Netflix has released the first official trailer for The Altruists, an eight-episode limited series chronicling the rise and collapse of the crypto exchange FTX. The show will premiere globally on November 19, 2026, with Anthony Boyle portraying FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Julia Garner playing former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison.
Co-showrunners Graham Moore and Jacqueline Hoyt lead the project, which is inspired by reporting from New York Magazine and Vox Media. James Ponsoldt directed the first episode, and Higher Ground Productions — the company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama — executive produces through its partnership with Netflix. Supporting cast includes Paul Reiser as Joe Bankman, Robin Weigert as Barbara Fried, Maddie Hasson, Marianna Phung, Hudson Williams and Jennifer Grey.
The trailer presents the pair as highly ambitious young idealists who set out to reshape the global financial system before becoming entwined in an alleged $8 billion fraud. Moore said he believes both Bankman-Fried and Ellison were “deeply committed altruists from day one” who, with the best intentions, talked themselves into committing serious crimes. The story, he said, began with a “little white lie” that grew into larger deceptions. Netflix’s synopsis calls the series “a toxic love story inspired by a real fraud.”
The trailer reportedly generated 4.2 million views within seven hours. Garner had only two recordings of Ellison to study, while Boyle had extensive video, audio and TikTok material; Moore instructed both actors to avoid impersonation and instead create three-dimensional characters.
The real-world legal fallout remains part of the backdrop. Bankman-Fried was convicted in November 2023 on seven felony counts including wire fraud and conspiracy, and is serving a 25-year sentence. The Second Circuit upheld his conviction on June 12, and in September he asked the Supreme Court to review the case and an $11 billion forfeiture order. Ellison pleaded guilty, cooperated with prosecutors and received a 24-month sentence, spending more than a year in prison.
