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12 Best Shows like Billions For Fans of The Morally Ambiguous

May 2, 2023
Shows like Billions

What we have in Billions is a world of morally ambiguous characters with no clear distinction between the good guys or bad guys. This is the idea which the creators of the show like Billions brilliantly portrayed in this award winning white collar crime drama. This high intensity drama grabbed the attention of lots of fans and this is why we have created a list of 12 movies like Billions we hope will like, have a look! 

While there’s nothing exactly like Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Andrew Ross Sorkin’s Billions, there are a number of shows that share some features with Billions. So whether you enjoyed this show for its focus on the one percent of the one percent, or maybe for its backroom deals and double-crossings, then here’s a list of 12 shows like Billions for you to watch.

List of TV Shows like Billions

  1. Sneaky Pete
  2. Damages
  3. Designated Survivor
  4. Succession
  5. Dynasty
  6. Goliath
  7. House of Cards
  8. Your Honour
  9. Madam Secretary
  10. Money Heist
  11. Suits
  12. The Good Wife

1. Sneaky Pete (2016)

Sneaky Pete is a series like Billions, about a super slick con man named Marius Josipovic fresh out of jail and in desperate need of a hideout. He uses the identity of his old prison cellmate, to escape from a gangster whom he owes a huge sum of money.

He then travels to his new identity’s family home in the countryside, with the aim of posing as him till the heat dies down. Eventually, Marius’s old life becomes tangled up with his new one. He finds himself stuck between the two. With a deep and dynamic storyline, Sneaky Pete will have you rooting hard for this interesting and grizzled anti-hero.

2. Damages (2007)

If you’re looking for shows like Billions with a strong focus on the intricacies of the legal, financial and political systems which make up the world as it is today, then Damages is the one for you. It showcases a host of characters, all with secrets which they hide behind their public personas.

This show centers around Patty Hewes, a brilliant and manipulative no-holds-barred lawyer who goes to any length to win her cases, alongside her young protégé, Ellen Parsons. Ellen soon begins to question Patty’s methods and motives. With each season focusing on a particular case taken up by the duo, we begin to see a bit more into the complicated relationship between the two. A relationship that will keep you invested throughout every one of its seasons.

3. Designated Survivor (2016)

Much like shows like Billions, where the characters are constantly seeking more power and influence, often at the expense of others. Designated Survivor explores in detail twists and turns and mean political games as a result of such high power, and how dangerous some of those games can be.

This is a TV series about Tom Kirkman, a diplomat-turned-President who was previously employed as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He eventually ascends to the position of President of the United States after a catastrophic attack kills everyone ahead of him in the presidential line of hierarchy. Kirkman must quickly learn how to lead a nation in crisis as he struggles with his inexperience. It’s a unique premise that is bound to keep you invested in its story from start to finish.

4. Succession (2018)

Succession is the show on this list that’s most similar to shows like Billions, as both are set in the world of high finance. Both are full of flashy lifestyles and obscene wealth, full of loads of back stabbings and unending drama. Viewers are introduced to the Roy family, who are media bigshots and owners of a huge media and entertainment empire Waystar RoyCo. Already a fan of this show? Read: Shows like Succession

This series revolves around Logan Roy’s children who are driven by their desire for success and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve control as the aging patriarch begins to contemplate his company’s future, they fight for their father’s favor and a chance to be named his successor. This almost melodramatic drama will surely make for an entertaining watch.

5. Dynasty (2017)

Dynasty is a modern take of the 80s soap opera of the same name. This series revolves around the Carrington family and their business empire, led by patriarch Blake Carrington. This show also features the Carringtons competition and arch-rivals the Colby family.

Fans of series like Billions will thoroughly enjoy the never-ending struggles for power both in the boardroom and in their personal lives, as well as family betrayals and bucket loads of romance, as these two wealthy families get caught up in a major feud over their fortune and children.

6. Goliath (2016)

A thrilling series equivalent to shows like Billions with the same enjoyable legal unscrupulousness? Count me in! Goliath is a TV series created by David E. Kelley, that follows Billy McBride, played by Billy Bob Thornton, a brilliant once-respected lawyer who falls from grace and becomes an alcoholic.

Trying to seek redemption for his past of representing crooks and scoundrels by fighting now for truth and justice, He reluctantly takes on a wrongful death lawsuit against a big corp, exposing a major conspiracy in the tech industry. He teams up with his ex-wife and a young lawyer hoping to right some wrongs, kicking off a redemption arc that will keep you enthralled and captivated as you watch.

7. House of Cards (2013)

Taking a step back from legal shenanigans, this political drama explores the corrupt and manipulative world of American politics. The series follows the rise of Frank Underwood, a ruthless and cunning politician, and his equally ambitious wife, Claire. Both of whom work to exact revenge on the people who betrayed them and work their way up to the top of the political food chain.

For a series similar to Billions , you need to know that this series navigate the cutthroat world of Washington D.C. all in order to achieve their own personal and political goals. Filled with mind games, power struggles, betrayals, and political maneuvers, this highly acclaimed show definitely deserves a mention on our list… and an addition to yours.

8. Your Honor (2022)

What would you do if you came home from another day of fighting systemic injustice to find your son has committed a hit-and-run? Just as shows like Billions where the moral and legal codes are constantly blurred, Your Honor is another. This show is a gripping legal drama that follows respected New Orleans Judge Michael Desiato, a good man uncovering dark truths about himself and his capacity for compromise and corruption under pressure.

As the case becomes increasingly complicated, Michael is forced to sacrifice relationships and subvert the law to save his son, Adam, from a vengeful mafia boss whose son was killed in the accident. Your Honor is a classic story for you to watch, all about how the privileged and powerful will go to great lengths to protect their own, even if it’s something as horrible as murder.

9. Madam Secretary (2014)

A political drama, Madam Secretary revolves mainly around its central character Elizabeth McCord who is appointed as the Secretary of State. The series focuses on Elizabeth’s efforts to single handedly solve and control matters of various global issues, international diplomatic disputes, military interventions, and office politics.

Madam Secretary offers a compelling portrayal of the intricacies of American politics and the personal sacrifices required to serve the country at the highest levels of government. Thrilling and enthralling from start to end, give this a watch if you enjoy shows like Billions.

10. Money Heist (2017)

When it comes to shows about money, Money Heist cannot be left out. Just as in shows like Billions, where it’s about taking big risks and outmaneuvering opponents in the financial world, Money Heist equally involves strategic planning and execution in carrying out a meticulously planned heist.

In this series, a group of eight robbers led by ‘The Professor’ plan and execute the biggest heist in the history of Spain. The protagonists of this show deliver awesome performances of the brilliantly intricate plot, with a not-so-straightforward narrative style. The series comes from creator Álex Pina and was widely praised and loved by fans, and I have no question that you will too should you decide to watch.

11. Suits (2011)

As in shows like Billions, Suits is about two men taking up and closing several deals, or should we say, cases. This well-written and well-acted legal drama stars Gabriel Macht as the lead character Harvey Specter, an arrogant but charming lawyer who is known for his incredible legal skills and charisma.

Alongside Harvey is Mike Ross, a brilliant attorney with exceptional memory and legal knowledge who gets hired despite not having a law degree, relying on his eidetic memory to win cases. It’s a compelling concept matched by some stellar writing and powerful acting that you’ll definitely enjoy.

Also Read: Shows like House MD

12. The Good Wife (2009)

The Good Wife is a combination of legal and political drama similar to series like Billions. This show centers on the protagonist Alicia Florrick, a former stay-at-home mom who is forced to return to her career as a defense attorney after her politician husband is caught in a sex and corruption scandal.

Alicia navigates workplace politics while dealing with the results of her husband’s infidelity and legal troubles. Developing both professional and personal relationships along the way, she soon evolves into a strong, independent woman. The Good Wife spans seven seasons, receiving several prestigious awards and immense critical acclaim, you should definitely give it a try if you haven’t.

Also Read: Shows like Breaking Bad

Honorable Mentions

Here are a list of TV Shows like Billions which didn’t make the list, but you can watch regardless:

  1. Dirty Money
  2. Homeland
  3. Ray Donovan
  4. Better Call Saul
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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