Halo is one of the most iconic and influential franchises in all games. So it was only a matter of time before a television adaptation would come to fruition, and luckily for us, Paramount+ decided the time was right to pick up the series in early 2021.
Before that, the show had been in development for several years. Initially slated for release in 2015, it would be executive produced by Steven Spielberg in conjunction with Microsoft’s ill-fated Xbox Entertainment Studios. Set in the 26th century, Halo’s premise is a war between humanity and a theocratic alien alliance known as the Covenant.
In the show, Pablo Schreiber (Mad Sweeney in American Gods) plays the role of Master Chief. Jen Taylor, who voices Cortana in several Halo games, as well as Microsoft’s virtual AI assistant Cortana, is once again taking on the role for the small screen. An accomplished voice actress, Taylor has also voiced many other roles, including Nintendo icons Princess Peach and Toad.
Rounding out the cast are Olive Gray, Shabana Azmi, Charlie Murphy, Danny Sapani, Bokeem Woodbine and Natascha McElhone. Filming was done in Ontario, Canada and Budapest, Hungary. Total production costs for the first season are estimated at $90 to $200 million.
The show’s first season premiered on March 24, 2022. Within 24 hours of its release, it became the most-watched series premiere ever on Paramount+. The show has already been green-lighted for a second season for the season 1 premiere. David Wiener is expected to return as showrunner and executive producer.
Season 1 of Halo consists of a total of nine episodes.
Season 1 Episode 1
“Contact” (first aired March 24, 2022)
- Director: Otto Bathurst
- Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane
In the year 2552, people on the planet Madrigal fight for independence from Earth, but a fatal encounter with the Alien Covenant complicates matters; Master Chief John 117 and his super soldier “Spartans” join the battle.
Season 1 Episode 2
“Untied” (first aired on March 31, 2022)
- Director: Otto Bathurst
- Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane
John takes Kwan to an old friend and learns about the mysterious object that the Covenant and Makee are determined to steal. As the alien threat mounts, Dr. Halsey hatches a plan to deal with John’s unpredictable behavior.
Season 1 Episode 3
“Appearance” (first aired April 7, 2022)
- Director: Roel Reiné
- Writers: Kyle Killen and Steven Kane
John meets his new partner and discovers secrets in his own memory; Kwan wants to continue her people’s struggle for independence, but Soren has other plans for her; Makee’s plan to retrieve the Madrigal object has deadly consequences.
Season 1 Episode 4
“Homecoming” (first aired April 14, 2022)
- Director: Roel Reiné
- Writer: Justine Juel Gillmer and Steven Kane
Guided by his visions, John takes Halsey and Cortana back to where it all began, in search of answers from his past. With Soren for protection, Kwan sets out in search of an army.
Season 1 Episode 5
“Settlement” (first aired April 21, 2022)
- Director: Jonathan Liebesman
- Writers: Richard E. Robbins and Steven Kane
On the run and out of options, Kwan and Soren have a difference of opinion. With the ability to find the mysterious Halo on everyone’s mind, John makes a horrifying discovery. And the war rears its ugly head.
Season 1 Episode 6
“Consolation” (first aired April 28, 2022)
- Director: Jonathan Liebesman
- Writers: Silka Luisa and Steven Kane
Survivors of the Covenant battle return to Reach. John confronts Dr. Halsey and her lies. The new inmate seems to know John better than he knows himself. The mysterious artifact shows John something surprising.
Season 1 Episode 7
“Heritage” (first aired May 5, 2022)
- Director: Jessica Lowrey
- Writer: Steven Kane
Kwan’s journey to discover her family’s “true purpose” takes her deep into the deserts of Madrigal. Søren is obsessed with unfinished business.
Season 1 Episode 8
“Loyalty” (first aired May 12, 2022)
- Director: Jonathan Liebesman
- Writers: Justine Juel Gillmer and Steven Kane
John and Makee align with their shared vision. Halsey has one last chance to save her mission and herself. When things come to a head, everyone has to pick a side.
Season 1 Episode 9
“Transendance” (May 19, 2022)
- Director: Jonathan Liebesman
- Writer: Steven Kane
Beaten, beaten and betrayed, John 117 leads the Spartans on a suicide mission to find the Halo and save humanity.
Packing up
If you haven’t seen Halo Season 1, it’s not too late to check it out before Season 2 kicks off (we’ll let you know when a release date becomes available). Just go to Paramount+ to sign up. At the time of writing, there seems to be an option to try it for free. Happy watching!
Featured image courtesy of primordialexpress.com.
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