Halt & Catch Fire

Watch Halt & Catch Fire

  • TV-14
  • 2014
  • 4 Seasons
  • 8.4  (35,881)

Halt & Catch Fire is an AMC period drama that takes place in the Silicon Prairie of Texas during the 1980s and '90s. Inspired by the likes of Apple, IBM, and Compaq, the show follows a motley crew of engineers and designers as they try to create a revolutionary personal computer that will change the course of history.

The ensemble cast features a number of strong performances from Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, and Kerry Bishe, who all bring their own unique quirks and flaws to their roles. At the center of the story is Joe MacMillan (Pace), a charismatic, mysterious salesman who is determined to create the "IBM killer" from scratch. He's joined by Gordon Clark (McNairy), a talented engineer who has lost his way in life, and Cameron Howe (Davis), a young prodigy with a rebellious streak. Rounding out the core group is Donna Clark (Bishe), Gordon's wife and a brilliant software developer in her own right.

The show's first season focuses primarily on the creation of a new portable PC, which becomes known as the "Giant". Each episode explores the highs and lows of this endeavor, from the initial pitch to investors, to the first prototypes, to the final product launch. Along the way, viewers get a glimpse into the cutthroat world of computer technology during this era, where innovation and backstabbing were often one and the same.

As the series progresses, the focus shifts to different projects and challenges that the characters face. There's the creation of a new search engine, the development of online gaming, and even an attempt to build a virtual reality headset before its time. Along with these technological hurdles come personal struggles, as relationships are forged and tested amidst the workplace drama. MacMillan in particular is a complex character, struggling with his past and his manipulative nature, and constantly pushing those around him to greater heights.

One thing that sets Halt & Catch Fire apart from other period dramas is its attention to detail. The show's creators clearly did their research, and it shows in everything from the fashion to the music to the technology itself. But the show never feels like a history lesson; rather, it uses the era as a backdrop for a timeless story of ambition and innovation.

Overall, Halt & Catch Fire is a compelling drama that combines the best elements of a workplace procedural with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It's a show that will appeal to anyone who has ever dreamed of changing the world with a brilliant idea, and a reminder that even in the fast-paced tech industry, the most important thing of all is the people you meet along the way.

Halt & Catch Fire is a series that ran for 4 seasons (42 episodes) between June 1, 2014 and on AMC

Halt & Catch Fire
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Seasons
Ten of Swords
19. Ten of Swords
April 12, 2019
Donna celebrates a milestone with her closest allies. Cameron contemplates saying goodbye. Joe confronts an uncertain future.
Search
17. Search
April 12, 2019
Donna faces a professional crossroads. Joanie takes a trip. Joe unveils Comet's new look. Cameron asks a favor from a one-time collaborator.
Ten of Swords
10. Ten of Swords
October 14, 2017
Donna celebrates a milestone with her closest allies; Cameron contemplates saying goodbye; and Joe confronts an uncertain future.
Search
9. Search
October 14, 2017
Donna faces a professional crossroads; Joanie takes a trip; Joe unveils Comet's new look; and Cameron asks a favor from a one-time collaborator.
Goodwill
8. Goodwill
October 7, 2017
Cameron helps Donna pack up; Bos makes his famous chili; Joe helps Haley recover a memorable keep sake; Gordon and Donna fight.
Who Needs a Guy
7. Who Needs a Guy
September 30, 2017
Joe and Gordon discuss Comet's future; Donna takes a vacation; a new collaborator challenges Cameron; Bos and Diane make a life-altering choice.
A Connection is Made
6. A Connection is Made
September 23, 2017
Donna makes a play for a heavy-hitter; Gordon confronts his daughter about an issue at school; Cameron finds a new fan; Joe sees a new side of Haley.
Nowhere Man
5. Nowhere Man
September 16, 2017
Donna struggles with suspicion; Bosworth hits a breaking point; Joe confesses to Gordon while Cameron faces past mistakes.
Tonya and Nancy
4. Tonya and Nancy
September 9, 2017
Cameron buys a plot of land to recenter; Joe and Gordon hire a team of websurfers to map the web; Donna focuses her team on the mission ahead.
Miscellaneous
3. Miscellaneous
August 26, 2017
Cameron promotes her game at an industry conference; Donna squares off against old rivals; Gordon struggles to support Joe's newest idea.
Signal to Noise
2. Signal to Noise
August 19, 2017
Joe and Cameron talk on the phone; Donna promotes her assistant; Gordon's business buckles under pressure from a larger competitor.
So It Goes
1. So It Goes
August 19, 2017
Gordon enjoys success while Joe works to keep their web project afloat; Cameron extends a business trip; Donna launches a new venture.
Description
Where to Watch Halt & Catch Fire
Halt & Catch Fire is available for streaming on the AMC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Halt & Catch Fire on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 1, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (35,881)