Retro Tech
By Angelica Guarino,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fun, educational docuseries links past and future tech.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Retro Tech
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What's the Story?
RETRO TECH episodes open with a premise that will be familiar to any viewers of YouTuber Marques Brownlee's other videos -- unboxings. Brownlee is handed an item related to the episode's topic and has to figure out what it is and how it works. A segment for historical context usually follows, with Brownlee interviewing cultural experts who can explain where these devices came from, what their use was, and how they've influenced the technology we have today. Viewers often learn how science fiction has inspired both the innovations people have demanded and the types of devices that scientists and engineers have designed. Next, Brownlee is joined by a guest (typically a comedian or fellow YouTube creator) to test out devices within the episode's theme/topic and assign them to one of two categories: "dope" (for devices that Brownlee thinks are entertaining or educational) or "nope" (for devices that either don't work as advertised or were so outdated that they aren't useful at all). Finally, a "what's next" segment gives viewers a preview of developing technologies within the episode's topic area, often including footage of things like mind-controlled communication devices or interviews with celebrity experts like Bill Gates or Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Is It Any Good?
It's a pleasure to see someone doing their best work, and that's exactly what Brownlee offers in this YouTube show -- he's incredibly knowledgeable, a great teacher, and an approachable host. While his regular channel content may help viewers decide which new phone to buy or whether those expensive Bluetooth headphones are worth it, Retro Tech is at once a thought-provoking history lesson, an intergenerational conversation starter, and a celebration of where the tech world has been, where it is now, and what else is possible. In a world where rapid tech developments can be overwhelming and even scary, Brownlee exudes a genuine love and appreciation for the many innovations in recent years that have completely transformed the ways we travel, work, play, and communicate.
Another Retro Tech highlight is the interview sections with cultural experts. Though some of the guest choices may seem strange at first (what exactly does comedian/podcast host Chris Gethard know about robotics?), the show provides a cohesive understanding of both how the featured devices work and what they meant for American culture when they were initially released. This overview will appeal to a broad audience, regardless of a viewer's age or relationship with the technology. Retro Tech is equally fit for adults looking for an unchallenging, nostalgic binge-watch and parents looking to answer kids' questions about how phones work or why we don't have flying cars yet.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Talk about the potential dangers of technology that's untested or very newly developed. In one episode, Brownlee talks about companies releasing hoverboards and then having to recall them due to safety issues. In your opinion, did these companies handle that situation correctly? What testing or regulation should be done before new technology is released to the public?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 2, 2019
- Cast: Marques Brownlee
- Network: YouTube Premium
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM, Robots, Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: July 2, 2022
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