Halt and Catch Fire

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 1, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 193 out of 219
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 219
  3. Negative: 8 out of 219
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User Reviews

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  1. droper666
    Jul 22, 2014
    9
    Show has a great cast, good writing and an interesting story especially if you are interested in the technology industry and how ruthless it is. I see the self appointed professional critics reviews and wonder why they bother. I watch a lot of TV and I know bad television, this is not it. I actually find this show way more interesting than mad men though mad men does have its moments ofShow has a great cast, good writing and an interesting story especially if you are interested in the technology industry and how ruthless it is. I see the self appointed professional critics reviews and wonder why they bother. I watch a lot of TV and I know bad television, this is not it. I actually find this show way more interesting than mad men though mad men does have its moments of brilliance. I hope it succeed and the writing and story stays good over time.… Expand
  2. zjpiazza
    Jun 18, 2014
    9
    AMC is in perfect form with this techno-thriller. Interesting and original characters and a compelling story....seriously what more can you ask for? Not much needs to be said for this show, check it out and you will not be disappointed. I seriously never write reviews for TV shows but this one is pretty great.
  3. dealers101
    Jul 22, 2014
    10
    I wanted to wait until I have seen a few show to write a review on this series. I have seen 7 episodes. Going into the series not sure how they were going to approach the topic. I thought this is an interesting time for PCs and the market.

    I will say that this show is wonderful. The acting is great and the story is intriguing and engaging. I did not watch Mad Men, but did watch    I wanted to wait until I have seen a few show to write a review on this series. I have seen 7 episodes. Going into the series not sure how they were going to approach the topic. I thought this is an interesting time for PCs and the market.

    I will say that this show is wonderful. The acting is great and the story is intriguing and engaging. I did not watch Mad Men, but did watch Breaking Bad. Breaking bad is on a level all it's own and a handful of shows are on that level. I would say that this show is on the level right below that.

    The writing is great and the attention to detail to the technical side is spot on. They nailed the font style for the PCs for that era. I would recommend this to anyone who deals with computers and for anyone who is not tech savvy.    … Expand
  4. pogelwoodcancer
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    This feels like the one. As soon as i saw Scoot McNairy's smirk after he inspects the armadillo mashed into the front of his Ferrari's grill, i new this was the slick arrogant smarm of the 80's businessman t.v. is so tragically missing. Watch this one take off. Its going to be great.
  5. revengethedead
    Jul 9, 2014
    10
    the first time i saw it i thought a who cares it's going to be similar to mad men but such good acting that mad me change my mind. the way the actors show their emotions are genuine not like other shows that try to ripoff a good show but end up making a disaster
  6. Janinedeam
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    The performance of Lee Pace as Joe is magnificent, you can understand the character even if sometimes the you are loving or hating him! A very well written show with great potential ahead!
  7. GamergodsFail
    Jun 30, 2015
    8
    Season 1 had a very strong cast and a solid story that gave a keen and intense insight to the computer boom of the early-mid 1980's. The season finale took a bit of a nosedive almost as if it was meant to be a miniseries. I'm glad it was renewed though, it's a great AMC original that deserves more viewers.
  8. furpal87
    Jun 24, 2014
    9
    Show is so close to being perfect just needs to tighten up some stories and make the characters around Joe more combative instead of in shock most of the time.
  9. RoraEst
    Feb 18, 2015
    7
    I like the ensemble casts. I love the whole characters in the show. Its more interesting than Fargo because the idea of its computer war era, its really fresh for me. But, the result of last episode was really hard for me to know what exactly the series wants from Joe to achieve.
    I'm really glad they renew the series because it will be so a big loss to let down this great character of Joe    I like the ensemble casts. I love the whole characters in the show. Its more interesting than Fargo because the idea of its computer war era, its really fresh for me. But, the result of last episode was really hard for me to know what exactly the series wants from Joe to achieve.
    I'm really glad they renew the series because it will be so a big loss to let down this great character of Joe MacMillan, because we thought we knew what Joe wants from the beginning, but in the ending, I was amazed how it turns out. Like, "Not even close?" I wish I knew what this PC revolution was really about.
    I mean, the problem of this series for me is too many depressions. Which is kind of attractive, but to build a teamwork and great company with it? I was worried they will go to no where. I was worried if they put the same plot with the first series.
    I like Donna Clark's character, she's smart and her husband was so weird. I want to know her more. She needs to lead several episodes in the future.
    And, I want to know much more about computer on this series. Computer is not just about laptop.    … Expand
  10. chris5007
    Jul 21, 2014
    9
    This is a fantastic show. I was a part of the computer revolution in the early 1980's, and this brings back many memories to me. I strongly recommend this show to anyone who is a techy and remembers when the computer industry was in it's infancy. The show incorporates some personal stuff into the story, but I suppose that has to be done in this day and age. I will be greatlyThis is a fantastic show. I was a part of the computer revolution in the early 1980's, and this brings back many memories to me. I strongly recommend this show to anyone who is a techy and remembers when the computer industry was in it's infancy. The show incorporates some personal stuff into the story, but I suppose that has to be done in this day and age. I will be greatly disappointed if AMC does not pick this show up for Season 2. It's a winner.… Expand
  11. TheBorg
    Jul 25, 2014
    9
    Show is really enjoyable. I think it just needed a few episodes to get the characters lined out Now that that's done, the show should take right off. Better get a renewal!
  12. grinny
    Jul 29, 2014
    10
    This show keeps getting better and better with each new episode. Do not watch this show expecting it to be factually based. It's good fiction and with enough facts thrown in to keep credible. The character development becomes more and more interesting with each episode and the computer's development gives you a perspective of "what if there had really been a developer like Cardiff at the time?"
  13. whatdafrak
    Aug 29, 2016
    10
    I just caught up on this show and it's terrific! At first I thought it was aping Mad Men a little much, but it's transformed into an incredible drama that has both a great plot and amazingly complex characters. Just when you think you've figured out their relationships to each other, they surprise you in ways that don't feel forced or inorganic. Incredible show from top to bottom.
  14. robotpony
    Jun 4, 2017
    9
    I grew up in the era of the original PC, the BBS evolution, and onward. This show captures the high points of the drama I remember from the media, in a way that tweaks the imagination of my younger nerd. While not history, the gist of the series emits an air of authenticity, at least for me.

    The set dressing and casting of the show is also spot on, feeling very much like the tech scene    I grew up in the era of the original PC, the BBS evolution, and onward. This show captures the high points of the drama I remember from the media, in a way that tweaks the imagination of my younger nerd. While not history, the gist of the series emits an air of authenticity, at least for me.

    The set dressing and casting of the show is also spot on, feeling very much like the tech scene of my youth. If you're a hacker at heart, this show is one of the shows that will remind you of where hackers came from.    … Expand
  15. beategeibel
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    Its been years since I've been invested in the characters of a TV show THAT much.
    In fact Firefly was the last show that made me feel this way.
    Now that I have finished watching the finale, there is a void that feels similar to finishing my favorite book, or my best friend since childhood moved away. Its a feeling of loss, a big fat loss, cause something great is gone. I love    Its been years since I've been invested in the characters of a TV show THAT much.
    In fact Firefly was the last show that made me feel this way.

    Now that I have finished watching the finale, there is a void that feels similar to finishing my favorite book, or my best friend since childhood moved away.

    Its a feeling of loss, a big fat loss, cause something great is gone.

    I love ensemble cast shows in general, but this one, this one is something rare.
    It has character development that is flawless, ironically talking about a TV show that is about failure and the beauty and pain that comes with it.

    Not one minute is wasted, the writing is superb, choices of music are perfection, the look is way cool and the acting is sublime.

    One word to describe this masterpiece of a show: MAGNIFICENT !    … Expand
  16. Sonofspam1972
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While the comparisons to Mad Men aren't exactly there, this show seems determined to make it's own path by exploring the early days of the personal computer boom in 1980's texas and by showing these three desperate characters making it much more personal.
    Joe Macmillan seems to be the lead star with the almost Patrick Bateman-esque bad boy charisma.

    The only real fault of the show so far is rushing through some of the technical details like in the montage in Gordon Clark's house when they are taking apart an IMB computer.    … Expand
  17. lora72
    Jun 2, 2014
    9
    It might not end up being as good as Mad Men or Breaking Bad but it sure is promising. As far as prestige dramas on TV this is the most compelling new show to come around in ages.
  18. DakotaFred
    Jun 6, 2015
    10
    Yep, it's a great show! Great story, cast, cinematography, score etc.... one of the best series on! Hopefully, the network realizes this and green lights more seasons! Anyone giving this a negative rating has an agenda, must be working for a different network or something...
  19. truerock
    Jan 16, 2021
    9
    It took me 6 years to get around to watching Halt and Catch Fire. One of the reasons was that professional critics were so detached and incompetent in their reviews that I just intellectually separated from the opportunity. I knew it was an excellent series - but, I wanted to be removed from the stupidity of the entertainment industry before I watched it.

    Halt and catch fire is the    It took me 6 years to get around to watching Halt and Catch Fire. One of the reasons was that professional critics were so detached and incompetent in their reviews that I just intellectually separated from the opportunity. I knew it was an excellent series - but, I wanted to be removed from the stupidity of the entertainment industry before I watched it.

    Halt and catch fire is the intersection of excellent writing and excellent acting. It is an amazing piece of work    … Expand
  20. ClariseSamuels
    May 14, 2015
    8
    My computer experience as a technical writer who had to document all those last-minute changes the software engineers kept coming up with goes back to 1984. Not mentioned in 10 episodes of Halt and Catch Fire is the UNIX operating system, already widely in use in industry. Basic is the only operating system mentioned in the series, as well as Cameron’s (Mackenzie Davis) crazy idea to haveMy computer experience as a technical writer who had to document all those last-minute changes the software engineers kept coming up with goes back to 1984. Not mentioned in 10 episodes of Halt and Catch Fire is the UNIX operating system, already widely in use in industry. Basic is the only operating system mentioned in the series, as well as Cameron’s (Mackenzie Davis) crazy idea to have an interactive operating system with questions that are more appropriate for a video game.

    When I worked for AT&T, by late 1988, we were hyped up for the Graphical User Interface race. Abbreviated as GUI, pronounced goo-ey, it was the interface between the operating system’s prompt and cryptic commands (in UNIX, ls meant “list files”). AT&T was going to market with OPEN LOOK, hoping to beat IBM’s bid for the GUI market with Motif. If you never heard of either of these, there’s a good reason. They both failed miserably because the GUI race was won by a product now a household name, i.e., Microsoft Windows.

    Ah, yes, remember when emailing someone outside the building meant you had to list every computer the email would pass through? Each computer name was separated by an exclamation mark, called a “bang.” And every company had a different system for naming their computers; it could be anything—fruits, cars, or cartoons. So an email address read out loud was something like cadillac-bang-banana-bang-pebbles-bang, and finally the login name.

    It’s all history now. Some of this history is faithfully recorded in Halt and Catch Fire, and some of it is slightly exaggerated. Product managers have power but not as much as Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace). And genius programmers like Cameron could write their own ticket to some extent, but if they tried to take over with an idea that did not have VP approval, they would get fired. Young talent was everywhere. It was a conservative industry; no one was having highly public affairs such as the one between Joe and Cameron. They were mostly married. But depicting the blood, sweat and tears of programming deadlines, innovative feats of hardware construction, shipping dates, sales conferences, and finally the reviews in Byte can only produce so much drama. When you lived it, it was still a fairly ho-hum corporate world, so Joe, Cameron, Gordon (Scoot McNairy) and Donna (Kerry Bishé) have to have other crises and dilemmas—affairs, betrayals, crimes, traumatic childhoods, maverick tendencies, and daddy issues—it makes everything more interesting.

    But as a purist, I find it most interesting when Halt and Catch Fire faithfully depicts the history of an industry that changed the world after breakfast, over lunch, and between coffee breaks.    … Expand
  21. Fluid_Dynamics
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    Entertaining. There's a lot to tap in to during this time period. Love how open the possibilities felt at the time.

    It does feel like they stretched some of the episodes for content. I'd expect them to do that during a later season, but they should really try to get the density up even more during the next season.

    Could be an extremely exciting series.
  22. MightyThor
    Aug 13, 2014
    8
    This show is good, I don't care what the critics say. I really hope it gets renewed cus viewership has been kind of low.

    First I like the unique setting. How many shows are about the 1980s at all, let alone the computer business in any era? TV is littered with cop dramas and angsty romantic comedies, and now the new wave of fantasy and zombies, Halt is a really refreshing change up.    This show is good, I don't care what the critics say. I really hope it gets renewed cus viewership has been kind of low.

    First I like the unique setting. How many shows are about the 1980s at all, let alone the computer business in any era? TV is littered with cop dramas and angsty romantic comedies, and now the new wave of fantasy and zombies, Halt is a really refreshing change up. Although it's nothing like Mad Men, the uniqueness is similar in that both explore a time period and field that no other show really does.

    Second the acting is really good, outside of Cameron. For some reason I think she comes across as super moody and not realistic. She seems shallow to me, she's so obsessed with making a perfect computer experience I feel like the writers have to kind of push her to be extreme to make the show go certain places. It just doesn't feel quite natural. But every other actor does a stellar job. Donna is amazing as the conflicted wife. Bosworth is a very compelling figure, torn between the new generation's way of thinking and progressing to the future and the old guard that he is part of.

    I don't really see any major plot holes although a few things that happen seem a little far fetched like how quickly they complete certain tasks for one. But otherwise the story never really dragged and had plenty of twists without feeling like the writers were reaching for anything. In all it's a great show I hope more people check out.    … Expand
  23. CatherineRhodes
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this show. Very smartly written and well acted. We've seen charming, ruthless characters like Joe Macmillan before, but he takes it to a whole new level. He will stop at nothing to win -- even seducing the husband of a potential investor to torpedo an unfavorable deal. (Many commenters misunderstood that scene. It wasn't about sex, it was about power and control.) I think the setting in Texas 1983 gives the subject matter a fresh spin. I even downloaded the soundtrack.… Expand
  24. Lipthem
    Jul 11, 2014
    9
    I'm a big fan of this show. It does a great job capturing both the corporate dynamic and the techie frustrations on a large-scale project. My only criticism would be the tendency to jump time-frames between episodes with little explanation. Probably my favorite new show for 2014.
  25. apcrcom
    Jul 29, 2014
    9
    Halt and Catch Fire takes a small group of people who are all profoundly driven, obsessed, and passionate about the future potential of computers, and sets them about the task of creating a machine from scratch - a goal, which, at the time, (early 80's) seemed impossible next to the market control of corporate giants like IBM.

    This setting is unusual for a television drama, and is    Halt and Catch Fire takes a small group of people who are all profoundly driven, obsessed, and passionate about the future potential of computers, and sets them about the task of creating a machine from scratch - a goal, which, at the time, (early 80's) seemed impossible next to the market control of corporate giants like IBM.

    This setting is unusual for a television drama, and is engaging enough in its own terms, but its actually not the unusual setting that make this show so watchable; its the deeply interesting characters and the rich dynamics between them that really makes it great viewing.

    The core character is 'visionary', Joe, a man with absolutely no moral or ethical compass - only an unstoppable drive to succeed at any cost. The people unlucky enough to be caught up with him in his mission to make a new pc are consistently at various stages of dissolution, coping with the ongoing aftermath of his wholly egotistical and single-minded goal.

    The interplay between the people caught up as staff working under Joe is often subtle, but riveting viewing. Definitely worth a look, not only for its unique setting, but for the rich interplay between its dark, complex, and intriguing characters. Im up to ep 7 of season 1 and totally hooked. This one's a must-see IMO.    … Expand
  26. tornado1
    Jul 31, 2014
    9
    Halt and Catch Fire is better than most shows on television. It is a little disconcerting that it appears to be absolutely necessary to show many moments of "quickie" sex in the work place to really make this show work. However, with this one exception keeping the show from getting a perfect score, it does not change the fact that the actors appear to do a wonderful job demonstratingHalt and Catch Fire is better than most shows on television. It is a little disconcerting that it appears to be absolutely necessary to show many moments of "quickie" sex in the work place to really make this show work. However, with this one exception keeping the show from getting a perfect score, it does not change the fact that the actors appear to do a wonderful job demonstrating realistic real world work scenes with believable conclusions. Add to this fact that the show deals with high IQ material, and you get the point. You could watch Dallas and see a depiction of rich people throwing alcoholic drink shot glasses at each others' heads and having mountains of sex (just like the old Dallas show), or you can watch Halt and Catch Fire and see a depiction of barely legal kids having some beer, throwing in some casual sex, dealing with realistic money issues, and then ask yourself, "Where do I fit in in this imaginary world of the eighties recreated?" All the while knowing that if you 'could' fit in with the Dallas cast, you're proper residence in all likelihood ought to be jail, but not H&CF, because as we all know, anyone that is anyone has committed bank fraud! I hope you guys liked this review. I don't write many, and I'm always serious. :) Thank you, Thomas Gutzke.… Expand
  27. AngelicGirl
    Jun 7, 2015
    10
    I absolutely love this show. I was literally addicted to it! 5 of 5 stars! Great cast. Lee Pace as Joe is amazing! You will love all the characters and the plot. They are now on season 2 and episode 2 comes out every Sunday at 9:00 pm.
  28. pdw123
    Jul 26, 2017
    8
    I've really enjoyed all seasons of this now, and looking forward to the next. I just wish they would play more reruns of it on AMC as I don't have a DVR, and am tired of looking at Breaking Bad every Sunday---come on, give us other series reruns AMC, not Breaking BAD, AGAIN!

    The production design around the 1980s and research into tech in those times is quite engaging, as are the    I've really enjoyed all seasons of this now, and looking forward to the next. I just wish they would play more reruns of it on AMC as I don't have a DVR, and am tired of looking at Breaking Bad every Sunday---come on, give us other series reruns AMC, not Breaking BAD, AGAIN!

    The production design around the 1980s and research into tech in those times is quite engaging, as are the brilliant cast. One of BEST series ever on AMC, but now if they'll just show us more of it, along with reruns of Better Call Saul, I'll be happy with my cable instead of wanting to turn it off.    … Expand
  29. GrantD243
    Oct 10, 2018
    8
    The first season of Halt and Catch Fire is easily the best technology focused show I've ever seen. I was enthralled by their quest to copy the IBM BIOS and then create their own computer to compete with them, despite the fact that Cardiff Electric (which is loosely based on the real life company Compaq) wasn't even focused on the PC market before Joe walked through the door. The dramaThe first season of Halt and Catch Fire is easily the best technology focused show I've ever seen. I was enthralled by their quest to copy the IBM BIOS and then create their own computer to compete with them, despite the fact that Cardiff Electric (which is loosely based on the real life company Compaq) wasn't even focused on the PC market before Joe walked through the door. The drama between the characters is entertaining while not overbearing, the dialogue is smartly written, the acting is great, and the show actually tackles the technical aspects of building a computer in a realistic way (they don't completely dumb it down). The story may not move at a blistering pace but it drew me in and kept my attention all the way until the season finale. If you liked Mad Men and you like technology, you'll probably like this show.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best TV Season of 2014
38
#38 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
23
#23 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Los Angeles Daily News
    Reviewed by: Rob Lowman
    Aug 22, 2016
    80
    During the first two years, Halt and Catch Fire has smoldered, sometimes frustratingly so, but has always been engaging, often thanks to the performances of Bishé and Davis. Judging by five episodes of season three, it looks like the show is finally catching fire.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Jun 23, 2014
    63
    With little exception, MacMillan is the sole character given scenes that seek to bring out his antic inner life, the most memorable of which being his meltdown in an electronics store, where he tries to find a hold of his ambition in a torrent of comingled rhythms emanating from various speakers.
    Read full review
  3. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jun 2, 2014
    83
    The thrill comes not from the actual computer building, but the people doing the building. These characters are complex and well-developed, especially Pace’s fiery exec, who is a mesmerizing manipulator.
    Read full review
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