Stewart Cheifet, PBS host who chronicled the PC revolution, dies at 87

Stewart Cheifet, renowned television producer and host, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 87 in Philadelphia. He was best known for his groundbreaking work on PBS, where he chronicled the rise of personal computing over nearly two decades. Cheifet created and hosted 'Computer Chronicles,' a landmark series that aired from 1983 to 2002, which played a crucial role in making technology accessible to millions of viewers across America. The program showcased everything from the earliest IBM PCs and Apple Macintosh systems to the emergence of the World Wide Web and the explosive dot-com boom. Throughout his career, Cheifet interviewed some of the most influential figures in the tech industry, including Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos. His engaging presentations not only highlighted the latest hardware and software but also educated the audience about the evolving landscape of technology. In partnership with Gary Kildall, the founder of Digital Research and creator of the popular CP/M operating system, Cheifet co-hosted 'Computer Chronicles' from 1983 to 1990. Following that, he produced and hosted 'Net Cafe' from 1996 to 2002, a companion series that focused on the burgeoning Internet era, introducing viewers to pivotal websites like Yahoo, Google, and eBay. 'Computer Chronicles' began as a local weekly program in 1981 while Cheifet was station manager at KCSM-TV in San Mateo, California. It transitioned to a national PBS series in 1983, producing an impressive 433 episodes over 19 seasons. The show maintained a consistent format featuring product demonstrations, guest interviews, and a segment called 'Random Access' that reported on the latest industry news. After the conclusion of his television career, Cheifet dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of his shows. He worked as a consultant for the Internet Archive, ensuring that both 'Computer Chronicles' and 'Net Cafe' remained accessible to future generations. Stewart Cheifet's contributions to technology education and media will be remembered as a significant part of the personal computer revolution.