Netflix releases trailer for FTX drama series about SBF and Caroline Ellison
Netflix posts first look at FTX drama series
Netflix released a trailer Thursday for an eight-episode series about the rise and collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The show centers on former CEO Sam "SBF" Bankman-Fried and his former girlfriend Caroline Ellison, who ran FTX's sister trading firm Alameda Research. The trailer was posted on X and described the series as being "about the love scorned prodigies behind the FTX scandal." Anthony Boyle plays Bankman-Fried and Julia Garner plays Ellison. The show will premiere on November 19.
Trailer hints at the ethics behind the collapse
One line from the trailer reads: "Going all-in every time is the mathematically optimal strategy," which appears to reference FTX's use of customer funds for high-risk bets. Another quote from the trailer features Garner as Ellison saying, "Lying isn't bad for a good cause." That line mirrors testimony Ellison gave during Bankman-Fried's 2023 criminal trial, where she said he believed rules against lying and stealing did not apply when pursuing effective altruism—a philosophy that emphasizes accumulating wealth to donate to charitable causes.
What happened to SBF and Ellison
Bankman-Fried, Ellison and others tied to FTX and Alameda were indicted in December 2022 after the exchange collapsed and filed for bankruptcy. Ellison accepted a plea deal and testified against Bankman-Fried. He went to trial and was found guilty on seven felony fraud counts. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. As of October, he had pending motions asking President Donald Trump for a pardon and asking the US Supreme Court to overturn his conviction. Ellison was released from federal custody in January. In October, the US Senate unanimously adopted a resolution opposing clemency for Bankman-Fried.
Key details
- Netflix trailer released on X (formerly Twitter) on October 8
- Eight-episode series about FTX's collapse
- Premiere date: November 19
- Stars Anthony Boyle as Sam Bankman-Fried and Julia Garner as Caroline Ellison
- Bankman-Fried is serving a 25-year sentence; seeking pardon and conviction reversal
- Ellison took a plea deal and was released from prison in January
What is confirmed
Netflix has released a trailer for an eight-episode series about FTX. The show premieres November 19. Bankman-Fried was convicted in 2023 and is serving 25 years. Ellison was released from federal custody in January 2026. The US Senate has passed a resolution opposing his pardon.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.