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Drama

Billboard (2019): Cast, Ratings, Ending & Where to Watch

Billboard (2019) movie poster

Billboard is a 2019 drama directed by Zeke Zelker, starring John Robinson as Casey, Heather Matarazzo and Leo Fitzpatrick. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes. Critics gave it 24 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10. Stream it on Fawesome and The Roku Channel, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies.

IMDb rating
4.4/10
Echo Score
35
Metascore
24
Billboard (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Director
Zeke Zelker
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
Studio
Paladin
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Billboard About?

The premise of Billboard without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Casey Lindeweiler unexpectedly inherits WTYT 960, a radio station facing financial difficulties. Desperate to boost ratings and save the station, he develops an unusual promotional contest. Four contestants compete for a $96,000 prize by enduring a publicity stunt: surviving as long as possible on a billboard catwalk, exposed to the elements and constant public attention.

Billboard Themes & Keywords

· 14 tags
  • billboard
  • radio contest
  • radio
  • entrepreneur
  • cross platform
  • contest
  • legacy
  • radio station
  • one word title
  • allentown pennsylvania
  • pennsylvania
  • inheritance
+2 more
  • independent film
  • based on true story
Where to watch

Where to Watch Billboard

Stream it on Fawesome and The Roku Channel, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Billboard Cast & Characters

John Robinson leads the cast as Casey, with Heather Matarazzo as Jezebel and Leo Fitzpatrick as Ronny. Directed by Zeke Zelker; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Billboard

· 13 more
Ratings

Billboard Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Billboard 24 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 4.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 35/100, strongest in character & emotion (45) and weakest in art & craft (30).

35 /100

Billboard Echo Score Breakdown

This film exhibits an uneven balance of technical shortcomings and sporadic emotional resonance. Critics frequently cite awkward editing, inconsistent tone, and narrative incoherence, while certain viewers appreciate the authentic local backdrops and a compelling turn from the lead actor. The pacing is widely described as sluggish, with narrative detours undermining engagement. Ultimately, Billboard struggles to establish a cohesive cinematic identity, leaving the overall impression distinctly underwhelming.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 30

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s technical execution lacks refinement. Reviewers note flat, unlovely cinematography and awkward cuts that disrupt visual coherence. A few location shots of Las Vegas draw praise for their compositional strength, but these moments are sporadic. Overall, the production design and editing conspire to deliver a visually underwhelming experience.

  • Character & Emotion 45

    When it comes to character and emotion, development is often described as shallow or absent. Critics observe a lack of depth and emotional resonance, while some viewers praise the lead actor’s nuanced performance as Casey. A handful of users found the characters realistic and relatable, yet most report minimal empathy. Overall, character dynamics feel uneven and underexplored.

  • Story & Flow 40

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative is frequently called shapeless and inconsistent. Critics point out a disjointed plot, tonal shifts, and pacing that drags through aimless sequences. Some viewers appreciate nostalgic elements tied to the original contest, but historical inaccuracies and filler scenes hamper immersion. Overall, the storyline fails to maintain coherent engagement and momentum.

  • Sensory Experience 35

    In the realm of sensory experience, the visual style is uneven, combining measured tripod shots with jarring handheld sequences. The soundtrack and sound design go largely unnoticed, offering little impact. A few viewers commend the authentic atmosphere of local backdrops, but these instances are insufficient to offset the overall lack of sensory cohesion. The result is underwhelming.

  • Rewatch Factor 35

    When assessing rewatch factor, the film’s sluggish pacing and narrative uncertainties diminish replay appeal. Critics and users agree that the viewing experience feels more like a one-time curiosity than a repeat delight. Occasional emotional moments and nostalgic callbacks may attract a niche audience, but overall, the lack of cohesive storytelling undermines lasting appeal.

Plot

Billboard Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Billboard from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Seldom do we get a glimpse into the mind of the one orchestrating a publicity stunt, or understand the motivation driving their actions. Inspired by true events, Billboard unveils the story of an inexperienced entrepreneur determined to make his mark in the world of broadcasting.

Casey Lindeweiler, played by John Robinson, unexpectedly finds himself back in Allentown, Pennsylvania, inheriting the struggling AM radio station, WTYT 960, from his father. Upon arriving, he quickly learns that his father had left behind a mountain of debt, and the station is barely staying afloat thanks to a dedicated group of DJs who are passionate about preserving the last independent radio outlet in town.

Full summary

The whole story of Billboard, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

Billboard Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.

The Billboard Sitters • Web Series Trailer
  • Clip Day 42 of The Great WTYT 960 Billboard Sitting Contest
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Billboard?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the radio station inherited by Casey?

Details

Billboard Also Known As

Also known as “빌보드”.

Also known as
  • 빌보드

Seen Billboard?

FAQ

Billboard FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of Billboard, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Billboard?

Billboard runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was Billboard released?

Billboard was released on April 5, 2019.

Who directed Billboard?

Billboard was directed by Zeke Zelker.

Who is in the cast of Billboard?

Billboard stars John Robinson as Casey, Heather Matarazzo as Jezebel and Leo Fitzpatrick as Ronny, among 17 credited actors.

Where can I watch Billboard?

In the US, Billboard is streaming on Fawesome, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies and YouTube (availability from JustWatch).

How is Billboard rated?

Billboard has 4.4/10 on IMDb, 24 on Metacritic, 37% on TMDB and 1.0/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Billboard have a post-credit scene?

No. Billboard has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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