Billions [Showtime Photo]
“Billions” is only three episodes into its second season, but Showtime has seen enough to want more.
The network officially ordered a third season of the drama.
“BILLIONS continues to be a show on the rise, growing not only in audience, but in critical buzz and cultural relevance,” said Showtime’s David Nevins in a Wednesday statement. “It offers a unique mix of pure entertainment with sly commentary on our current have/have-not economy. Season two is off to a tremendous start, and has only whetted our audience’s appetite for what will come in season three.”
Showtime touts that the February 19 season opener was “the network’s biggest sophomore debut since HOMELAND.” The February 26 installment fell in the face of competition from the Oscars, but the show more than made up its lost ground with a March 5 episode that drew 13% more live+same-day viewers than the season premiere.
Live+same-day ratings, moreover, do not tell the full story of the show’s success. The second season is receiving improved critical marks, and the show is generating growing buzz in pop culture circles.
“Billions” stars Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Maggie Siff, Malin Akerman, Toby Leonard Moore, David Costabile and Condola Rashad. Season two guest/recurring stars include Rob Morrow, Dan Soder, Kelly AuCoin, Mary-Louise Parker, Danny Strong, James Wolk, Christopher Denham, Glenn Fleshler, Asia Kate Dillon and Eric Bogosian.