[This story contains spoilers for Billions season six.]
If any publicity is indeed good publicity, as the adage goes, then perhaps Peloton should consider itself extremely fortunate.
In response to online discussion surrounding a scene from Billions’ season six premiere, currently streaming, in which Mike “Wags” Wagner (David Costabile) suffers a non-fatal heart attack after using the workout company’s exercise bike, Peloton issued a statement to clarify that it did not approve the scene ahead of time.
“We get TV shows want to include @onepeloton to get people talking, but to be clear, we did *not* agree for our brand or IP to be used on @SHO_Billions or provide any equipment,” read a statement posted to social media. “As the show itself points out, cardio-vascular exercise helps people lead long, happy lives.”
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This is the second time in recent months that a show has featured the company’s equipment in a controversial scene. After HBO Max’s Sex and the City sequel series, And Just Like That, killed off Mr. Big (Chris Noth) following an intense Peloton bike ride, the company shared a statement blaming the character’s death on his “extravagant lifestyle” and a previous history of heart issues.
During an interview with USA Today that published Sunday, Billions co-creator Brian Koppelman said that the similarity between the two series’ scenes was a coincidence, as his show’s episode was filmed last April. However, he explained that after Big died, Billions producers decided to add a moment to the premiere in which Wags returns to the office following the health scare and quips, “I’m not going out like Mr. Big.”
We get TV shows want to include @onepeloton to get people talking, but to be clear, we did *not* agree for our brand or IP to be used on @SHO_Billions or provide any equipment. As the show itself points out, cardio-vascular exercise helps people lead long, happy lives.
— Peloton (@onepeloton) January 23, 2022
The news comes a few days after Peloton’s chief, John Foley, said the company is mulling layoffs and production cutbacks following a CNBC report that the company was planning to temporarily stop production on its bikes and treadmills next month.
