Traders

Traders is a riveting and dynamic dramatic series that circles around the high-stakes, high-pressure world of investment banking and trading, where fortunes are made and lost within the blink of an eye. Originating from Canada, the series was produced by Atlantis Films and debuted in 1996, amassing a strong following with its stress-laden storyline, well-rounded characters, and the impeccably depicted world of finance.

Set in the heart of Toronto, Traders places viewers right in the centre of the bustling world of Gardner Ross, a powerful investment firm. The series delves into the chaotic and competitive trade market, offering a detailed and thrilling insight into the goings-on within the finance world. Each episode invigorically captures the wheeling and dealing, the cut-throat negotiations, and strategic planning that the various business enthusiasts engage in daily, in search of their next big score. It explores the complexities of market trends, exposing viewers to the real-world challenges of finance, global economy, stock trading, and investment banking.

This riveting series does not limit its storytelling to the stock trading floor. Its intelligence and wit extend beyond the trading world as it immerses viewers in the personal lives of these seemingly invincible characters. At the close of each workday, these business powerhouses must face the challenges thrown by their personal lives. The series skillfully blends in elements of romance, friendship, rivalry, and betrayal with the professional setting, providing an intriguing vision of high finance. The intense pressure of the financial world is alleviated with the introduction of relatable human emotions, as we see the cast grapple with universal themes of love, relationships, and personal insecurities.

At Gardner Ross, a skillful ensemble of savvy individuals bind their abilities to take the financial world by storm. Adam Cunningham, a refined and seasoned investment banker, runs the firm. Marty Stephens, an eccentric and astute trader with a penchant for risk-taking, often keeps his colleagues on their toes. Sally Ross is the firm's co-founder, a strong-willed, smart, and persuasive character who adds a feminist perspective to the plot. We also meet the young and ambitious Jack Larkin, desperate to make a name for himself in the finance world and attain some semblance of stability in his tumultuous personal life. Each character is unique and layered, and their compelling traits make the story engaging and unpredictable.

The superb story-telling and character development are complemented by stellar performances from some of the finest actors in Canadian television. David Cubitt, as Jack Larkin, brings to life the young broker's ambition and personal struggle, while Bruce Gray's portrayal of Adam Cunningham is a perfect image of an unflappable capitalist tycoon. Sonja Smits as Sally Ross and Patrick McKenna as Marty Stephens also deliver noteworthy performances, adding depth and drama to their roles.

The show’s creators have also done a commendable job with the production design, managing to replicate every minute detail of an investment firm. From the bustling trading floor, complete with the traditional 'open outcry' pit, to the private offices decked with computers and financial graphs, every element is thought through and efficiently presented.

Despite being set in a potentially overwhelming world of finance and investment, Traders is designed to appeal to a broad audience. It simplifies and demystifies the world of finance to the lay viewer while still maintaining suitable depth to keep the financially savvy at the edge of their seats.

In Traders, you can expect a thrilling journey of volatile markets, fortunes at stake, and a precise depiction of what being a trader in a high-powered investment firm truly entails. It's not just a show about finance; it's about people, their dreams, their ambitions, and persisting trials of character in the face of uncompromising competition. It's where the world of business meets the business of life.