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Netflix has unveiled the first official trailer for The Altruists, an upcoming limited series exploring the dramatic rise and spectacular collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and the controversial figures at the centre of one of the financial world’s biggest scandals.
Starring Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) and Anthony Boyle, the eight-episode crime drama examines the complicated relationship between FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison, the former chief executive of cryptocurrency trading firm Alameda Research.
Created by Oscar-winning screenwriter Graham Moore, The Altruists revisits the events surrounding the companies’ rapid growth, their increasingly risky financial decisions and the fallout that followed their collapse.
The newly released trailer introduces Bankman-Fried, played by Boyle, and Ellison, portrayed by Garner, as their personal relationship develops alongside their ambitions in the cryptocurrency industry. What initially appears to be a promising venture gradually spirals into a story of questionable decisions, financial misconduct and mounting legal troubles.
As their empire expands, the pair become increasingly entangled in a scandal that ultimately threatens to destroy everything they have built. The footage contrasts the glamour and apparent success of their world with the serious consequences waiting on the other side, offering a glimpse into the personal and professional relationships behind the headlines.
The real-life FTX scandal involved allegations that billions of dollars in customer funds were misused. Following the exchange’s collapse, Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Ellison, who cooperated with federal prosecutors, received a two-year prison sentence.
Moore has explained that the series explores how people who believe they are acting in the interests of others can rationalise increasingly destructive behaviour. The story examines the gap between the altruistic ideals its central figures professed and the criminal decisions that ultimately defined their actions.
Alongside Garner and Boyle, the ensemble cast includes Alex Lawther, Karan Soni, Naomi Okada, Madison Hu, Matt Rife and Eugene Young. Paul Reiser, Robin Weigert, Maddie Hasson, Marianna Phung, Jennifer Grey and Terry Chen also feature.
Moore co-showruns the series with Jacqueline Hoyt, with both also serving as executive producers. The production has additional executive producing support from Barack Obama and Michelle Obama through their Higher Ground Productions banner, alongside a team that includes Garner, Jessie Dicovitsky, Vinnie Malhotra, Scoop Wasserstein, Tonia Davis, James Ponsoldt and Lauren Morelli.
The directing team includes Ponsoldt, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Mairzee Almas, Moore and Silver Tree.
With its combination of real-world financial intrigue, a turbulent romance and the consequences of unchecked ambition, The Altruists looks set to offer a dramatic examination of the people behind the FTX collapse.
All eight episodes of The Altruists are scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on November 19, 2026.
Watch the official trailer for The Altruists above.
