Billionaire Series

[Pit Gebeyaw]

Billionsis an American drama television series created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin. The series premiered on January 17, 2016, on Showtime, and its seventh and final season premiered on August 13, 2023.[1][2]

Set primarily in New York and Connecticut, the series depicts hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) as he accumulates wealth and power in the world of high finance.[3][4] Axelrod's aggressive tactics frequently garner the attention of United States Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti). Rhoades is based on Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan from 2009 to 2017, and the series was inspired by real-life federal prosecutions of financial crime.[5][6] Bharara's 2013 prosecution of hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen of S.A.C. Capital Advisors loosely influenced the first season, while Salomon Brothers' 1991 manipulation of U.S. Treasury bonds inspired the second.[7] Series subplots feature the psychiatrist turned performance coach Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff), market analyst Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon), and Axelrod's right-hand man Mike "Wags" Wagner (David Costabile).

As the first American TV series to have a non-binary character (Taylor Mason),[8][9] it has been nominated multiple times for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series for its representation of the LGBTQ community.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Chuck Roades (Giamatti) goes after hedge fund manager and popular philanthropist Bobby "Axe" Axelrod (Lewis). A collision course, with each using all of their considerable smarts and influence to outmaneuver the other, looms.

The series was ordered by Showtime in March 2015,[22] and the first season premiered January 17, 2016.[23] On January 26, 2016, the series was renewed for a second season,[24] which premiered on February 19, 2017.[25] Showtime confirmed in April 2017 that Asia Kate Dillon, who is non-binary, would be a series regular in the third season.[9] Billions is considered to be the first American TV series to have a non-binary character.[8]

On May 8, 2019, the series was renewed for a fifth season by Showtime,[27] which premiered on May 3, 2020.[28] On October 1, 2020, Showtime renewed the series for a sixth season and Corey Stoll was promoted to series regular.[29][30][31] On February 15, 2022, Showtime renewed the series for a seventh and final season[1][32]

The first episode was made available on January 1, 2016, via video on demand services in the U.S. and via CraveTV in Canada.[33][34] It premiered on Stan in Australia on January 27, 2016, and in Canada on The Movie Network on January 17, 2016, simultaneous with the American broadcast.[35]

The show captured the attention of the BDSM community, as it features numerous depictions of BDSM activity, and the two main characters of Charles "Chuck" Rhoades, Jr and his wife Wendy Rhoades engage in BDSM scenes numerous times in the early seasons of the show. In addition, season 4 of the show depicts the character of Chuck Rhoades coming out as a practitioner of BDSM in a public political speech. The show's producers retained the services of noted BDSM lifestyle expert Olivia Troy as a consultant to help ensure the activities are portrayed both accurately and safely.[36]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an overall approval rating of 86%, with a rating of 78% for season 1, 89% for season 2, 93% for season 3, 97% for season 4, 91% for season 5, 100% for season 6, and 60% for season 7.[51] The site's critical consensus for the first season reads: "Despite a lack of likable characters, Billions' soapy melodrama and larger-than-life canvas offer plenty of repeat viewing potential."[37] For season 2 it reads: "An influx of new characters and a fresh narrative twist give Billions an added boost during its thoroughly entertaining second season."[39] The site's critical consensus for the third season states: "Anchored by the performances of Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, the third season of Billions continues a convincing fable of greed, power and competition."[41] On Rotten Tomatoes, the fourth season reads, "With tables turned and alliances formed, Billions's fourth season goes full throttle with sharp dialogue, better rivalries, and bigger stakes."[43]

In 2017, after introducing Taylor Mason (played by Asia Kate Dillon) in season 2,[52] Billions became the first American TV series to have a non-binary character and actor.[53][54] The series has received positive comments because of its representation of non-binary gender,[55] with praise for its depiction of inclusion of gender-neutral singular they pronouns in the workplace.

The first, brought by Denise Shull and the ReThink group in 2019 (Shull v Sorkin), alleged (among other things) that Billions ripped off Shull's book and based character "Wendy Rhoades" on her likeness.[66] She also argues that Billions engaged her as a consultant on the show, but did not compensate or credit her for her time,[67] as Shull claims is illustrated in a recently released video.[68] The case was dismissed and appealed.[69] In July, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision to dismiss the suit, saying that Shull's book and the show are not substantially similar.[70]

The second, brought by the Cayuga Nation in 2020,[71] argued that Billions defamed both the nation and its federal representative.[72] In the show, the nation is depicted engaging in acts such as the illegal operation of a casino business, blackmail, and bribery. One of the Cayuga characters featured on the show had the same last name and occupation as a real-life member.[73] The case was dismissed, but the Cayuga Nation is considering its options regarding appeals.[72]

The first book in the Dreamland Billionaires series lays the foundation for the trilogy as a whole. The three Kane brothers grew up extremely wealthy thanks to the fact that their grandfather not only built a world-famous amusement park called Dreamland, but left behind a legacy that reaches far beyond that single place where dreams come true. A legacy that is now synonymous with their last name.

A contemporary bildom romance trilogy (now completed) about an adorable boy next door meeting a damaged billionaire. Expect angst. Expect kink. Expect a hard-won HEA. Series needs to be read in order so do start with Bang.

Danelectro was among the very first companies to offer ultra-affordable stompboxes; now, the US brand is offering four new additions to their range in the form of the Billionaire Series. So, have Danelectro put their money where their mouth is? Tom Quayle investigates.

Danelectro pedals have never really screamed high end, boutique tone or good looks. Quirky and retro-cool? Certainly, but at the budget end of the market they would rarely find their way onto a high-end pedal board. Their new Billionaire series might reset this course, offering great tones and quality Diecast construction in a surprisingly affordable package that looks and sounds the business.

Finally, we have the Filthy Rich Tremolo pedal, featuring Speed and Depth controls plus a Hard/Soft switch to alter the shape of the waveform in use. The range of speed can take you from a slow, hypnotic tremolo, to a hard, fast-pulsing rhythmic effect and anything in-between. In the soft mode, the effect is very analogue-like in nature with a warmth and subtlety that sounds much more expensive than the price point should allow. In the Hard mode, you get a more aggressive effect, but the warmth remains, and your original tone is kept intact.

"I bought a copy of this story on the recommendation of a friend, and can't thank her enough. I'm not normally a fan of series but one short story and I'm hooked. This story already has many raving reviews so I'm just going to say I agree with all those who are fans."

"Many might scoff at the genre of romance because of the seemingly simplistic vague plot line of girl meets girl and instant sparks fly - blah, blah, blah, rinse and repeat. Anyone can write that, but can they write as good as this? This author GETS it when it comes to writing about passion and passionate women. This story takes the classic prince(cess) and the pauper tale and adds the lesbian erotic twist with style and flair. Told through Claire's POV, she is the small town Oregon coast girl who meets Camille the billionaire when she walks into the supermarket Claire works in. Instead of proceeding with a typical plot of "sparks fly" and then move on to the sex scene, we are treated to the in-depth internal dialogue Claire contemplates over the intensity of her reaction including sights, smells, textures, colors, and emotions of how Camille captures her interest. So many romances lack this depth of character and plot development which can leave the story flat. There's a definitive lack of connection you feel towards the characters because of it . It's building that bridge between the characters' mutual interest that makes this story so much MORE vibrant and wildly erotic once the intimate scenes do arrive. In addition, the character development of Claire and Camille is wonderfully layered for being such a short story. Claire is smart, driven, ballsy, loyal, and exceedingly caring. Camille comes across at first as confident and controlling with a side of ice but as Claire gradually wins her trust we find underneath that tough exterior a generous and vulnerable woman. This is really some of the best writing I've seen in the Lesfic romance genre and I would definitely recommend this entire series for your collection. It only gets better from here."

"I loved this set of books, story and beautiful strong sexy characters. I did not want any of the books to end. Giselle is a great writer, that pulls you into the story and characters who have an amazing sensual and passionate love for each other, even when life has its ups and downs. Keep up the great writing and I really hope there will be more books about Camille and Claire and their cast of friends and family."

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