Billions is such a terrific show that takes place in the financial world but you don't need to know much about that world to enjoy the show! Even though it hasn't been as good the last few seasons it's still a pretty good show and gets a high rating from me because those early seasons were just that good. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti lead an amazing cast that are all at the top of their game here!
619 Reviews
The early seasons were great
Rob133131 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Billions really is a great show. I'm actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this series. Like most people have already pointed out, the first few seasons are the best but all are worth watching. It tells the story of billionaire hedge fund Kong, Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) and his fight against a U. S. attorney named Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti). He tried to build a case against Axelrod but Axelrod keeps getting away with what he's doing. What makes them even more at odds is Axelrod employs Rhoades wife, psychiatrist Wendy Rhoades. She refuses to give up her career for her husbands crusade. Both men try to outmaneuver the other. If you're looking for a new show to binge then give this a try. You won't be disappointed.
Season 6, I'm done.
Homer_Ate218 April 2022
Season 1 - 4 were great. 5 however started to loose me. 6 was a total washout. Prince was a terrible protagonist, no match for Chuck, only was at times because the script said so.
Overall, this show is smart and well written, but not believable, people don't talk like this.
Overall, this show is smart and well written, but not believable, people don't talk like this.
A Brilliant Show That Lost Its Way
seanwilson-3693124 September 2020
The first two seasons of this show are some of the best TV I've watched. The battle between Axe and Chuck (two awesome lead characters) is thrilling, engaging stuff and there are some interesting sub-plots too. At one point it was one of my favourite shows of all time.
I was immensely excited for where this show would go but unfortunately it has ended up being a major disappointment. The writers went away from the rivalry that drove S1 and S2 and pushed the unbearable Taylor Mason as the lead character. Once they did that, this show started to go downhill. Season 3 was okay but S4 was utter garbage and now I don't care about the story.
This show is a perfect example of greed and political correctness ruining what was once a brilliant show. Such a shame
I was immensely excited for where this show would go but unfortunately it has ended up being a major disappointment. The writers went away from the rivalry that drove S1 and S2 and pushed the unbearable Taylor Mason as the lead character. Once they did that, this show started to go downhill. Season 3 was okay but S4 was utter garbage and now I don't care about the story.
This show is a perfect example of greed and political correctness ruining what was once a brilliant show. Such a shame
Worth The Title
feraldostephanie10 April 2016
This is a must see. The writing, the acting, the cast, are all perfect. It is so rare that you find a show with such a diverse cast coming together so seamlessly. Each character is perfectly cast. The writing allows you to live each chactors journey throughout each scene. You do not know who's side you are on; all you know is they are all "right" in their convictions in some way. The tension and life within this show makes you feel it as though you are there. Re- watch to find details you may have missed the first time. It is a thriller, drama, comedy, tragedy, and fairytale all in one. Watch the show to find out which character resonates with you ethics and morals. The lines may be harder to see than you think. The cast are living their roles and their conviction is riveting. Thank you for this show.
Great initial seasons, but started deviating from the winning formula
wunderbaum115 May 2023
It's a good show, especially thanks to smart writers and great actors - Giamatti and Lewis in particular. Many interesting characters and supporting characters. Degiulio, Hall, Orrin, Ben Kim, Dollar Bill, Spyros, Sacker and Cantu.
I think the show increasingly turns into this female empowerment focus which in itself is a good thing but unfortunately also makes the show less captivating and entertaining. They shifted away from their winning formula.
Sacker is a great character although borderline Mary Sue who apparently masters everything with perfect integrity and produces one impressive pop cultural reference after the other. Eventually you can't help but think it seems a bit unrealistic and forced when a geeky book smart woman clearly born in the 80s references movies and music that would be only natural coming from a streetwise guy born in the 60s and 70s. Coming from a character like hers, you get the feeling she's googling references just to be able to say them, as opposed to Wags and Axe.
Wendy Rhoades was great the first season when things focused on her impressive mental coaching and being relatively objective, but then throughout the seasons slowly shifts into a petty, spiteful, snobby and selfish individual with too much unearned respect and authority. Her moral downfall is interesting but they never managed to pull her back into an enjoyable character again. So much for character development. Reminds me of how they ruined Donna in Suits - she had her perfect niche as the sassy, quick-witted assistant to becoming a needy, insecure and annoying COO.
And then we have this over-the-top badass Bonnie character who, as pretty much all the women on the show, always gets the final word and is portrayed as 10x tougher than the guys. It's too much, seems more like a utopian character for certain writers rather than realistic and engaging.
The casting of Dave was probably the biggest miss - they should have had more focus on finding someone likeable instead of ticking yet another box. She comes off as manipulative and 'superior', but not in a fun, intriguing way.
Prince of course is not Axe, but given the circumstances he did okay.
Taylor is actually a decently interesting character despite the obvious forced progressivism behind the introduction, and makes enough sense.
From being a typical aggressive tradefloor with classic macho a-holes, the men slowly deteriorate into goofy whimps in a hedge fund now full of female badasses. That's a clear shift in the writing, and although this shift can be interesting to explore it unfortunately makes the show go from entertaining and fun to increasingly lame and melodramatic.
That said, overall it's a great show worth watching. Lots of fun moments and manoeuvres.
I think the show increasingly turns into this female empowerment focus which in itself is a good thing but unfortunately also makes the show less captivating and entertaining. They shifted away from their winning formula.
Sacker is a great character although borderline Mary Sue who apparently masters everything with perfect integrity and produces one impressive pop cultural reference after the other. Eventually you can't help but think it seems a bit unrealistic and forced when a geeky book smart woman clearly born in the 80s references movies and music that would be only natural coming from a streetwise guy born in the 60s and 70s. Coming from a character like hers, you get the feeling she's googling references just to be able to say them, as opposed to Wags and Axe.
Wendy Rhoades was great the first season when things focused on her impressive mental coaching and being relatively objective, but then throughout the seasons slowly shifts into a petty, spiteful, snobby and selfish individual with too much unearned respect and authority. Her moral downfall is interesting but they never managed to pull her back into an enjoyable character again. So much for character development. Reminds me of how they ruined Donna in Suits - she had her perfect niche as the sassy, quick-witted assistant to becoming a needy, insecure and annoying COO.
And then we have this over-the-top badass Bonnie character who, as pretty much all the women on the show, always gets the final word and is portrayed as 10x tougher than the guys. It's too much, seems more like a utopian character for certain writers rather than realistic and engaging.
The casting of Dave was probably the biggest miss - they should have had more focus on finding someone likeable instead of ticking yet another box. She comes off as manipulative and 'superior', but not in a fun, intriguing way.
Prince of course is not Axe, but given the circumstances he did okay.
Taylor is actually a decently interesting character despite the obvious forced progressivism behind the introduction, and makes enough sense.
From being a typical aggressive tradefloor with classic macho a-holes, the men slowly deteriorate into goofy whimps in a hedge fund now full of female badasses. That's a clear shift in the writing, and although this shift can be interesting to explore it unfortunately makes the show go from entertaining and fun to increasingly lame and melodramatic.
That said, overall it's a great show worth watching. Lots of fun moments and manoeuvres.
Another series that should have stopped
dzeilstra5 August 2022
Billions was a great show with great actors. Up to and including the first 5 seasons I really enjoyed it. But as it often goes, the makers can't get enough of their success and just keep going on. Until the momentum, the excitement and the spirit is gone. This is also largely due to Season 6 being without main actor Damian Lewis. So I watched one episode but it did not get me hooked and after reading some other reviews I thought it best to leave it at that and watch something else instead.
Note to self; DO NOT BECOME BILLIONAIRE : )...
brooksrob115 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
There are many series and movies about being a rich billionaire, many are set in California, a few are in NYC but, often they are clichés' and stereotypical representations of the man.
Billions is so much different. A breath of fresh air. The writers intrigue you. Not a moment is wasted on reviewing the mundane! It's an edge of the seater and nearly impossible to look away...As an east coast businessman for 3 decades, I can appreciate what an utter BURDEN it must be to be a billionaire. The uber rich can be diabolical douchebags. But Bobby Axe brings it to a whole different plane...If only all Billionaires were like him, the world would turn around in no time.
I started binge watching this show ( Billions) yesterday, 7 hours later into the seventh episode, I needed to pause it, and write this review...THAT is how brilliant this show is... Watch it, you'll be glad you did.
Well the final season happened. The writers played their cards close to the vest. You really didn't know how it would all pan out until the final moments of the last episode... Great series and she had her ups and downs but; Up there with all the other multi year highly praised series's... Spoiler; Bobby wins...:)
Billions is so much different. A breath of fresh air. The writers intrigue you. Not a moment is wasted on reviewing the mundane! It's an edge of the seater and nearly impossible to look away...As an east coast businessman for 3 decades, I can appreciate what an utter BURDEN it must be to be a billionaire. The uber rich can be diabolical douchebags. But Bobby Axe brings it to a whole different plane...If only all Billionaires were like him, the world would turn around in no time.
I started binge watching this show ( Billions) yesterday, 7 hours later into the seventh episode, I needed to pause it, and write this review...THAT is how brilliant this show is... Watch it, you'll be glad you did.
Well the final season happened. The writers played their cards close to the vest. You really didn't know how it would all pan out until the final moments of the last episode... Great series and she had her ups and downs but; Up there with all the other multi year highly praised series's... Spoiler; Bobby wins...:)
Great show and way bigger season finale
caotico6911 April 2016
I love both leads in the show, Giamatti and Lewis are both amazing on their roles, both characters are I want to WIN ALL THE WAY but are broken inside with flaws they both depend on the same woman to try to repair. Imagine you get a TV show about The Wolf of Wall Street, with less profanity (I have nothing against, by the way) and mix it up with and equal opposite as the guy after him, both with money both with power but a big difference, the billionaire came from noting , rise up from a poor kid to the top. and the Public Officer (district attorney) is the one that grow up with money and power but have a hunger to be successful bringing down white collar guys.
The show is amazing, cant wait till next season. Please take a moment and enjoy it yourself.
The show is amazing, cant wait till next season. Please take a moment and enjoy it yourself.
Axe Years = 10! Prince = 1.
lumbo831 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I'm going to keep watching, it's not my favorite show anymore!
Prince/Scooter is a massive downgrade from Axe/Wags!
Dollar Bill & Mafee having limited scenes are another huge loss for this show!
🤞that the final season brings back what made this show one of the greatest!
Prince/Scooter is a massive downgrade from Axe/Wags!
Dollar Bill & Mafee having limited scenes are another huge loss for this show!
🤞that the final season brings back what made this show one of the greatest!
It WAS a great show
Tactrix14 March 2022
Seasons 1-5 the show had everything you want, good storylines, revenge, drama, personal vendettas. All the great actors and fireworks that go along with them. And honestly they had a really good thing going. I had no real complaints about the way they handled themselves, a few bumps here and there but overall a great show.
And then came season 6, this woke joke season is everything that's wrong with shows right now. First the direction they're going in is nothing short of boring and sad, second the way they went about it is just dumb, and of course let's not forget the main protagonist left. Honestly I have yet to meet a person who cares about anything they're doing now. But worst of all both the plot and the writing are complete and utter trash this season. I've never in my life heard so many references that no one knows or would ever recognize. They're starting to quote Latin phrases and philosophers and not even renown ones. And if that weren't bad enough, the plot is nonsensical. Chuck now comes off like a vengeful tyrant with no real bone to pick other than to snark and scowl at the rich, this isn't good or even decent, it's pathetic.
5/10, it was 10/10 for season 1-5 and now it's just bad so I figured I'll rate it in middle. Fair warning you give this show even 1 more season with this pathetic excuse for writing and I will outright drop the rating to 1.
And then came season 6, this woke joke season is everything that's wrong with shows right now. First the direction they're going in is nothing short of boring and sad, second the way they went about it is just dumb, and of course let's not forget the main protagonist left. Honestly I have yet to meet a person who cares about anything they're doing now. But worst of all both the plot and the writing are complete and utter trash this season. I've never in my life heard so many references that no one knows or would ever recognize. They're starting to quote Latin phrases and philosophers and not even renown ones. And if that weren't bad enough, the plot is nonsensical. Chuck now comes off like a vengeful tyrant with no real bone to pick other than to snark and scowl at the rich, this isn't good or even decent, it's pathetic.
5/10, it was 10/10 for season 1-5 and now it's just bad so I figured I'll rate it in middle. Fair warning you give this show even 1 more season with this pathetic excuse for writing and I will outright drop the rating to 1.
The Dialogues, oh the Dialogues!
CX78-I18 September 2021
The overdone, complicated lines of every dialogue of any of the lead characters have become so artificial. No one talks so densely in real life even if they were geniuses. Each time an actor opens their mouth they stare concentrating to remember the absurdly intricate ideas.
Billions : From Excellent To Nothing
dk77714 September 2021
A series that started great, which intrigued us from the first moment with its palette of interesting characters.
The first two seasons are really great, tense, with smart and interesting dialogues and action that draws us into another, interesting world.
The cast is excellent, Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti brilliantly portrayed their characters. Perfect casting. But the supporting characters are equally interesting and the actors who play them did a great job in their roles.
The plot is dynamic and fun, and the characters and their actions make sense and fit the story. The cinematography is excellent, the production is at a high level. The direction is good, there are no unnecessary camera movements, there is no shaky camera that mostly seems cheap and irritating. Basically, everything is excellent, high quality and interesting.
This is followed by a safe and slow sinking into mediocrity, to which we are unfortunately accustomed.
A show that could have been one of those that will be talked about for decades and watched over and over again. Unfortunately, the writers simply did not endure without embarking on the predictable path of mediocrity and clichés so typical of today's film production.
This may have been one of those few television masterpieces, but it simply became another of the mediocre television series that is neither particularly bad nor particularly good.
The first two seasons are really great, tense, with smart and interesting dialogues and action that draws us into another, interesting world.
The cast is excellent, Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti brilliantly portrayed their characters. Perfect casting. But the supporting characters are equally interesting and the actors who play them did a great job in their roles.
The plot is dynamic and fun, and the characters and their actions make sense and fit the story. The cinematography is excellent, the production is at a high level. The direction is good, there are no unnecessary camera movements, there is no shaky camera that mostly seems cheap and irritating. Basically, everything is excellent, high quality and interesting.
This is followed by a safe and slow sinking into mediocrity, to which we are unfortunately accustomed.
A show that could have been one of those that will be talked about for decades and watched over and over again. Unfortunately, the writers simply did not endure without embarking on the predictable path of mediocrity and clichés so typical of today's film production.
This may have been one of those few television masterpieces, but it simply became another of the mediocre television series that is neither particularly bad nor particularly good.
Sad to see a brilliant show turn into a torture
Sevi123405 August 2022
First 5 seasons were excellent - season 6 is a torture
Axe was a sight for sore eyes. Brilliant, brutal, quick, a true killer. Loved to watch the "dance" between him and Chuck. But Prince? Thanks but no thanks. They try so hard to keep the story interesting but they fail. Big time.
Easily The Best New Show Of The Season!
crenigma47821 March 2016
Billions has it all! Class, Style, Beauty, and best of all Brains.
The battle of wits between Chuck (Paul Giamatti), and Bobby (Damian Lewis) is the heart of the show...and both men are riveting to watch.
The other gem of the show is the fantastic and beautiful Maggie Siff as Chuck's wife Wendy, who just happens to be one of Bobby's oldest friends..not to mention..practically a co founder of Bobby's company. The sparks between Bobby and Wendy fly..but she is married to his greatest enemy. Lewis and Siff have such chemistry on screen...and Damian Lewis has an uncanny ability to make you root for him, no matter what he is playing. Be it a Wrongly Imprisoned cop on the equally excellent short lived show called Life, or the potential villain on Homeland..the man just has incredible talent..and with Bobby "Axe" Axelrod...it is no different. You never want to see one man win..because the Clash Of these two Titans is just too much fun!!
The battle of wits between Chuck (Paul Giamatti), and Bobby (Damian Lewis) is the heart of the show...and both men are riveting to watch.
The other gem of the show is the fantastic and beautiful Maggie Siff as Chuck's wife Wendy, who just happens to be one of Bobby's oldest friends..not to mention..practically a co founder of Bobby's company. The sparks between Bobby and Wendy fly..but she is married to his greatest enemy. Lewis and Siff have such chemistry on screen...and Damian Lewis has an uncanny ability to make you root for him, no matter what he is playing. Be it a Wrongly Imprisoned cop on the equally excellent short lived show called Life, or the potential villain on Homeland..the man just has incredible talent..and with Bobby "Axe" Axelrod...it is no different. You never want to see one man win..because the Clash Of these two Titans is just too much fun!!
What a way to end the series.
enachealexandru27 October 2023
Billions, from the very first episode to its heart-stopping conclusion, had me glued to my seat. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti's performances were nothing short of sensational, immersing me in the high-stakes world of finance and power.
The writing crackled with wit and intelligence, demystifying the financial realm in an engaging way. The supporting cast, particularly Maggie Siff and Asia Kate Dillon, added depth and nuance to an already brilliant narrative.
The finale was a triumph, striking a balance between closure and tantalizing possibility. Billions isn't just about money and power; it's a riveting exploration of human ambition and morality.
For those yet to experience Billions, now's the time. And for fans like me, the finale was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable series. This show is a masterpiece of television that left me hungry for more.
The writing crackled with wit and intelligence, demystifying the financial realm in an engaging way. The supporting cast, particularly Maggie Siff and Asia Kate Dillon, added depth and nuance to an already brilliant narrative.
The finale was a triumph, striking a balance between closure and tantalizing possibility. Billions isn't just about money and power; it's a riveting exploration of human ambition and morality.
For those yet to experience Billions, now's the time. And for fans like me, the finale was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable series. This show is a masterpiece of television that left me hungry for more.
A shame
jamurph-7096329 August 2023
Seasons one through four were great. The main characters were awesome, the peripheral characters were funny. Season five is when the show starts driving towards the cliff. It opens with Bobby Axelrod on an ayahuasca trip but it has the opposite effect. They write him angrier and less likable and it's clear he is going to be done after the season. To be honest, the series should have stopped after season five. Season six and seven are utter trash. I don't know if they got all new writers but that can be the only explanation for had bad the last two are. Chuck must have had a stroke and forgot everything he knows about law because he has to have the women explain everything to him. The new writers also project their racism and misogyny on you. Like you have to be told minorities and women are capable of success. Anyone who likes the last two seasons is either flat out stupid or lying to themselves. It's not even the same show. The characters have to explain everything to you because the writers don't think you're smart enough to figure it out.
Season 1-5 fantastic. Since Damien Lewis (Axe) left it's bad.
claptrap-4864221 February 2023
Great series similar in some ways to Wolf of Wall St and Succession. Loved those two as well. Billions is a clever collection of stories set in the high flying banking world, The cast are all fabulous - but let's be honest, the star of the show is / was Damien Lewis who played the lead - Bobby Axelrod (chief at the Axe Capital bank). Coming in at a very close second, in my opinion, is Paul Giamatti. Together, these actors provide outstanding onscreen performances as arch rival characters - with edge of seat excitment. But the class and intensity that Lewis brings to the show is second to none. He is utterly convincing in his role and pulls the cast around him to create compelling episodes in the first 5 seasons.
But all that changed when he left the show. I do not know the circumstances behind his departure, perhaps he felt it was done. Well, now it is and sadly season 6 tries, but will never reach the previous levels.
But all that changed when he left the show. I do not know the circumstances behind his departure, perhaps he felt it was done. Well, now it is and sadly season 6 tries, but will never reach the previous levels.
Best of 2016
modironak20 January 2016
Completed watching two episodes of this show and I am all of praise for it. It contains features that excite me to go for a show like insider trading, corporate politics, courtroom scenes and complex characters. It is kind of on the same lines as Suits but an incremented version of it. The pilot starts with building of the two lead characters Chuck and Bobby while keeping up the tempo too. Between the two you cannot decide whom to root for as both have gray shades.
With the second episode it starts going deeper into past of their lives and what shaped them to being the way they are today. It is exciting to watch both of them go head to head to get better of each other. It is like a see-saw ride, you cannot predict what is in store for you.
If it goes the way it has started it can be one of the best shows of 2016. I would recommend to give a try to this show, you will not regret it.
With the second episode it starts going deeper into past of their lives and what shaped them to being the way they are today. It is exciting to watch both of them go head to head to get better of each other. It is like a see-saw ride, you cannot predict what is in store for you.
If it goes the way it has started it can be one of the best shows of 2016. I would recommend to give a try to this show, you will not regret it.
Without Axe, the show has lost its edge.
bullseyejack-880-91437631 January 2022
It's a different show, but not for the better. Giamatti's new persona and plans make no sense, nor do Corey Stoll's. The main characters who have left the show have diminished it. The new characters have not improved it.
There is a new Sorkin in town ...
A_Different_Drummer3 April 2016
Based on the writing and characterizations alone, this show, right out of the box, would be a 9.
That is a serious statement and I think it will hold up. Not only do these scripts go into areas of finance that the public has not been privy to (credit Andrew Ross Sorkin of TOO BIG TO FAIL fame) but, I kid you not, in this show the men talk like men and the women talk like bigger men. And it works a treat.
They could have stopped there. But, no, they went for the casting coup of the century. Giamatti against Lewis. Giamatti, who could not give a weak performance if he tried, out-does all his prior film work. Which is also an amazing statement to make. It is as if he wants this show to replace his entire highlight reel.
And then Lewis. How talented is this guy?? He not only played an American traitor -- brilliantly -- and had to work with Claire Danes (not as easy as it looks) but effortlessly switches to billionaire tycoon without missing a beat.
The only thing missing from the IMDb profile page is a list of the awards this show won. Check back a year from now for that.
That is a serious statement and I think it will hold up. Not only do these scripts go into areas of finance that the public has not been privy to (credit Andrew Ross Sorkin of TOO BIG TO FAIL fame) but, I kid you not, in this show the men talk like men and the women talk like bigger men. And it works a treat.
They could have stopped there. But, no, they went for the casting coup of the century. Giamatti against Lewis. Giamatti, who could not give a weak performance if he tried, out-does all his prior film work. Which is also an amazing statement to make. It is as if he wants this show to replace his entire highlight reel.
And then Lewis. How talented is this guy?? He not only played an American traitor -- brilliantly -- and had to work with Claire Danes (not as easy as it looks) but effortlessly switches to billionaire tycoon without missing a beat.
The only thing missing from the IMDb profile page is a list of the awards this show won. Check back a year from now for that.
Season 4 - Taylor Mason character is NOT why we watched Billions! Poor Season!
Simonschama24 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This used to be so good with great writing. What happened to the writers? Enough with the Taylor Mason Character who is a poor antagonist . None of us watch Billions for the Mason character. Needed a much better antagonist .
Also baffled by the lazy writing of getting Wendy Rhoades and Axelrod together after resisting that lazy,easy angle for three seasons. Chuck and Bobby going against each other again is just a redo of the previous seasons and did not like the two endings of the season. Lazy Lazy writing! Also get rid of Taylor Mason and get a worthy opponent for Bobby Axelrod!
Also baffled by the lazy writing of getting Wendy Rhoades and Axelrod together after resisting that lazy,easy angle for three seasons. Chuck and Bobby going against each other again is just a redo of the previous seasons and did not like the two endings of the season. Lazy Lazy writing! Also get rid of Taylor Mason and get a worthy opponent for Bobby Axelrod!
Getting hackneyed
davebbr20 May 2019
As usual, a great series starting to nosedive.The third series was getting weak on plot and by 2/3rds thru the fourth season, one was starting to wish Taylor and a few other characters had been killed off at birth. Shame.
Explosive Start Until Axe Departed
lavonbeard13 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed the seasons when Axe was in charge. Mike took over and it was expected to fall down some notches but it seemed the writers didn't know where to go so, we all, the viewers, became lost. My biggest problem with this series was Chuck Rhodes and his insatiable desire to bring down Axe and Mike to the detriment of everyone. The attorney general's office, in my opinion, became as corrupt as the individuals they sought to bring down. It was rollover methodology, didn't matter who the principal was. I was actually happy when Chuck was stripped of his AG status, then the weak one took over and became a replica of Chuck. Regurgitating from that point on but I had to finish. The end was a terrific let down as the writers wanted both sides to win. So disappointed.
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