[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.

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.

[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).

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Chuck Roades (Giamatti) goes after hedge fund owner Bobby "Axe" Axelrod (Lewis).

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.

[54] 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.

[3][4] In 2017, after introducing Taylor Mason (played by Asia Kate Dillon) in season 2,[55] Billions became the first American TV series to have a non-binary character and actor.

[56][57] The series has received positive comments because of its representation of non-binary gender,[58] with praise for its depiction of inclusion of gender-neutral singular they pronouns in the workplace.

[69] She also argues that Billions engaged her as a consultant on the show, but did not compensate or credit her for her time,[70] as Shull claims is illustrated in a recently released video.