Hall began his first regular series role in 2002, starring as Johnny Smith in USA Network's supernatural drama "The Dead Zone", a TV series adapted from Stephen King's best-selling novel. He was cast in the show after executive producer Michael Piller saw his performance in "Pirates of Silicon Valley". The show debuted on June 16, 2002, and drew higher ratings for a premiere than any other cable series in television history with 6.4 million viewers. "The Dead Zone" quickly developed a loyal audience, with the show and Hall receiving strong reviews. The "Pittsburgh Tribune-Review" wrote that "Hall's Johnny flashes the qualities - comic timing, great facial expressions - that made him a star in the 1980s movies "Sixteen Candles" and "The Breakfast Club"." "The Dead Zone", Hall said, "has transformed my career." The show proved to be one of USA Network's top shows and one of the highest-rated programs on basic cable.