Trust (2018)

The gripping FX limited series dramatizing the Getty family saga, from dynastic wealth to the shocking 1973 kidnapping of a teenage heir in Rome.

Trust - Series Information

  • Original Title: Trust
  • First Air Year: 2018
  • Last Air Year: 2018
  • Created by: Simon Beaufoy
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Crime, Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-MA
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 10
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, German, Italian
  • First Air Date: March 25, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), March 25, 2018 (Germany - 18), March 25, 2018 (France - 12), March 25, 2018 (India - U/A 16+), March 25, 2018 (Brazil - 18), March 25, 2018 (Spain - 18)
  • Networks: FX
  • Production Companies: FX Productions, Cloud Eight Films, Decibel Films, Snicket Films
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
  • Alternative Titles: Доверие (RU), Богатството (BG)

Trust - Plot

The trials and triumphs of one of the wealthiest and unhappiest families of the United States, the Gettys. Originally planned to be told over multiple seasons and spanning the twentieth century, the series begins in 1973 with the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, an heir to the Getty oil fortune, by the Italian mafia in Rome.

Trust - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the Getty family saga:

The Getty family saga.

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Trust - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Simon Beaufoy

Main Cast

  • Donald Sutherland
  • Hilary Swank
  • Harris Dickinson
  • Michael Esper
  • Brendan Fraser
  • Luca Marinelli
  • Anna Chancellor
  • Francesco Colella
  • Nicola Rignanese
  • Silas Carson

Writers

  • Simon Beaufoy
  • Alice Nutter
  • Brian Fillis
  • John Jackson
  • Harriet Braun

Executive Producers

  • Christian Colson
  • Simon Beaufoy
  • Danny Boyle

Trust - FAQs

Is Trust based on a true story?

Trust is based on real events. It dramatizes the 1973 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III in Rome, when the 16-year-old grandson of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty was abducted by the Italian mafia. The family's agonizing negotiations — and Getty Sr.'s notorious reluctance to pay the ransom — are all rooted in documented history.

Why did J. Paul Getty refuse to pay the ransom?

J. Paul Getty Sr. initially refused to pay the $17 million ransom, fearing it would make his other grandchildren targets. He also reportedly doubted the kidnapping was genuine, suspecting his grandson had staged it for money. He eventually negotiated the ransom down and paid only the tax-deductible portion, lending the rest to his son at interest.

Where can you stream Trust (2018)?

Trust is available to stream on Hulu. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free viewing with ads, AD tv offers the series at no cost.

Who are the main actors in Trust?

Donald Sutherland leads the cast as the formidable J. Paul Getty Sr., with Hilary Swank as Gail Getty and Harris Dickinson as the kidnapped J. Paul Getty III. Brendan Fraser plays fixer James Fletcher Chace, Michael Esper portrays Getty Jr., and Luca Marinelli brings menace to the role of kidnapper Primo.

What happened to J. Paul Getty III's ear?

After months of failed negotiations, the kidnappers severed J. Paul Getty III's right ear and mailed it to an Italian newspaper as proof of their seriousness. The shocking act finally pressured the Getty family into action. The series depicts this harrowing moment, which remains one of the most disturbing episodes in the real-life kidnapping saga.

How many episodes does Trust have?

Trust consists of 10 episodes across its single season, which aired on FX in 2018. The limited series format allows the story to unfold with cinematic depth, dedicating substantial screen time to each strand of the Getty family drama and the Rome kidnapping ordeal.

Who created the FX series Trust?

Trust was created by Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. He also served as an executive producer alongside Danny Boyle and Christian Colson — the same creative trio behind Slumdog Millionaire — bringing a cinematic pedigree to the FX limited series.

Is Trust worth watching for crime drama fans?

Absolutely. Trust delivers a rich, stylishly crafted portrait of greed, family dysfunction, and moral failure. Donald Sutherland's portrayal of J. Paul Getty Sr. is magnetic, and the series balances thriller tension with sharp character study. Critics praised its ambition and performances, making it a compelling watch for fans of prestige crime drama.

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