AMC Grants Surprise Renewal to 'Halt and Catch Fire'

AMC has stunned the TV world by handing down a renewal to low-rated freshman drama Halt and Catch Fire.

The series, centered around the personal computer boom in the Silicon Prairie of Texas in the early 1980s, averaged a paltry 1.3 million viewers per week, even with Live+7 DVR numbers factored in. The show was a much bigger success among critics, who generally praised the show's distinctive, period visual style, and its remarkable cast, which includes Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, and Mackenzie Davis.

“This is a show about invention, experimentation and the inherent risks in trying to break new ground — themes that really resonate with us as a network and attracted a passionate audience,” AMC president Charlie Collier said in a statement. “We have a history of demonstrating patience through the early seasons of new shows, betting on talent and building audience over time. We see that opportunity here and look forward to a second season of Halt and Catch Fire from creators Chris Cantwell and Chris Rogers, and showrunner Jonathan Lisco.”

Well, if nothing else, the show adds another distinctive period drama to AMC's original lineup, to go alongside Mad Men and the recently-renewed Revolutionary War drama Turn. Even if none of those shows are huge ratings hits, they've at least received critical attention, giving AMC the appearance of a prestige drama network.

But what do you think? Was this show worthy of a renewal? Or is AMC just filling a time slot? Sound off in the comments!

Via: TVLine

Credit: James Minchin III/AMC