Silicon Valley

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 6, 2014
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 495 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 455 out of 495
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 495
  3. Negative: 17 out of 495
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  1. TheQuietGamer
    Apr 21, 2014
    7
    The show is getting noticeably better after each passing episode, which is impressive considering that it's only been three episodes and the pilot wasn't too bad. It definitely brings the laughs and the characters and story are fantastic. Watching these guys try to build a company while constant issues get in their way is entertaining and surprisingly realistic feeling. Overall I do feelThe show is getting noticeably better after each passing episode, which is impressive considering that it's only been three episodes and the pilot wasn't too bad. It definitely brings the laughs and the characters and story are fantastic. Watching these guys try to build a company while constant issues get in their way is entertaining and surprisingly realistic feeling. Overall I do feel that there is room for improvement, but if the show keeps continuing at this I'll have to update my review with a better score later. As of right now I give it a 7.9/10-Good.… Expand
  2. eagleeyeviking
    Jun 8, 2014
    8
    Silicon Valley is a hilarious take on the life of tech geeks in the modern world. Despite a large cast early on, Silicon Valley remains consistently funny and sets itself up well for Season 2. It is worth a watch.
  3. drlowdon
    Sep 1, 2014
    7
    From showrunner Mike Judge this new comedy series set, as the name suggests, in Silicon Valley focuses on Richard Hendricks as he attempts to make a successful business from his revolutionary data compression software.

    The show has an Office Space (a great movie by the way) feel about it with its eclectic cast of misfits attempting to work and live together. It is certainly funny in    From showrunner Mike Judge this new comedy series set, as the name suggests, in Silicon Valley focuses on Richard Hendricks as he attempts to make a successful business from his revolutionary data compression software.

    The show has an Office Space (a great movie by the way) feel about it with its eclectic cast of misfits attempting to work and live together. It is certainly funny in places, with all the characters bringing something to the show, but few episodes hit the consistent highs of the very best comedy series. Sit-coms do generally take a season or so to really find their feet though and this is a promising start, I’ll certainly be coming back for season two.    … Expand
  4. haw2991
    Jun 10, 2014
    9
    Despite some elements that obviously need some work, "Silicon Valley" contains enough laughs and characters that lifts it up to par. It definitely gets better as the episodes progress.
  5. raviopatra
    Jul 8, 2014
    10
    The pilot didn't really hit it off for me, but enough to keep me going on for the rest of the season and I gotta admit, it's probably the freshest comedy on TV, both network and cable, right now. The characters deliver really well and the IT jokes, though sometimes a bit stereotype-ish, are very laughable. The one thing I really have to praise Mike Judge and the rest of the crew is howThe pilot didn't really hit it off for me, but enough to keep me going on for the rest of the season and I gotta admit, it's probably the freshest comedy on TV, both network and cable, right now. The characters deliver really well and the IT jokes, though sometimes a bit stereotype-ish, are very laughable. The one thing I really have to praise Mike Judge and the rest of the crew is how the story really builds up smoothly from the pilot to the season finale. It just works really fine starting from being the guy with a seemingly standard idea for a start-up to the guy who kills the competition in the tough IT business. Really looking forward to future seasons!!… Expand
  6. Stiands
    May 5, 2014
    10
    After seeing five episodes I think it's time to evaluate the progress of Silicon Valley. It's not your typical HBO show. There's no executions of your favorite characters, offensive language and a **** ton of sex. Instead not-so-famous, but awesome actors serve you funny and witty jokes and live every tech nerd's dream in the Silicon Valley. With a very broad audience, this is the start ofAfter seeing five episodes I think it's time to evaluate the progress of Silicon Valley. It's not your typical HBO show. There's no executions of your favorite characters, offensive language and a **** ton of sex. Instead not-so-famous, but awesome actors serve you funny and witty jokes and live every tech nerd's dream in the Silicon Valley. With a very broad audience, this is the start of the next big thing!… Expand
  7. rt-g
    May 15, 2014
    8
    This is great. Like the 'Thick of it' or the film adaptation 'In the loop' - a well observed comedy satire, mock-drama of life for programmers in silicon valley. Google, Facebook and corporate entities beware - this show is onto you!
  8. Finn471
    Jun 30, 2014
    10
    One of the best shows on television. Funny, great writing, fine satire and takes you into a world you think you know, but don't. The episode with the self driving cars is hilarious. Highly recommended.
  9. zevcitron
    Apr 8, 2014
    9
    I've already watched the pilot three times and it's still hilarious. I have high hopes, and I think for good reason. It isn't so often that HBO televises something that isn't a huge hit. A very original and hilarious idea with a great group of characters I have already fallen in love with. Kudos, Mike Judge. Kudos.
  10. dylan111
    May 5, 2014
    10
    After last night's (5/4) episode, I am upgrading my score from a 9 to a 10. The only reason not to watch this show is if you don't like to laugh. The writing and the acting make this the funniest comedy I've seen in a very long time.
  11. darbycostello
    Apr 8, 2014
    9
    A broad show for a broad audience, Mike Judge has used the California / Cisco digital boom to illustrate the insanity of Millennial tech culture. Sure, it's full of stereotypes but those cliches are on each of our doorsteps these days. Some great writing and a trajectory that's only going to get funnier, while exploring this new age where lines of code are more important to businesses thanA broad show for a broad audience, Mike Judge has used the California / Cisco digital boom to illustrate the insanity of Millennial tech culture. Sure, it's full of stereotypes but those cliches are on each of our doorsteps these days. Some great writing and a trajectory that's only going to get funnier, while exploring this new age where lines of code are more important to businesses than its people. A smart comedy and one to watch.… Expand
  12. SchroederRock
    Jul 11, 2016
    10
    Silicon Valley in its first season does what few shows can: establish characters, direction and pull within its first couple episodes. Silicon Valley is also a different cut of comedy as it focuses heavily on the tech industry and, as a result, comes with a lot of "nerdisms". The jokes and banter aren't usually too high for most people to follow yet, while the show is somewhat simple inSilicon Valley in its first season does what few shows can: establish characters, direction and pull within its first couple episodes. Silicon Valley is also a different cut of comedy as it focuses heavily on the tech industry and, as a result, comes with a lot of "nerdisms". The jokes and banter aren't usually too high for most people to follow yet, while the show is somewhat simple in its concept, requires a little bit of higher thought to be fully appreciated. Perhaps my favorite element of Silicon Valley is its balance. Unlike The League, which has a comparable format geared for sports enthusiasts, Silicon Valley doesn't rely on the crude and shocking humor to get its jollies off. Instead, the show swings between jokes, plot and character development interchangeably without any notice to the audience. That means you're constantly being fed important content even though it may not be the funniest thing that could possibly happen. It's this subtle give and take nature that makes Silicon Valley irresistibly funny and masterful in its first ten episodes.… Expand
  13. Michaelgr
    May 2, 2014
    10
    Brilliant show with cutting humour. This show gets better with every episode as the characters are adapting to the changes happening in their lives. The only thing that will hold this show back is that people have to have an IQ of over 100 to understand most of it which will limit its audience. Those not intelligent enough to understand it will give it bad reviews scaring people away.
  14. baoboa
    Apr 11, 2014
    5
    meh... kind of OK (acting wise), but kind of not OK what with some of the messages being thrown the viewers way. These Silicon Valley techie startup types are the reason our arts, music.. entertainment worlds are steadily going to sh*t (if not already there). The world is becoming one big "free" advertisement (your Spotify's of 2014) at the expense of lifelong dedicated creatives, peoplemeh... kind of OK (acting wise), but kind of not OK what with some of the messages being thrown the viewers way. These Silicon Valley techie startup types are the reason our arts, music.. entertainment worlds are steadily going to sh*t (if not already there). The world is becoming one big "free" advertisement (your Spotify's of 2014) at the expense of lifelong dedicated creatives, people who actually studied and learned to play instruments -or any such craft- suddenly find themselves out of work, no royalty checks and so on... what we're left with are only tech savvy non-creatives earning a wage, if not becoming billionaires off the hard work of others. Sad.… Expand
  15. gameofthrones95
    Apr 17, 2014
    5
    Meh, is all I can say. I was expecting more, the story isn't engaging. I mean I kind of feel bad for big head but it's whatever. Nothing especially intriguing.
  16. Smee
    Apr 13, 2014
    0
    A boring show without any jokes.Mediocre acting and similar script that used in The Internship movie.Like any other HBO show this is overrated and bank on marketing to put ignorant fans in front of TV.
  17. nickjuntilla
    Apr 8, 2014
    0
    Now the tech industry is being white washed. They are skipping having to learn anything or go to school and just hiring actors to play like they know. I am a programmer. I am not white.
  18. metabad
    Jul 30, 2014
    9
    Easily one of the best shows this summer, not to say: Brilliant!
    Totally knocked me off of my feet.
    It's intelligent, has likable characters and is often funny and even hilarious. The stories are original and credible, with different kinds of humor to please many tastes. The characters are realistic and having them ending up in situations that are pure satire is simply delicious to    Easily one of the best shows this summer, not to say: Brilliant!
    Totally knocked me off of my feet.
    It's intelligent, has likable characters and is often funny and even hilarious.
    The stories are original and credible, with different kinds of humor to please many tastes.

    The characters are realistic and having them ending up in situations that are pure satire is simply delicious to watch.

    I can't wait for the next season!    … Expand
  19. damien102
    Apr 12, 2014
    8
    This show is everything the abominable Betas wishes it was. The jokes are biting and insightful, and the acting talent is strong. A few of the jokes fell a little flat, but that's probably just because it's the pilot and the whole thing hasn't quite gelled together yet.

    High hopes for how this show will pan out.
  20. pjm781
    Apr 25, 2014
    2
    Although it is basically funny and entertaining Silicon Valley is quite homophobic. It would be appropriate if it was set in the early 90's or 1980's BUT it is now and seems So out of touch.
  21. NObullsh17
    Apr 29, 2014
    5
    First, a disclaimer: I think Mike Judge is brilliant solely on the basis of his seminal movie "Office Space". So when I watched "Silicon Valley", I WANTED to love it.

    Oh well. Definitely not terrible, but falls conspicuously short of the high bar Judge has set for himself. As a matter of fact I'd like to contradict what an earlier reviewer said: This show is virtually identical to    First, a disclaimer: I think Mike Judge is brilliant solely on the basis of his seminal movie "Office Space". So when I watched "Silicon Valley", I WANTED to love it.

    Oh well.

    Definitely not terrible, but falls conspicuously short of the high bar Judge has set for himself. As a matter of fact I'd like to contradict what an earlier reviewer said: This show is virtually identical to Amazon's "Betas", but lacks a lot of the humor and virtually ALL the charm of that unassuming but pleasant sitcom. Even the NAME is uninspired.

    "Silicon Valley" has an interesting if unexceptional premise, geeks trying to strike it rich on tech in NoCal. It has all the same stereotyped characters "Betas" has: Indian geek, chubby wild guy with beard, kooky sidekick, quirky VC complete with attractive female underling, all led, of course, by the Brilliant White Guy.

    Both struggle to capture the "hip" scene through trendy music and scenes, and while "Betas" seems a little cheesier, more NBC-y, "SV" strips a lot of that and ends up just being comparatively dull.

    "Betas" may be a "guilty pleasure", but I'll take that over "no pleasure".

    BTW, if you wondered how Martin Starr would make the leap from "Freaks n Geeks" to adult acting, the answer is: he didn't. His smug presence on "SV" is grating to say the least. I still feel like punching him whenever I see him, but now I feel like he DESERVES it.

    "Betas" is betta!    … Expand
  22. OpinionatedGuy
    Aug 21, 2014
    9
    I agree to some people that Silicon Valley is similar to The Big Bang Theory in some way. But unlike The Big Bang Theory, Silicon Valley stands out as their own show.

    Silicon Valley has got to be one of HBO’s best comedies ever written. The smart, brash humorous writing of the show makes HBO’s current comedies like Girls and Looking look like **** even though I liked two of these shows    I agree to some people that Silicon Valley is similar to The Big Bang Theory in some way. But unlike The Big Bang Theory, Silicon Valley stands out as their own show.

    Silicon Valley has got to be one of HBO’s best comedies ever written. The smart, brash humorous writing of the show makes HBO’s current comedies like Girls and Looking look like **** even though I liked two of these shows mentioned.

    The show’s charm wasn’t just T.J. Miller, it was the entire main cast. Each of the characters had their own outstanding moments, even the shy Richard Hendriks portrayed by Thomas Middleditch had his outstanding moments and that what makes the show charming.

    I liked how the show was filmed. The lightning was brilliant and bright and the cinematography is excellent.

    I also liked how the plot had a story arc so it wouldn’t have any filler episodes. I can’t wait how the next season will turn out.

    Speaking of next season, I was sad to hear that Christopher Evan Welch, who plays Peter Gregory had died. No wonder why he is absent in the last episodes of the season. The producers has said that they will not recast the role so it’s likely the next season might have him killed off. It would be interesting to see how this goes and Peter Gregory’s death might add conflict to next season’s plot.

    I learned a little bit more on how tech business works thanks to this show. It’s great I actually learned something from a TV show.

    This show absolutely deserved an Emmy nomination and when it did, I was thrilled but this isn’t the best show to win an Emmy (shh, Orange is the New Black deserves it wink wink). Nonetheless, whether it wins or not, HBO should be proud of putting this show on their schedule and I am glad they renewed this for a second season. It had potential.

    So if you like The Big Bang Theory with more swearing and more intelligent, brash humor writing and a little bit information on the tech business world, then this show is worth checking out.    … Expand
  23. Globus
    Aug 28, 2014
    7
    The series starts off slow, with only the occasional big laugh, but as the season progresses and the cast and the writing hits their stride, it is a hilarious show. If the second half of the season was the only part I'd seen, I'd rate at least 8 out of 10.
  24. stevenf49
    May 25, 2018
    9
    Excellent comedy. The group of actors is a great ensemble. I do miss the Bachman character though ! Hope he returns to the show in coming seasons. Keep this one going!
  25. shod3030
    Jun 5, 2017
    7
    In the high-tech gold rush of modern Silicon Valley, the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success. A comedy partially inspired by Mike Judge's own experiences as a Silicon Valley engineer in the late 1980s.
  26. judahjsn
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    Probably the funniest thing Judge has made, and I'm a fan of them all. The first three episodes have been perfect. I can't wait to see where this goes.
  27. CarribeanDean
    Nov 1, 2015
    4
    As a fan of Mike Judge, I wanted to like this show. but it's like a light version of The Big Bang Theory, which is too light and stereotypical already. blah!
  28. TheApplegnome
    Jan 5, 2016
    8
    A massively amusing, clever and fun ride into the all knowing city of tech — and human traits.

    Who could have thought that a 2010s-version of Silicon Valley could even be successful; is the city even that tech-ish today as in the pre-Apple days? Apparently yes. We follow clever and hilarious characters on their journey to success. The visualization of these relatable individuals are    A massively amusing, clever and fun ride into the all knowing city of tech — and human traits.

    Who could have thought that a 2010s-version of Silicon Valley could even be successful; is the city even that tech-ish today as in the pre-Apple days? Apparently yes. We follow clever and hilarious characters on their journey to success. The visualization of these relatable individuals are brought to life thanks to their different personalities. One shy nerd, one dickhead, one weirdo and one zombie-like-stick; so much diversity and human traits! They are instantly likable and even though they aren't that complex, they do bring much entertainment; both embarrassing, hilarious as weird moments to the screen — and to be fair; the humor is lightyears away from being forced. They are mostly unpredictable and very natural! But is it a generally hilarious show? Well that depends on what you do find funny or not. You might find it a bit too immature or even stupid for that matter, because it can go very far with these sex/dick-jokes. But that’s a highly individual aspect. Add realistic chemistry through dialogs & humor and of course well chosen actors; well that’s ’Silicon Valley’. There isn't that many critical downsides, just small fragments that could have been even better than what they already are — more character development, less of the sometimes vague editing, and perhaps too many stereotypes to the main characters. That’s it. Mike Judge & John Altschuler successfully did manage to bring realistic and very relatable characters to the screen, with a plot that remarkably could have come of as a boring, nerdy and stupid pre-Apple tail — but did exactly the opposite.

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 8/10.

    Personal rating: 80/100
    Critical rating: 95/100    … Expand
  29. GwionBach29
    Mar 31, 2018
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Atrocious writing and acting. The scene in S5E1 where Gavin Belson fires all the engineers he just hired was the most cringeworthy scene I've seen on TV. The show has jumped the shark.… Expand
  30. ericcarl
    Jun 23, 2014
    8
    Michaelgr: Just because i don't know much about programming doesn't mean i'm unintelligent, you pretentious, friendless, little **** of a human being.
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best TV Season of 2014
32
#32 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
16
#16 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 24, 2014
    80
    With an appealing cast, a relatively fresh setting and smart jokes ("Every party in Silicon Valley ends up like a Hasidic wedding," i.e., the men and women are always separated), Silicon Valley is definitely worth your time investment.
    Read full review
  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Apr 8, 2014
    80
    Silicon Valley is good. But “Silicon Valley 2.0” is going to be even better.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Fuchs
    Apr 7, 2014
    70
    There are a few elements of Silicon Valley that are still works in progress at this point. The force of Miller’s personality can be overwhelming, and a little of Erlich goes a long way.
    Read full review
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