Premise: “Billions” delves deep into the world of high finance by portraying the fierce power struggle between two titans: hedge fund king Bobby Axelrod and U.S. District Attorney Chuck Rhoades. Set in the backdrop of New York City’s financial district, the series charts their intense personal and professional rivalry, revealing the extremes people will go to for power and success.
Main Characters:
- Bobby “Axe” Axelrod (Damian Lewis): A self-made billionaire, Axelrod is the ambitious and shrewd head of Axe Capital, a hedge fund giant. He often uses questionable methods to achieve his financial goals.
- Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti): The principled U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He’s committed to bringing down financial criminals, particularly Axelrod. However, his motivations are not always purely judicial.
Themes: “Billions” offers an incisive look into the world of big money and politics, exploring themes of power, loyalty, corruption, and revenge. It questions the nature of success and the moral compromises individuals make in their relentless pursuit of power and position.
Critical Consensus & Rating: 4/5. Critics have widely appreciated “Billions” for its sharp writing, complex characters, and the dynamic performances of its lead actors. The series offers a riveting depiction of the financial world, though some critics feel certain plotlines can occasionally veer into the realm of extravagance.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA for mature audiences. The series contains strong language, sexual content, and adult themes that might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Broadcast Details: “Billions” premiered on Showtime in 2016.
TV Series Recommendations:
- “Succession“
- “The Big Short” (film, but thematically similar)
- “Mad Men“
- “House of Cards“
- “The Sopranos“
Streaming Services:
Currently available to stream on Paramount+
Related posts:
Powered by YARPP.