Watch The Net

The Net is a television series that aired from 1998 to 1999. The show was created by Deborah Pratt, who is best known for her work on the hit series Quantum Leap. The Net was based on the 1995 movie of the same name, starring Sandra Bullock. The series follows the adventures of Angela Bennett, a computer programmer who discovers a conspiracy involving the theft of her identity and the manipulation of her online presence. Bennett is played by Brooke Langton, who is best known for her roles in Melrose Place and The Replacements. The supporting cast includes Joseph Bottoms as Bennett's estranged father, Eric Szmanda as her tech savvy assistant, and Tim Curry as a sinister cyber-villian.

From the opening credits sequence, it is clear that the show is heavily inspired by early internet culture. The viewer is treated to a montage of dial-up modems, chat rooms, and clunky computer interfaces. The theme song, sung by the popular alt-rock band Splashdown, features lyrics about "surfing" the internet and "swimming in the digital sea".

As the show progresses, it becomes clear that the conspiracy against Bennett is far-reaching and dangerous. She is pursued by mysterious government agents, cyber-terrorists, and rogue hackers. She also must navigate the complexities of her romantic relationship with Eric Szmanda's character, who is both her employee and confidant.

Despite its somewhat cheesy premise, The Net was ahead of its time in many ways. The show anticipated the ways in which online identity theft and cyber-intrusion would become major issues in the 21st century. The show also explored themes of paranoia and distrust in government and corporate power structures, which are still relevant today.

Some critics lambasted the show for being overly simplistic and hokey. Others praised its earnestness and its cast's performances. Many noted that the show was a product of its time, and that it captured the zeitgeist of the late 1990s in a way that was both nostalgic and entertaining.

Despite only lasting for one season, The Net remains a cult favorite among audiences who remember the early days of the internet. Its legacy lives on in the Sandra Bullock movie that inspired it, as well as in other shows and movies that have explored similar themes of online intrigue and digital manipulation.

Overall, The Net is a fun and entertaining show that is worth revisiting for anyone who loves early internet culture, cyber-thrillers, or 1990s nostalgia.

The Net is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (22 episodes). The series first aired on July 19, 1998.