, starring Pablo Schreiber, Jen Taylor, Natascha McElhone, and Bokeem Woodbine. A live-action adaptation of the legendary video game series.){kind=link}
Created by Kyle Killen and Steven Kane.
The Halo TV series premiered on March 24, 2022. And the second season debuted on February 8, 2024.
Distributed by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.
Series Review
Paramount+’s Halo TV series brings the iconic video game franchise to the screen with bold ambition and mixed results.
Season 1 ventured away from canon, introducing the “Silver Timeline” and focusing on humanizing Master Chief.
While Pablo Schreiber’s performance stood out, some fans felt disconnected from the lore.
Subplots like Kwan Ha’s journey and the romance with Makee drew criticism, despite high-quality visuals and action.
Season 2 showed marked improvement, diving deeper into the fall of Reach and offering stronger cohesion and stakes.
It brought a darker, more game-faithful tone that won back part of the audience.
While not perfect, the show is evolving into a respectable sci-fi series with promise for the future.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
• Metacritic: Season 1 – 61/100, Season 2 – 64/100
• IMDb: 7.3/10
• Google Audience Score: 83% liked this film.
Halo TV Series Actors
Pablo Schreiber as Master Chief Petty Officer John‑117
DOB: April 26, 1978
Bio: Canadian‑American actor trained at Carnegie Mellon University (BFA ’01), Schreiber earned an Obie Award for his Broadway debut before breaking out on HBO’s The Wire.
He’s also a passionate supporter of veterans’ mental‑health charities.
Role: Master Chief, humanity’s super‑soldier, torn between duty and self‑discovery.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: A stoic performance that reveals glimpses of Chief’s buried humanity.
Favorite Things: Woodworking, bass guitar, and local theater volunteer work.
Notable Works: The Wire, Den of Thieves, American Gods.
Natascha McElhone as Dr. Catherine Halsey
DOB: December 14, 1971
Bio: Born in Surrey, England, McElhone studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), graduating with honours.
She was named a “Rising Star” by the Casting Guild of Australia and has written a memoir on grief and resilience.
Role: The brilliant—and ethically fraught—geneticist behind the Spartan program and Cortana.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: A layered portrayal of ambition, guilt, and maternal complexity.
Favorite Things: Classical piano, speculative‑fiction reading, and late‑night jazz clubs.
Notable Works: The Truman Show, Solaris, Californication.
Shabana Azmi as Admiral Margaret Parangosky
DOB: September 18, 1950
Bio: Daughter of poet Kaifi Azmi and actress Shaukat Azmi, she trained at FTII Pune and won five National Film Awards.
A Padma Shri recipient, she’s also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Role: Parangosky, head of UNSC Intelligence, calculating and uncompromising.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 14 episodes
What to Expect: A commanding performance blending political savvy with moral conviction.
Favorite Things: Urdu poetry, Hindustani classical music, and mentoring young filmmakers.
Notable Works: Fire, Arth, Godmother.
Natasha Culzac as Spartan Riz‑028
DOB: August 20, 1986
Bio: Former multimedia journalist turned actor, Culzac trained in stage combat at LAMDA and advocates for refugee rights through several U.K. charities.
Role: Riz‑028, the no‑nonsense Spartan sniper of Silver Team.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: Steely discipline and unwavering loyalty under fire.
Favorite Things: Brazilian jiu‑jitsu, community journalism workshops.
Notable Works: The Strangers, Men in Black: International.
Olive Gray as Dr. Miranda Keyes
DOB: December 16, 1994
Bio: A Guildhall School of Music & Drama alumna who began as a child actor on EastEnders, Gray now champions women in STEM through public speaking and mentoring.
Role: Miranda Keyes, UNSC scientist balancing legacy and duty.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: Empathy and intellect as she stakes her claim in a male‑dominated world.
Favorite Things: Contemporary dance, science‑outreach podcasts.
Notable Works: Dark Money, Half Moon Investigations.
Yerin Ha as Kwan Ha
DOB: January 16, 1998
Bio: An NIDA graduate who debuted in Reef Break, Ha is now a vocal advocate for Asian‑Australian representation in screen media.
Role: Kwan Ha, colonial rebel and artifact specialist.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: Fierce independence and moral clarity in the face of oppression.
Favorite Things: Taekwondo, composing folk‑rock songs.
Notable Works: Troppo, Bad Behaviour.
Bentley Kalu as Spartan Vannak‑134
DOB: April 7, 1985
Bio: Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, Kalu also works as a voice‑coach and youth sports mentor in London’s East End.
Role: Vannak‑134, the stalwart Spartan guardian of Silver Team.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: Dependable resilience and quiet leadership in battle.
Favorite Things: Archery, vinyl‑record collecting.
Notable Works: The Wheel of Time, Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Kate Kennedy as Spartan Kai‑125
DOB: April 1, 1994
Bio: A Guildhall alumna and award‑winning playwright, Kennedy has performed at the National Theatre and writes for major gaming franchises.
Role: Kai‑125, the squad’s tactical expert with a sharper wit than most Spartans.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: Balance of Spartan ferocity and sly humour.
Favorite Things: Directing short films, game‑voice cameo appearances.
Notable Works: Mass Effect: Andromeda, Haar.
Charlie Murphy as Makee
DOB: April 19, 1988
Bio: Four‑time IFTA winner trained at RADA; Murphy also composes electronic music under the moniker “Chlion.”
Role: Makee, Covenant‑raised human torn between two civilizations.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: A morally ambiguous performance that blurs heroism and betrayal.
Favorite Things: Irish traditional music, mental‑health advocacy.
Notable Works: Happy Valley, Peaky Blinders
Danny Sapani as Captain Jacob Keyes
DOB: November 15, 1970
Bio: Central School of Speech & Drama graduate whose theatre roots (RSC, National Theatre) inform his commanding screen presence.
An avid cook, Sapani hosts pop‑up dinners in London.
Role: Captain Keyes, seasoned UNSC commander and devoted father.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 10 episodes
What to Expect: Steadfast leadership weighed by the burdens of command and family.
Favorite Things: West African cuisine, rugby fandom.
Notable Works: Penny Dreadful, Doctor Who, Black Panther.
Jen Taylor as Cortana (voice & mocap)
DOB: February 17, 1973
Bio: Iconic voice actress who originated Cortana in 2001’s Halo: Combat Evolved, Taylor also writes and directs audio dramas.
Role: Cortana, AI companion guiding Master Chief through war and heartbreak.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 17 episodes
What to Expect: A blend of warmth, wit, and growing self‑awareness.
Favorite Things: Baking, teaching voice‑over masterclasses.
Notable Works: Halo games, Left 4 Dead, Mario Party.
Bokeem Woodbine as Soren‑066
DOB: April 13, 1973
Bio: Emmy‑nominated for Fargo, Woodbine began as a dancer for Prince before shifting to acting; he also directs and mentors at‑risk youth in L.A.
Role: Soren‑066, Spartan-turned insurgent who questions the cost of the UNSC’s ambitions.
Seasons & Episodes: 2 seasons, 16 episodes
What to Expect: A raw, unpredictable performance exploring freedom and regret.
Favorite Things: Jazz saxophone, community film workshops.
Notable Works: Fargo, The Inspection, Spider‑Man: Homecoming.
More Actors
• Joseph Morgan as James Ackerson
• Christina Bennington as Cortana (Season 2)
• Fiona O’Shaughnessy as Laera
• Tylan Bailey as Kessler
• Viktor Åkerblom as Arbiter Var ’Gatanai
• Harry Lloyd as 343 Guilty Spark
FAQ – Halo TV Series
How many seasons and episodes are there?
The series comprises two seasons with a total of 17 episodes. Season 1 premiered on March 24, 2022, and Season 2 concluded on March 21, 2024.
Where can I watch the Halo TV series?
All episodes are available for streaming on Paramount+.
Why was the series canceled after two seasons?
The Halo TV series was canceled after two seasons primarily due to high production costs and lower-than-expected viewership. SCREENRANT
How does the series relate to the video games?
The Halo TV series is set in the “Silver Timeline,” a distinct continuity separate from the video games.
Conclusion
Halo has grown significantly from its initial season, evolving into a more grounded and emotionally resonant sci-fi drama.
Though early deviations from the source material sparked controversy, the series gradually found its footing with improved storytelling, richer character arcs, and action sequences that reflect the spirit of the games.
Pablo Schreiber shines as Master Chief, and the ensemble cast adds depth to a universe long adored by gamers.
With Season 2 solidifying its identity, Halo proves it’s more than a fan-service adaptation — it’s a promising and maturing sci-fi saga with much left to explore.
As the lore expands and stakes rise, future seasons have the opportunity to push Halo toward must-watch television.