilot hoping for a decent new series with potential, however I was disappointed that the writers fell back on crude profanity-laced conversation in an attempt to give the show some edginess--that's a cheap alternative to good writing. The main character also seems to pretty closely follow the profile of hedge fund King, Steven Cohen, right down to Cohen's purchase of a Hamptons megalith (mansion) a couple years ago for $60 million -- that also occurred during a government investigation of Cohen -- in fact, as the show continued I got the increasing sense that the plot had simply been lifted from a stale NY Post article. To try to disguise the main hedge fund personality, the writers tried to add an amalgam of a few other Wall Street personalities to their main character, including Howard Lutnick of Cantor Fitzgerald. Not particularly subtle, and also falling somewhat flat. I did however smile at the cameo by David Faber who seems to fawn over "Stevie" in real life -- not sure if he realized this show wouldn't shed a particularly kind light on the hedge fund King. In general, it becomes clear that the show does not intend to portray 'real people' from the hedge fund industry but rather the warped cartoonish figures that come from Hollywood minds that think anything connected with capitalism must be evil. It's a shame, I'm disappointed.… Expand
  27. marionlily70
    Jan 26, 2016
    1
    Stupid macho language, Damian Lewis stupid accent, bad values, stupid psychologist with very unethical behavior, disgusting sex etc etc corrupting show as usual
  28. lukefolb
    Jan 21, 2016
    7
    Whilst Billions doesn't keep the audience as engaged as Showtimes other critically acclaimed 'The Affair' it does offer some entertainment and insight into Wall Street and leaves you confused as to whether you should be supporting the career criminal Bobby Axelrod or hope he gets taken down.
  29. lazysusan
    Jan 23, 2016
    7
    The script language is too sophisticated. Could not understand it right away. If the Axe will be an evil rich man, I will stop watching this show, because it will be so predictable. Damian Lewis looks like Facebook creator, Zuckerberg. Axelrod's wife looks too stupid(I don't know if it is the idea to make her look like this). Not much chemistry between wife and Axe. TheThe script language is too sophisticated. Could not understand it right away. If the Axe will be an evil rich man, I will stop watching this show, because it will be so predictable. Damian Lewis looks like Facebook creator, Zuckerberg. Axelrod's wife looks too stupid(I don't know if it is the idea to make her look like this). Not much chemistry between wife and Axe. The actress-psychologist is really good, she probably slept with Axe and peed on him too(LOL). Her husband -attorney is OK… Expand
  30. EJEJEJ
    Jan 31, 2016
    0
    I don't get it. At all. Billions is painfully "wannabe" and arrogantly thinks that it already is. The characters pontificate phrases like, "Are you going to short it?", about as naturally as the cheapo network crime shows
    ask, "Does the perp have a rap sheet?" And really? S&M? Forced edginess is the opposite of sexy. And terribly awkward.
    Full disclosure: I didn't get the Damian Lewis    I don't get it. At all. Billions is painfully "wannabe" and arrogantly thinks that it already is. The characters pontificate phrases like, "Are you going to short it?", about as naturally as the cheapo network crime shows
    ask, "Does the perp have a rap sheet?" And really? S&M? Forced edginess is the opposite of sexy. And terribly awkward.

    Full disclosure: I didn't get the Damian Lewis thing in Homeland either so maybe that's my problem.    … Expand
  31. nosma
    Mar 27, 2016
    1
    I don't get it. And I dont have the patience to try and dig in so i can apprecite the plot. Good acting, great picture, but it feels hollow. The show takes off on the premise that it's already edgy but it really isn't. I try to watch but my mind just drifts away.
  32. jom
    Jul 11, 2017
    0
    Most over-rated tv show I've seen in ages. Over the top and predictable. Like the cast so I kept watching, only to be disappointed over and over again. Don't waste your time.
  33. shoulderoforion
    Jan 30, 2016
    0
    Could not make it through the first episode, trite & unfunny with only the topicality of the financial crisis to bring the viewers in who I predict will not stay. Do better Television Showtime, I know you can.
  34. RokuGuru
    Mar 1, 2017
    7
    It took me a few tries to get into it, but like many series, you have to stick with it more than the first 2 episodes. Character building takes some time. By the end of season one; I was liking the show. Not in my top 10, but I'll watch season 2 after I've watched Homeland
  35. rickibobbi
    Feb 5, 2016
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. a gravity free soap opera with great actors mouthing really silly dialogue with a few good lines. I suppose if you haven't been paying attention, you would think there were controls against unbridled wealth in the US and thus the Giammati character would make sense, but that's pure fantasy, there are virtually no controls, no effective laws, no one high level went to jail in 2008, and the big banks are bigger....so it's hard to watch this thing. Interestingly, Lewis was involved in Homeland, another, conterfactual, bad consciousness effort. Watch it as comic book enjoyment., period… Expand
  36. steveinsider
    Mar 21, 2016
    3
    Seems to be some discrepancy in the subplot point of Billions TV Series. Recently it was disclosed that Axe made a very handsome profit "trading on US stocks", on 9/11/01 and several days after that. But where was he trading?
    The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq did not open for trading on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, and furthermore, anticipating market chaos, panic    Seems to be some discrepancy in the subplot point of Billions TV Series. Recently it was disclosed that Axe made a very handsome profit "trading on US stocks", on 9/11/01 and several days after that. But where was he trading?
    The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq did not open for trading on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, and furthermore, anticipating market chaos, panic selling and a disastrous loss of value in the wake of the attacks, the NYSE and the Nasdaq remained closed until September 17, the longest shutdown since 1933. That's 16 days of closed markets !!!
    Additionally Axe is portrayed as "profiting" with "blood money", because he like any other investor invested based on public knowledge of the market in this catastrophe, and is therefore condemned and shunned by the public. Of course "Billions" story is a fictional story, but where's the shame in anticipating major investment opportunities? Seems to be a major flaw in this plot theory? Comments?    … Expand
  37. Kaustav
    Jan 23, 2018
    6
    Be very careful for what you wish for. That's what sums of Billions as a show. For it is a show about power fantasy foiling out as a considerably slow that you would expect of a show of its genre and it involves a group of very talented actors who intentionally over-acts their pants off to the portray the high and mighty of the Wall Street and its adversaries.
    It is very ordinary story    Be very careful for what you wish for. That's what sums of Billions as a show. For it is a show about power fantasy foiling out as a considerably slow that you would expect of a show of its genre and it involves a group of very talented actors who intentionally over-acts their pants off to the portray the high and mighty of the Wall Street and its adversaries.
    It is very ordinary story with a very predictable play out. The overacting is the most its forte - for the fans will love its and the critics will scorn it. Personally, I went out of my way to waste almost 8 hours of my life on this season because it was giving me exactly what I was looking for - An Act. The characters speak with bated breath and gruff tones to let you that they are either rich or in power, all in all that they are or at least want to be in control. It doesn't come off half bad. Watch for the queen of overacts, *coughs* The Psychiatrist *cough* and enjoy this sordid ride that will leave a bittersweet taste in your memory.    … Expand
  38. zidangus
    Apr 24, 2018
    0
    Season 3 is boring, the story is getting repetitive and going nowhere, and the characters are really starting to irritate me, especially Taylor and Axel. The show should have been cancelled after season 2.
  39. slippytoad
    Apr 13, 2019
    0
    Gets a big fat 0 for trying to shove the cultural marxist's "preferred pronouns" down my throat. Another one bites the dust.
  40. StavNeuse
    Jun 20, 2018
    6
    Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis’s ferocious rivalry is the single factor that keeps the show flowing, without them, the series would simply be unwatchable. Though the plot is compelling and it’s bigger-than-life display entertaining, it suffers from annoying characters and major plot holes.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best TV Season of 2016
33
#33 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
56
#56 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Michael Slezak
    Apr 6, 2016
    67
    If you can get past the lack of originality--and lines like “We have to be more pure than the Virgin Mary before her first period”--Billions does offer a nasty but fun escape into a world that brings to life the title of the Notorious B.I.G.’s old hit, “Mo Money, Mo Problems.”
    Read full review
  2. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 6, 2016
    75
    Despite some flaws that distract from the drama, a stellar cast help make Billions an intriguing show.
    Read full review
  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Feb 16, 2016
    80
    Under its lurid surface, is smartly paced and frank--even thoughtful--about the disconcerting fantasies it provokes.
    Read full review
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