Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Innovative approach to history isn't very diverse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MAN, MOMENT, MACHINE takes an innovative approach to teaching history by looking at the convergence of an innovator and a new technology during an important time in the past. Hosted by former Navy fighter pilot/Survivor contestant Hunter Ellis, this docuseries uses dramatizations, digital imagery, archival footage, and interviews with experts to explore historical moments such as Alexander the Great's use of the catapult during battle or the 1990 stealth bomber attack on Baghdad orchestrated by General Norman Schwarzkopf. Each episode explores the background of the featured person -- showing old family photos, interviewing colleagues or family members, etc. -- while trying to build a complete picture of the person as it leads up to the critical moment of the show's focus. Viewers then watch a complete analysis of the highlighted machine, including real footage (if available) and, often, an in-person visit by Ellis.
Is It Any Good?
With its unique method of storytelling, Man, Moment, Machine (also known as M3) can bring a new energy to a familiar event. Teens with a particular interest in history -- or the particular event or technology covered in a given episode -- might find the program compelling. But aside from its relatively innovative approach, the show feels a lot like many other documentary-style programs that look back on historical moments. (And its lack of diversity in subject material isn't anything to brag about.)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about alternative ways of looking at history. Does learning about the past through different angles -- like technology -- make history more interesting? Do you ever think about what's missing from a history lesson? Whose story isn't being told? What do you think this series is trying to accomplish? Is it successful?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 7, 2005
- Cast : Hunter Ellis
- Network : History
- Genre : Educational
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 2, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate