Parents' Guide to

Howe & Howe Tech

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Brothers run high-tech vehicles through explosive tests.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2010
Howe & Howe Tech Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 1 parent review

the wolf
the wolf Adult
February 23, 2010
age 11+

it's good stuff

i love the show it is the kind of styff i like to watch right along with tank overall dont stop doing what you are doing okay i wish it was back on at 8:00p on tues .thankyou

This title has:

Great messages
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What's the Story?

HOWE & HOWE TECH looks at the incredible inventions of Geoffrey and Michael Howe, the award-winning twin brothers from New Brunswick, Maine, who run Howe & Howe Tech -- a research and development shop that focuses on designing and building high-tech vehicles for military use. With the help of project coordinator Will McMaster and a dedicated group of technicians, welders, and fabricators, the Howes build prototypes for new vehicles and then test their usability and safety. Keeping the administrative side of the family owned business running smoothly are wives Tammy and Tracy, who also happen to be sisters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This educational reality show/docuseries highlights the process by which high-tech vehicles are designed, built, and tested. Because most of them are intended for military use, the Howes offer limited (but clear) explanations about each vehicle's design. They also give a lot of insight into what these vehicles can help the military accomplish -- and how they can keep soldiers and other military personnel safe while they're being operated.

Some of the Howes' explanations are a little dry, but these moments are offset by the testing portion of the show, which usually includes detonating explosives and exposing both vehicles and crash dummies to a variety of war-like simulations. There's definitely some drama, too, especially when team members begin to crack under the pressure of meeting tight deadlines. Overall, Howe & Howe Tech probably won't appeal to everyone, but viewers who are into robotics and/or high-tech inventing will definitely find something worthwhile here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what inspires people to invent new technology. Do people start building things because they need something, or is it because they simply enjoy the process? What kind of training do you need to do this kind work?

  • How does this show compare to other series about either dangerous jobs and/or scientific testing? What shows is it most like? How does it set itself part from them?

TV Details

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