Genre: Sci-Fi | Action | Military Drama
Developed by: Kyle Killen, Steven Kane
Starring: Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone, Yerin Ha, Jen Taylor, Bokeem Woodbine
Platform: Paramount+ | Seasons: 1 (9 Episodes)
Based on: The “Halo” video game franchise by Bungie & 343 Industries
The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Halo, one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time, finally arrived in 2022 with enormous expectations. With its sci-fi world-building, iconic Spartan armor, and deep lore, the series aimed to capture the attention of both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
What we got was a visually ambitious yet narratively inconsistent first season that bravely expanded the Halo universe—but not without controversy.
Set in the 26th century during the early years of the Human-Covenant War, the show follows Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 (Pablo Schreiber), a super-soldier created by the UNSC as part of the Spartan-II program. After a shocking encounter with an alien artifact and a civilian rebel named Kwan Ha (Yerin Ha), John begins questioning his orders, his origins, and what it truly means to be human.
The narrative diverges significantly from the games, choosing to focus on John’s internal awakening, political intrigue within the UNSC, and the growing threat of the alien Covenant, who seek powerful Forerunner relics with galactic consequences.
Pablo Schreiber brings physicality and surprising emotional depth to Master Chief, portraying him as more than just a helmeted icon. While some fans resisted the decision to frequently remove his helmet, Schreiber makes the most of the opportunity.
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Natascha McElhone is compelling as Dr. Halsey, a morally complex scientist with godlike ambitions.
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Jen Taylor, reprising her role as Cortana (the AI companion) from the games, is a welcome connection to the source material—though the CGI rendering of her character received mixed reviews.
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Yerin Ha and Bokeem Woodbine add intriguing layers to the show's broader human narrative, though their arcs sometimes feel disconnected from the central plot.
Visually, Halo impresses. The production design faithfully recreates iconic Halo elements—the MJOLNIR armor, Covenant elites, and energy weapons—while the space battles and alien landscapes feel cinematic and immersive.
The show was clearly made with a substantial budget, and its ambition shows in every set piece. Still, not all CGI is seamless, and a few sequences feel rushed or underpolished.
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Identity vs. programming
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Militarization and moral ambiguity
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What defines humanity in the face of artificial intelligence and alien war
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Control, memory, and rebellion
Where the games focus on combat and strategy, the series leans more into philosophy, drama, and character psychology. While this approach offers rich storytelling potential, it occasionally strays too far from the high-stakes action that fans expect.
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Strong performance from Pablo Schreiber
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Rich visual world-building with respect to the source material
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Ambitious storytelling that expands Halo lore
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Cortana’s inclusion adds emotional continuity with the games
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Explores deeper philosophical questions of identity and loyalty
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Diverges significantly from game lore, frustrating purists
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Uneven pacing and disconnected subplots (especially the Kwan storyline)
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Helmet removal breaks the mystery of Master Chief for some viewers
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Some character motivations feel underdeveloped
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CGI inconsistency in a few episodes
Halo (2022) is a bold and ambitious adaptation that dares to humanize a gaming legend. It doesn’t always hit its mark—especially when juggling too many plotlines—but its willingness to explore new corners of the universe and take creative risks makes it a worthwhile addition to the Halo mythos.
It may not be the exact show fans were expecting, but it lays a compelling foundation for future seasons to build upon.
