Halt and Catch Fire

Editor Reviews

• Blake Mercer

  Rating: 8

  8

  May 24, 2025

  Set in the 1980s and early 1990s, Halt and Catch Fire chronicles the rise of the personal computer era, the internet, and the cutthroat world of tech startups in Texas and later Silicon Valley. While its focus is broader than just hacking, it delves into the minds of brilliant engineers, programmers, and visionaries. It explores the creation of hardware and software from the ground up, touching upon the foundational elements that enable both innovation and, eventually, the more complex digital landscapes where hacking thrives. It's a character-driven drama about the people behind the tech revolution.

• Ellis Barrow

  Rating: 5

  5

  May 6, 2025

  While less focused on hacking and conspiracy than Mr. Robot, Halt and Catch Fire shares a fascination with the world of technology and the ambitious, often flawed, individuals driving innovation. Set in the 1980s and 90s, the series chronicles the rise of the personal computer and the internet through the eyes of a visionary, a talented engineer, and a gifted programmer as they navigate the competitive tech landscape. The show is a superb character study, delving deep into the motivations, struggles, and relationships of its protagonists. It captures the spirit of innovation and the challenges of building something new, while also exploring themes of partnership, ambition, and the relentless pace of technological change. It's a beautifully crafted period piece that offers a grounded, human perspective on the industry that laid the groundwork for the digital age.