‘Halt and Catch Fire’ premiere: Creators talk AMC’s new computer story

On Sunday night, AMC is going to be launching what has to be to date one of their most ambitious new series in some time: “Halt and Catch Fire.” In some ways, there are comparisons that can be made between this show and “Mad Men.” Each have an extremely confident male lead who is determined and unconventional in the world of business, and both are set at least a few decades in the past. The difference is that while Don Draper is the rogue advertiser, Lee Pace’s Joe MacMillan is all about redefining the computer world. (Sure, there are many other differences that you’ll see as the show progresses.)

What is the most important thing about this show right now, though, is that it may be AMC’s first successful new series in quite a long time. The premiere episode is quite good, and while the title of the show is somewhat aloof and could scare away some potential viewers, there is more commercial appeal here than for a show like “Low Winter Sun,” which was never destined to be a big performing with its setting and gritty nature.

In the video below, you can obtain some further backstory about “Silicon Prairie,” the part of Texas that serves as the show’s setting, via the creators. It is a nice little road map to get you introduced to the show before you even tune in to watch it. While you don’t need it in order to understand what is going on, it is still nonetheless nice to have.

Excited for the “Half and Catch Fire” premiere? Share your thoughts with a comment below.