Technology often finds its way into pop culture, especially television shows that showcase just how technology has impacted people’s lives. It’s something we can all relate to, as we have lived through a time that has seen exponential technological growth, making for some quite popular television shows that span genres. Let’s take a look at three shows that any technology enthusiast will find interesting.
Silicon Valley was developed by Mike Judge, who is also responsible for shows such as Beavis and Butthead, Office Space, and King of the Hill. One of the best comedies to come out in the past decade, Silicon Valley takes place in its namesake, focusing on the lives of software developers in an “incubator” in Palo Alto, California. The story begins with the main character, Richard Hendricks, developing an app that can search for copyrighted music. Things get wild, however, when people discover the value that the lossless compression algorithm used for its database can offer, opening up a bidding war.
All six seasons of Silicon Valley are available from HBO, and we’re sure you’ll find it comedic gold. From Hendrick’s failure to run the company to the rivalry between technology companies, you’ll have a great time.
Silicon Valley
Created by: Mike Judge, John Altschuler, and Dave Krinsky
Starring: Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller, Josh Brener, Martin Starr, Kumail Nanjani, Zach Woods, Amanda Crew, Matt Ross, and Jimmy O. Yang
Network (years active): 2014-2019
Where to watch: Max
Mr. Robot, created by Sam Esmail, examines cybersecurity engineer and cyberterrorist Elliot Alderson as he grapples with several mental illnesses and a drug addiction. Elliot joins the ranks of Mr. Robot, a manifested characterization of his late father to lead “fsociety,” a collective of hackers who make efforts to encrypt financial records held by the predominant technology company in the world, ECorp.
Mr. Robot is positioned as a thriller, and it has received critical acclaim for its representation of technology and how it can alienate individuals. The show makes great use of this concept through its portrayal of its main character. All four seasons are available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Mr. Robot
Created by: Sam Esmail
Starring: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Portia Doubleday, Carly Chaikin, Martin Wallström, Michael Cristofer, Stephanie Corneliussen, Grace Gummer, BD Wong, Bobby Cannavale, Ashlie Atkinson, and Elliot Villar:
Network: USA Network
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Dystopian anthology Black Mirror shows off the technology of future societies. The 2011 series has won critical acclaim for its representation of situational speculative fiction, covering multiple genres and showing the full span of technologies and how they could impact humanity moving forward.
Black Mirror originated in the United Kingdom, but has since been picked up by Netflix, going on to produce four more seasons and a variety of interactive movies titled Bandersnatch. Charlie Booker, the creator of the show, wrote most of the episodes himself, with some healthy inspiration from authors like Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov.
Black Mirror
Created by: Charlie Brooker
Starring: Anthology series, multiple stars.
Network: Channel 4 and Netflix
Where to watch: Netflix
We love to cover anything technology-related on our blog, so be sure to check back whenever you get the urge to learn more!
