A Billion to One

This was a great gem to stumble upon. I watched all 13 episodes of the first season in one viewing. The episodes are compact and pithy. The central theme of a contest to win billions is used brilliantly as a device to weave together stories from around the world. Each story feels authentic and true to the culture in which it exists. The drive for cold hard cash quickly leads into much more poignant topics of passion, survival, sexuality, homelessness, sex-trafficking, free-will or the lack thereof, relationships, trust, and death. No stone is unturned in this ambitious drama, which not only reaches far, but does so with humor, verve, and excellent production value. Great writing, excellent performances, and wonderful views into cultures from around the world, and the themes that unify us all.