This fall, Discovery takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the history of technology in the all-new original Canadian series VINTAGE TECH HUNTERS, with back-to-back episodes airing Mondays at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT beginning Nov. 5 on Discovery and the Discovery app.
Viewers are invited to join technophile co-hosts Bohus Blahut and Shaun Hatton as they sift through dusty barns, liquidation sales, and back country antique auctions to reveal rare treasures from decades past. Produced by Crooked Horse Productions (a division of Boat Rocker Studios) each 30-minute episode follows Hatton and Blahut on their quest to uncover “rare, weird, and nostalgic” tech, pursuing the most valuable items, and working to connect with the right collector to drive sales. Taking a cross-continental road trip from an e-waste recycling facility in Los Angeles all the way to a flea market in rural Nova Scotia, the 14-part series showcases the unique combination of tireless dedication and offbeat sense of humour required to unearth these ultra-rare pop culture collectibles.
Seeking out classic consumer technology and pop culture items, spanning forgotten fads to technology still in use today, this effervescent duo turn up a slew of throwback collectibles, including the world’s first talking pinball machine, a Robert the Robot, a Minox B Spy Camera, a Speak ‘n Spell toy, and an Apple I computer.
“We are very excited to introduce VINTAGE TECH HUNTERS, a homegrown series that takes viewers on a fascinating journey of 20th century tech through a pop culture lens,” said Edwina Follows, Director, Commissioning and Production, Discovery Networks Canada. “The rare treasures featured in the series will unite audiences of all ages, and we can’t wait for viewers to join our hosts Bohus and Shaun on this epic tech road trip across North America.”
“The captivating antiques uncovered in VINTAGE TECH HUNTERS highlight the significance of technology in our collective memory,” said David Lerech, Senior Vice President, Crooked Horse. “Bohus and Shaun bring a contagious excitement to each item they uncover, and using their expertise, they reveal how yesterday’s tech has paved the way for the multitude of devices we use today.”
Episode highlights from the debut season of VINTAGE TECH HUNTERS include:
“Bohus and Shaun… Go on an Odyssey”
Monday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
During a road trip along the coast of Southern California, Shaun Hatton and Bohus Blahut stumble upon a vintage jukebox in dire need of repair. They take it to an expert in L.A. where they desperately hope to have it restored to mint condition. While in the City of Angels, the hosts hunt for vintage tech items at a local flea market and browse around an e-waste recycling facility, uncovering several former technology marvels including a Lasonic TRC 931 boombox from the 1980s and a Corona 3 typewriter originally built in 1913.
“Bohus and Shaun…Talk to Gorgar”
Monday, Nov. 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT
Passing through Illinois and Wisconsin, Hatton and Blahut discover a Magnavox Odyssey, officially known as the world’s first commercial video game. To dramatically increase the game’s monetary value, they need to sell it as a complete package. While rummaging for missing parts, they also uncover antique exercise equipment, including the Vitamaster Model 35 Vibrator Belt Exercise Machine from the 1950s, complete with a Vitamaster Roller Massager from the same era.
“Bohus and Shaun… Buy a Jukebox”
Monday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Hatton and Blahut take their newest acquisition, the world’s first talking pinball machine (nicknamed Gorgar), to Dallas, where they arrange for a much-needed restoration. While in Texas, they unearth rare musical instruments at a swap meet, including a 1951 Shure 55S Microphone and a 1960s electronic Zeetar. Before trekking on to their next destination, the hosts find themselves hunting through a massive and crowded liquidation sale, meeting numerous compelling characters in the process.
