5 Great Shows About Finance and Business
Five terrific shows about finance and business to consider binge-watching.
The ambition and excitement of finance and business make for great television viewing. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who loves a good drama, these shows offer a fascinating glimpse into the fast-paced world of high finance with complex characters, and insider looks at the world of money. Here are five terrific shows about finance and business to consider for your next binge-watching session.
1. “Industry” (2020 – present)
Streaming Platform: HBO Max
With its third season now underway, Industry delivers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of young finance graduates. These ambitious newcomers compete for permanent positions at a prestigious London investment bank. The series captures the high-pressure world of finance, where intense competition and ethical dilemmas are everyday battles. The constant threat of failure looms large, adding to the tension. Additionally, this raw portrayal of the financial industry offers a fresh perspective, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges faced by those starting their careers.
Why It Stands Out: Industry is praised for its realistic portrayal of the often brutal world of investment banking. Furthermore, the show depicts the sacrifices and compromises required to succeed in this field. Through its lens, viewers get a glimpse into the relentless high stakes of the sector. This makes it a must-watch for anyone curious about the realities of high finance.
2. “Billions” (2016 – 2023)
Streaming Platform: Showtime, Paramount+
Few shows capture the relentless pursuit of power and wealth like Billions. At its core, Billions is a gripping battle between hedge fund titan Bobby Axelrod and U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades. Axelrod, a brilliant yet morally ambiguous billionaire, stops at nothing to protect and grow his empire. Meanwhile, Rhoades is equally ruthless, bending or even breaking the law to take him down. Additionally, the show delves into legal battles, psychological warfare, and the ethical tightropes walked in high finance.
Why It Stands Out: Billions stands out for its sharp character development and witty dialogue. Moreover, the series dives deep into the ethical dilemmas faced by the ultra-wealthy, offering a fascinating glimpse into the costs of ambition. The ongoing battle between Axelrod and Rhoades reveals the dark, seductive allure of power in the financial world.
3. “Succession” (2018 – 2023)
Streaming Platform: HBO Max
Succession centers its drama on the toxic Roy family and their fight to control Waystar Royco, a global media empire. As aging patriarch Logan Roy faces pressure to name a successor, the show becomes a masterclass in corporate power, family dynamics, and betrayal. Each episode peels back the layers of the dysfunctional Roys, exposing their ruthlessness, vulnerability, and relentless hunger for power.
Why It Stands Out: Succession has earned critical acclaim for its sharp writing, complex characters, and unflinching look at wealth’s dark side. Its deep dive into toxic family dynamics and power struggles makes it both a psychological drama and a corporate world commentary. Also, the show’s balance of dark humor and intense drama has solidified its place as a standout in the genre.
4. “Mad Men” (2007 – 2015)
Streaming Platform: AMC+, Prime Video
Set in the 1960s, Mad Men immerses viewers in the lives of Sterling Cooper’s New York advertising executives. The show captures the advertising industry’s essence during a transformative era, intertwining personal struggles with societal change. While rooted in advertising, it also deeply explores identity, power, and cultural shifts.
Why It Stands Out: Mad Men is a landmark series, deeply exploring business practices amid mid-20th century America’s cultural shifts. The show’s meticulous attention to period details and complex characters secures its place among television’s greats. Moreover, its portrayal of the human side of business—ambition, insecurity, and societal pressures—remains relevant today.
5. “Silicon Valley” (2014 – 2019)
Streaming Platform: HBO Max
Silicon Valley is an insightful parody of tech startups. The show follows a group of software developers as they attempt to build a successful company in the highly competitive environment of Silicon Valley. While packed with humor, Silicon Valley also critiques the tech industry, touching on issues like innovation, corporate culture, and the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Why It Stands Out: Silicon Valley stands out for its humor and biting commentary on the tech industry. The show’s creators have a keen eye for the absurdities and contradictions of startup culture, and they’re not afraid to poke fun at the self-importance that often accompanies it. Additionally, Silicon Valley captures the excitement and uncertainty of trying to turn a brilliant idea into a successful business, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In a world where the boardroom is as thrilling as the battlefield, these five shows deliver drama, tension, and insight into the cutthroat realms of business and finance. Whether you’re intrigued by the power plays of Billions, the family feuds of Succession, the hustle of Silicon Valley, or the cultural commentary of Mad Men, each series offers a unique lens on what it takes to succeed—and survive—in high-stakes environments. As season three of Industry begins, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in these shows about business and finance. Fire up your favorite streaming service, letting these shows entertain, and maybe even teach you a thing or two about the art of the deal.