Season 1 • Episode 9
LatestYoung poker players must navigate their past along with the best players in the world to win.
Acting
Michael Madsen doing his thing—intimidating, chewing scenery.
Writing
Koppelman/Levien poker authenticity, dialogue that thinks it's smarter than you.
Creators
David Levien, Brian Koppelman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Premiered January 2005, smack in the poker boom ESPN created. ESPN itself aired this and still killed it after one season. The game was too hot for TV, apparently.
David Levien and Brian Koppelman wrote Rounders. They basically remade it as a show, then made Billions instead. The Matador is their dry run for Bobby Axelrod.
US
