The End of an Era
Billions: Brian Koppelman, David Levien, & Beth Schacter with Cynthia Littleton
Billions season 8 is definitely not happening, but that doesn't mean the world of high-stakes hedge funds is completely over. Brian Koppelman's Billions is a Showtime series that follows hedge fund manager Bobby 'Axe' Axelrod (Damian Lewis) as he attempts to grow his personal fortune and deal with rival business owners and government roadblocks along the way. Billions season 1 premiered in January 2016 and lasted for seven seasons, finally coming to a close on October 29th, 2023. The show ended with an excellent 87% overall on Rotten Tomatoes and a satisfying wrap-up to the series' many storylines.
Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis) smiling in Billions season 5 episode 12.
Season 7 of Billion sees the return of Axe after he was absent from the show in season 6, exiled to Switzerland to avoid prosecution. It was also a convenient excuse for Damian Lewis to step away from Billions as the actor wanted to spend more time with his family in England. However, he's back in season 7, and with the help of former adversary Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti), takes down Mike Prince (Corey Stoll), once again resuming possession of his fund. It's a satisfying and complete ending to the show that also leaves the door open for spinoffs, even without a season 8.
Bobby Axe Axelrod (Damian Lewis) talking to Wendy Rhoades (Maggie Siff) and Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillion) in Billions series finale
Showrunner Confirms Billions Season 8 Isn't Happening. Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin created Billions and served as showrunners. In an interview with the 92nd Street Y, Koppelman, Levien, and Beth Schacter, who came on as a showrunner in season 5, discussed the series and their thoughts on the final season. When asked about season 8, Koppelman said: 'But Showtime, I’ll say… We’re done now, there’s no reason to, Showtime’s been incredibly supportive the entire time of the show, and right now, the support we’ve had has been great.' Both the creators and studio appear to be happy with how the series ended, and Axe's story appears to be good and over now.
Closeup of Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) in Billions
The Future: Spin-Offs Galore
Despite Billions season 8 being a non-starter, the universe is expected to continue in four confirmed spin-offs, which all have titles and plotlines, via THR. There is Billions: Miami, which deals with the world of luxury aviation sales, Billions: London, set in the English financial world, Millions, which will depict young professionals looking to make their wealth, and Trillions, which will be about the very richest people in the world. Koppelman and Levien said: 'We remain fascinated by people whose ambition is boundless and who think the laws of civilization and nature don’t apply to them.' Each series is expected to have the same Machiavellian maneuvering, sharp dialogue, and intriguing plot of the original show.
Taylor Mason (Asia Kate Dillon) looking at Bobby Axe Axelrod (Damian Lewis) in Billions
Could The Billions Cast Appear In The Spinoffs? There has been no news on whether any of the original cast will be involved in the Billions spinoffs and no actors have released statements regarding returning, but the show left many characters' stories open for their return. Chuck's arc felt complete at the end of the show, finally catching his man and finding a peaceful relationship with his family and ex-wife, so Giamatti likely wouldn't return. Meanwhile, Axe is back at the top of his game and could very well be one of the richest people in the world at the start of Trillions. Mike Prince as good as told Axe he would be back to get his revenge, so he could pop back up in any of the new shows. Breakout star Asia Kate Dillon plays Taylor Mason in Billions, a young analyst who proves themselves to be exceptionally brilliant. They even strike out on their own at one point, though they fail in the endeavor and return to Axe. Taylor could be a big part of Millions, and the series could focus on her attempts to once again begin her own firm.
Mike Prince (Corey Stoll) and Bobby Axe Axelrod (Damian Lewis) staring each other down in a restaurant in Billions
The Legacy Lives On
The conclusion of Billions season 7 marks the end of an era for the high-stakes world of hedge funds, but it also opens the door to a new chapter in the form of spin-offs. While the original cast's involvement in the spin-offs remains uncertain, the potential for exploring new characters and storylines in the luxurious and cutthroat world of finance is an exciting prospect for fans of the series. As the universe of Billions expands into different realms of wealth and power, viewers can expect to be captivated by the same Machiavellian maneuvering, sharp dialogue, and complex characters that made the original show a compelling watch.
Mike Prince (Corey Stoll) from Billions with his hands together on his desk looking pensive.
