Sponsored by Broadcom

We always called it the “Little web series that could,” but watching “Big Iron Bits” explode past 10 million views changed the game for us at Broadcom. When developing the series, we didn’t just want to rally the mainframe community; we wanted the show to live alongside them.

So, for SHARE Orlando, the latest incarnation of the world’s largest mainframe gathering, we decided to take it to the people. And by that I mean we filmed the season finale throughout the conference surrounded by unsuspecting attendees, often to hilarious effect.

For those following the series, this was the ultimate payoff. It was the chance to close out Season 1 by showing series protagonist Chaz’s evolution from a cynical skeptic to a true believer, enthusiastically (and awkwardly) navigating his first mainframe conference.

Blurring Fiction and Reality

The cast and crew joined the Broadcom team in (not-so-sunny) Orlando. But we didn't just film a finale. We embedded the characters into the fabric of the event. They were on stage for the all-conference lunch, made impromptu guest appearances during Broadcom sessions, and tore up the dance floor at the Tuesday night reception.

By design, we kept the filming a surprise. We didn't want “extras.” We wanted authentic reactions. The cast stayed in character for hours, exploring the conference as if the cameras weren't even there.

“The actors were so deep in character that the line between the show and the conference blurred,” says Keelia Estrada Moeller. “They were quickly recognized, but instead of asking for the actors, attendees were asking 'Chaz' for selfies, autographs, and swag.”

The unscripted highlight? Watching Chaz aggressively hoard croissants at the buffet. When he inevitably dropped his overflowing plate, a real attendee rushed over to help him clean up. It was a perfect, accidental metaphor for the mainframe community: we work on “Big Iron,” but it’s the human, helpful people behind it that make the industry run.

Truth in the “Bits”

I’m often asked how we keep people engaged across a dozen episodes. I think it’s about recognition. There is a Chaz, a Larry, an Alice, or a Ravi in every IT organization. We modeled these characters after the real people we meet and work alongside every day. They’re exaggerated, sure, but there’s truth in the bits.

One attendee told the cast point-blank: “You made the mainframe relatable.” To me, that’s the ultimate compliment. It means the production team, the writers, and the actors hit the mark. We delivered the message without losing the soul.

Our community takes their work seriously as the quiet engine behind the global economy, but they aren’t afraid to laugh at the tropes. Big Iron Bits gives them a voice and a bit of a wink. As Keelia put it: “A rising tide raises all boats.” This show isn't just a parody. It’s about mainframe unity. And based on the popularity of Season 1, I believe we achieved that.

What’s Next?

I’m thrilled with the success of Big Iron Bits. It’s not outlandish to suggest it’s probably been seen more than any other piece of mainframe content ever produced.

This popular video series also built a bridge. While the mainframe is hardware that runs so much of the world, it’s also a living, breathing community grounded in creativity and ingenuity.

Seeing the mainframe community embrace these characters proves that when you respect the audience’s intelligence and their sense of humor, they’ll follow you anywhere. So for those who are following: just wait and see where we go for Season 2.

Check out the latest episodes of Big Iron Bits on YouTube.

John Kaplan is head of brand and events at Broadcom Mainframe Software.