When Does Billions Get Good?
Critics and fans agree that Billions starts off good enough to captivate a new viewer fairly early, but the show continues to pick up steam with a fan-highlight second season, and relatively consistent theme and substance throughout most of the series. Give this show through at least the first season, and if you’re enjoying it, you’re in for a treat. If not, feel free to exit.
What fans say:
Fans of Billions appreciate its razor-sharp dialogue, intricate power plays, and the intense cat-and-mouse game between Bobby Axelrod and Chuck Rhoades. They love the show’s exploration of wealth, influence, and the gray morality that defines high finance. The writing is praised for its wit and cultural references, while the performances, particularly by Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti, are widely regarded as top-tier. Many viewers also enjoy the evolving dynamics, such as the addition of Mike Prince in later seasons, and the way the show stays relevant by weaving in real-world financial and political themes.
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What haters say:
Critics of Billions argue that the show leans too heavily into its own style, sometimes prioritizing clever one-liners over substantive storytelling. Some find the plotlines overly convoluted, filled with excessive twists that feel more like shock tactics than organic developments. Others believe that the show loses steam when it shifts focus from the original rivalry between Axelrod and Rhoades, particularly after Damian Lewis’s departure. Detractors also point out that the characters, while entertaining, rarely undergo meaningful growth, making the series feel repetitive after several seasons.
Does the show fall off in quality at any point?
Many fans and critics agree that Billions maintains a high level of quality throughout its run but experiences a shift in tone and stakes in later seasons. The departure of Damian Lewis after season five marked a major turning point, with Mike Prince stepping in as the new central figure. While some viewers appreciated the fresh direction, others felt that the show lost part of its core dynamic without Axelrod. Additionally, some later-season arcs were criticized for feeling less grounded and more reliant on spectacle than the earlier seasons. However, Billions remained engaging to many due to its compelling character dynamics and sharp writing.
Aggregated critic commentary:
Overall, Billions has been well-received by critics, particularly for its early seasons. The show’s ability to blend financial intrigue with character-driven drama has been praised, though some critics noted a tendency to become too self-indulgent with its dialogue and plot twists. The performances, especially those of Giamatti and Lewis, have consistently drawn acclaim. Later seasons have seen more mixed reviews, with some feeling that the transition from Axelrod to Prince didn’t fully recapture the show’s original appeal.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 77% | 8.4 |
| 2 | 91% | 8.5 |
| 3 | 89% | 8.3 |
| 4 | 97% | 8.4 |
| 5 | 86% | 8.2 |
| 6 | 80% | 7.8 |
| 7 | 85% | 7.9 |
Overview of the show:
Billions is a high-stakes drama centered on the world of hedge funds, legal battles, and power struggles. The series follows billionaire hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) as he navigates the cutthroat world of finance, constantly finding himself in the crosshairs of U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti). As the two engage in a battle of wits, the show delves into themes of power, loyalty, and ambition. The series introduces Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), Chuck’s wife and Axelrod’s performance coach, adding a unique dynamic to the psychological warfare at play. Over time, the focus shifts as new power players, including Mike Prince (Corey Stoll), enter the arena, changing the balance of the game. With a mix of financial jargon, Machiavellian maneuvering, and personal betrayals, Billions delivers an exhilarating ride through the world of the ultra-wealthy.
Season Highlights:
Season 1:
The show establishes its central rivalry between Axelrod and Rhoades, with Chuck determined to take down the hedge fund king. Themes of legal manipulation and financial strategy are front and center, with Wendy caught in the middle. The season ends with a thrilling showdown as Chuck makes his move against Axe.
Season 2:
The battle between Axelrod and Rhoades escalates, with both men resorting to increasingly ruthless tactics. New characters like Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) are introduced, bringing fresh dynamics to Axe Capital. The season ends with Chuck sacrificing his career to land a blow on Axe.
Season 3:
With Chuck rebuilding his reputation and Axe dealing with the fallout of legal troubles, the season shifts focus to Taylor’s rise within Axe Capital. Their eventual betrayal sets up a new conflict as Taylor starts their own firm, creating another layer of financial warfare.
Season 4:
Axe and Chuck find themselves in an uneasy alliance as they take on common enemies. The season is filled with shifting allegiances and power struggles, culminating in a finale that sets the stage for new rivalries and betrayals.
Season 5:
The introduction of Mike Prince shakes up the show’s landscape, challenging Axe’s dominance. Meanwhile, Chuck continues his vendetta against Axe, leading to a dramatic finale that forces Axelrod to flee the country, effectively writing out Damian Lewis’s character.
Season 6:
With Axe gone, Mike Prince takes center stage as the new leader of Axe Capital. The power struggles continue, but the absence of Axelrod leaves some fans feeling that the show has lost part of its original spark. Chuck remains a force to be reckoned with as he seeks to bring down Prince.
Season 7:
The final season brings a conclusion to the series-long battle for financial and political supremacy. Old alliances are tested, past conflicts resurface, and the show wraps up its intricate web of power plays with a satisfying, if slightly divisive, ending.
Similar Shows:
- Succession – Another high-stakes drama about power and wealth, focusing on a media dynasty rather than finance.
- House of Cards – A political thriller filled with manipulation and cutthroat tactics.
- Industry – A younger, more modern take on high finance from the perspective of junior employees.
- Yellowstone – Though set in the world of ranching, it shares Billions’ themes of power, ambition, and family betrayal.
- Mad Men – A corporate drama with slick writing and complex character dynamics.
If you liked these, you’ll like this show:
- The Sopranos – While centered on organized crime instead of finance, it shares similar themes of power struggles and moral ambiguity.
- Ray Donovan – A drama about a fixer navigating the corrupt world of Hollywood, featuring tense personal and professional conflicts.
- Suits – A legal drama with fast-paced dialogue and high-stakes maneuvering.
- The Wolf of Wall Street (film) – If you enjoy the high-energy financial world of Billions, this movie provides a more unhinged but similarly captivating take on Wall Street excess.