Dive into an engaging exploration of technology with these nine captivating television series. From the intense corporate atmosphere of Silicon Valley startups to gripping narratives about tech innovation and its pitfalls, these shows engage viewers with their intriguing plots and profound insights into our digital era.
Silicon Valley
Experience the dynamic atmosphere of the tech industry in this American sitcom that highlights the aspirations of geeky programmers whose social skills often leave much to be desired. Silicon Valley humorously portrays the challenges faced by six programmers trying to succeed in the fast-paced tech boom. Drawing inspiration from co-creator Mike Judge’s own experiences, the series effectively showcases both the creative and awkward aspects of life in Silicon Valley, resulting in an exciting mix of comedy and authenticity.
In the contemporary high-tech rush of Silicon Valley, those most equipped for success often struggle with the concept of it. Mike Judge’s personal history as a Silicon Valley engineer in the late ’80s partially informs this sitcom, which focuses on six programmers living together while chasing their dreams in the tech capital.
Starring: Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr, Amanda Crew, Matt Ross, Josh Brener
Halt and Catch Fire
Journey back to the early 1980s when the personal computer revolution took flight. Halt and Catch Fire follows a determined trio—a visionary, an engineer, and a prodigy—as they embark on a challenging quest to create an innovative computer. The series beautifully illustrates the human drama behind technological advancements, revealing the passions and conflicts that fuel groundbreaking discoveries.
Set during the early days of the PC revolution, this unlikely trio risks everything to develop a computer intended to alter the world forever.
Starring: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, Toby Huss
Mythic Quest
Mythic Quest humorously explores the chaotic world of game development, highlighting a quirky team producing one of the largest multiplayer video games on the market. The office antics and creative disagreements rival any challenges faced by the players, demonstrating a unique mix of brilliance and absurdity in the game design process.
Join the team behind the world’s most popular multiplayer video game, where the fiercest battles take place not in the game itself, but within the office walls.
Starring: Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Naomi Ekperigin, Jessie Ennis, Imani Hakim, Danny Pudi
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber
This anthology series dissects significant business turmoil, beginning with the rapid ascent and controversial aftermath of Uber. Super Pumped reveals the trajectory of one of Silicon Valley’s most vibrant and contentious startups, showcasing the raw ambition and ethical dilemmas that rocked the corporate landscape.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kyle Chandler, Kerry Bishé, Babak Tafti, Jon Bass, Bridget Gao-Hollitt
WeCrashed
Delve into the astonishing rise and fall of WeWork, a coworking phenomenon that spiraled out of control. WeCrashed narrates the dramatic transformation from a modest office space to a global entity, followed by its swift decline. At the core is a gripping love story that motivated its founders, offering an intricate examination of ambition and arrogance.
Based on true events and the central love story, WeWork escalated from a single coworking space to a $47 billion global brand within a decade, only to see its worth plummet by $40 billion in less than a year. What went wrong?
Starring: Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Kyle Marvin
Black Mirror
Black Mirror presents a haunting anthology series that explores humanity’s darkest impulses along with its brightest technological advancements. Each episode stands alone, depicting potential futures where technology and human behavior collide, often leading to troubling outcomes. It’s a thought-provoking examination of the potential pitfalls of our evolving digital world.
In this mind-bending series, twisted narratives expose humanity’s worst traits and greatest innovations.
Starring: Awkwafina, Peter Capaldi, and Asim Chaudhry
Upload
Set in the near future, Upload blurs the lines between life and digital existence. With the option for a posthumous virtual reality experience, the show raises both exciting prospects and ethical dilemmas. The series cleverly mixes humor with existential inquiries, contemplating identity and consciousness in a tech-centric society.
In 2033, individuals facing death can opt to be “uploaded” into virtual reality hotels operated by six tech companies. Struggling Nora, a customer service rep at the lavish “Lakeview” digital afterlife, finds her life entwined with that of Nathan, a coder who, after a self-driving car accident, is uploaded into her VR realm by his high-maintenance girlfriend.
Starring: Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, Kevin Bigley, Owen Daniels
StartUp
StartUp merges crime and technology in a gripping tale where a diverse group of individuals attempts to create a revolutionary digital currency. High stakes characterize this lawless setting, revealing the dark realities beneath innovation and ambition.
A desperate banker seeks to hide stolen money, a Haitian-American gang leader aims to go legitimate, and a Cuban-American hacker has a groundbreaking money idea. As they are forced to collaborate, they inadvertently foster their version of the American dream—organized crime 2.0.
Starring: Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, Otmara Marrero, Addison Timlin, Ron Perlman, Mira Sorvino
The Dropout
Experience the dramatic downfall of Elizabeth Holmes, former CEO of Theranos, in The Dropout. Once hailed as a visionary in Silicon Valley, Holmes’ empire collapses as her revolutionary technology is revealed as a facade. This gripping series highlights the vulnerabilities that come with unchecked ambition in the competitive tech arena.
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews
As technology continues to evolve and impact our lives, these series offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds and cultures driving innovation and aspirations in the digital era. Each show presents a unique viewpoint, enriching our understanding of the complex and often tumultuous tech landscape. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or seeking an engaging story, these series promise to provide drama, insight, and entertainment.
