I am an unabashed fan of the Travel Channel’s Toy Hunter with Jordan Hembrough. The show had me hooked from its pilot episode two years ago and I anxiously await the new episode each week.
It’s been a while since we’ve talked about the show here on the site and I thought it was high time we had an open discussion about it, because there really isn’t anything else out there that gets the toy collecting community buzzing every week like this show. So here are a few of my observations…
The Host
First, let me just say this and get it out of the way. I like Jordan Hembrough as the host. Yes, he had a bit of a rocky start, but he’s grown into the role and has gotten better over time. Many people in the collecting community seem to have issues with him, but, let’s face it guys, like it or not, Jordan is one of us.
The Celebrities
STOP with the celebrities! I fear the fine folks at the Travel Channel have gotten a little starstruck by the lure of Hollywood’s C-List. Jordan’s eagerness to please the celebrities is really uncomfortable, and the Gene Simmons episode was downright painful to watch. Then we had DMC, from Run DMC, who wanted to find some toys for the foster kids at his charity’s summer camp program. No. This was another awful episode, and it was entirely because of the celebrity appearance. Danny Bonaduce? Really? Next week, we’re going to get Hulk Hogan, and I am not looking forward to it brutha. Can Mr. T be far behind?
Metallica’s Kirk Hammett was the only celebrity so far who made sense because he is a serious collector with an amazing collection of horror memorabilia. I understand that celebrities can be a draw for the audience, but I think it’s safe to say that not one of them has come across well on this show. It’s just not the right format.
The Drama
The show has a built in audience of collectors, but I think they are trying too hard to draw in non-collectors with the dramatic sequences, all of which come across as the overly staged set-ups that they are. Seriously, the whole idea of Jordan having to find a specific rarity for someone by an impending date is kind of silly. I mean, does he really have to fly to Tennessee to buy that rare He-Man figure? We have the Internet. We have the ability to send photos and videos instantly. We have phones. It’s ridiculous to think he is going to spend hundreds of dollars on plane tickets and car rentals to track down an item that might score a profit of a hundred bucks on a good day. We’re smarter than this.
In future episodes, Jordan will be heading even further abroad to find those toys. Why? Just get on eBay if you want to buy something so bad. However, if they visit exotic locales to showcase certain items and collections, I’d be much better with that as the premise.
The Score
The star of the show is clearly the toys. So let’s see them! I would be perfectly happy if the focus of the show shifted to Jordan visiting collectors and showing off their prized possessions. The whole buying and selling aspect is fraught with danger — half the audience thinks he is ripping these people off, and the other half thinks he’s crazy to pay so much for an item. Get rid of the whole concept, and show us the wall of toys in the background that you normally pan across in rapid fashion. The best parts of this show are usually when a collector proudly shows off his prized object — but then things get uncomfortable when Jordan wants to buy it.
For me, the weakest part of Toy Hunter are the “actors.” Jordan is fine, he’s had experience, but the people he visits are trying so hard to come across as genuine, even though they’ve probably said the same thing in multiple shoots, that it just falls apart. These guests are not trained actors, and it shows — the set-ups and staged meetings usually come across as exactly that.
I really enjoy the numerous “infomercials” peppered throughout each episode, where they highlight a specific toy and show an old commercial or statistic. Sure, I’m already familiar with most of them, but it’s fun to learn new tidbits about items that I may not already know. Honestly, I think I’d be happy with an Antiques Roadshow approach — visit people who have boxes of old toys in their attics, and inform them that they are sitting on a gold mine, then connect them with a specialty toy auction company and everyone wins.
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We’ve seen PLENTY of collector/toy shows come and go after the last few years. Toy Hunter has been the one constant, and I think those of us in the collecting community need to heavily embrace and endorse this show and others like it. Seriously, where else do you get to see Super7/Funko’s Alien Reaction figures on television? Nowhere. So, let’s stop tearing it apart every week and start cheering for more. Jordan has been very approachable on Instagram and Twitter, and like it or not, he has championed our cause more than anyone else. Like I said at the beginning of this article, I’m a big fan of the show, and I hope it sticks around for a good long time… but without the celebrities.
What do you think? Are you still watching Toy Hunter? Do you think it’s getting better? Worse? Add a comment below…
Totally agree on all what you said Brian . I don’t think having famous folks on is bad but not on every show.
Maybe one per season. 😀
I think you know how I feel about the show, not a fan, but I like the idea of an Antiques Roadshow approach. That is something I would most certainly tune in for!
Next up on the Antiques Roadshow is this fine example of early 1980’s action figure… 😉
I watch it every week and I agree, the toys are the stars. I love seeing them! That said, I don’t care for Jordan. He’s a little hyper-active for my tastes. I also think the brief history he gives on EVERY SINGLE TOY HE PICKS UP should be dubbed and for the TV audience only. It looks a little insulting when he’s explaining the history of a toy to the collector who currently owns it.
As for the celebrity clients he’s had, I don’t mind that so much. I assume they really are buying the toys he finds for them and their interaction is no less “staged” than the regular Joe’s Jordan talks to.
I’m not really into the drama. But I think Jordan flying to various locations to get the toys is less about acquiring them and more about showcasing the collector and their collection, which is what I’m more interested in anyways.
Good point! The collectors definitely know what they have and Jordan giving them the history can come off a little condescending. Again, this all comes back to the staged aspect of the show. I’m sure this isn’t how he would talk if the cameras weren’t rolling, so it is what it is.
No, sir. NO! I’m not going to “embrace or endorse” that turd of a show, and to suggest people should do so simply because it’s the only one of its kind to be constant is absurd.
With all due respect to you, Brian, this is what I came away with from your article;
I like the host. He’s grown into the role. However, I don’t enjoy the celebrities who make guest appearances. I don’t enjoy the forced drama written into every episode, and feel that my intelligence is being insulted that someone would need to fly across the country to buy a toy in this day and age of digital conveniences. I feel the star of the show is the toys, but we don’t get to see them. Instead we get to see poor actors who cause the show to simply fall apart. We should all endorse and embrace this awful show just because it’s the only constant one of its type.
Again, no disrespect intended to you, but from my interpretation of what you wrote, it sounds like you’re not watching this show because you like it, but because you feel that as a fellow collector you’re somehow obligated to.
Sorry, but I’ll pass.
I can see how you got that from my writeup. The article offered up more criticism than praise, so it did come off more negative than I had intended, but rest assured, I do enjoy the show.
I’m with you on Toy Hunter as a whole. It really is the highlight of my Wednesday to have a show devoted to toys to look forward to. The last few episodes where they left out the celebs(I use the term loosely) and focused on iconic toys like vintage and Star Wars and MOTU were some of the best yet. I agree some of the “drama” is a bit over done but for the most part I really enjoy the show.
As far as what you said about ripping people off I can see your point. There’s been a few episodes where he’s literally made a mint off the stuff he scores from these people. Instances that stand out would be the episode last season where he scored loads of GI Joe stuff on the cheap and sold it for a boat load and the recent Star Wars episode where he got like 35+ grand worth of toys for 15k. That’s a bit off putting if I’m honest,. I think Jordan knows that some people feel this way because he’ll tweet mid episode that he sent another check to the people after making so much off their items.
Anyway that’s what I think. like I said I do enjoy the show and I too hope it continues for years to come!
Ha! I must have missed those tweets from Jordan. I remember this show was pretty bad with the rip-offs in the first few episodes, but they definitely increased the purchase prices a bit, which I believe is a direct result of fan input, but who knows.
Have they done a Super Powers episode yet? I’m waiting to see your face on my TV. 😉
Lol, yeah Super Powers have made some quick appearances but not too much love yet! Oddly enough a few weeks back he actually overpaid for two Canadian carded Super Powers. It was the episode with the 20k Wonder Woman. Kind of ironic when I was just saying he was paying way less than stuff is worth 🙂
And I’d totally host Jordan in the Nerd Nook! Jordan if you happen to read this and want some Super Powers awesomeness I’m down! 😉
I fully endorse the Toy Hunter visiting your Super powers collection. 😉
Yes! I agree with every item you’ve posted.
I think it’s Great that this is available to everyone to watch.
Don’t know about you. I think it’s cool to see these wonderful toys on my TV
Prices? Who really cares? Can You Afford To Buy?
It’s just fun to see the General Flagg being out there.
In Box Un Opened!
That’s the fun of the show.
It’s A TV Show. If You Don’t Have Ratings (advertisers) You’re Gone.
Yet, you are not helping toy collecting
It will drive prices up for a while… maybe
Do you have a ton of 90’s Collector Comics?
You can ask your price. Who’s gonna buy?
Jordan buys. That’s fun. That’s the position we all want.
Isn’t it?
Best,
-Sam
Yes! Show us the toys!
I honestly do think there has been a “Toy Hunter Effect” with prices going up, but it’s primarily limited to people who don’t know what they are selling. I’ve talked with dealers at antique shows who have mentioned the show, even though they are not toy sellers. They think that if a toy is from the 80’s or 90’s it has to be valuable.
Ah yes, the “Toy Hunter Effect. Since the show has been on I’ve seen prices of moderately popular toys skyrocket. The secondary market is flooded with overpriced Megos and products from the Ideal Toy Corporation. A lot of which are in poor condition, but it’s what was seen on TV.
I’ve been seeing a lot of 80’s G.I. Joe toys showing up at antique stores lately. Grossly overpriced of course.
Good write up! I still watch it, but I think “hate-watch” is a better description for it. I will admit, though, that Jordan has been very approachable on social media, as he even replied to some of my tweets about last week’s episode. Like most folks, I watch it for the toys, but I’m over the whole reality show structure of it.
I think the term “hate-watch” can be applied to pretty much any reality TV show. 😉
I like the show, but you’ve raised good points. Your idea for an antiques roadshow approach really interests me, he he could split the show into two halves, one where he sits at a table and people bring him things at a con, or maybe a toy hunter special event, he could appraise the item allowing them to tell them about it, he as the host should offer a supporting role advising on the item when the owner is done giving background if the owner doesn’t know. I The second half would be nice if he were to visit peoples collections, get the run down on the items and maybe switch to well produced in focus picture highlights he could take from a light tent and then appraise certain items. Overall I enjoy the show and will continue to tune in when I can.
I don’t know if you ever saw Hollywood Treasure on the Syfy channel (recently returned to the REELZ channel) but this is similar to the approach they take on that show. I think it could work for toys. I’d watch it! 🙂
We’re pretty much on the same page but I’ll go a step further and say I mainly watch it for the toys. It made me a little sick when last week (?) he pretty much robbed that older couple of their Star Wars collection for $25k. No doubt, it’s a lot of cash but what they had was worth all together was quite a bit more even if you turn it around for twice that.
I know if it’d been me the best I would have done was offer to let him broker the collection for me. But that’s me and I’m a life long Star Wars fan and probably have a lot of nostalgia for the vintage line anyway 🙂
Yeah, I felt bad for that couple, and I also felt bad for the guy with the two Italian He-Man figures. I don’t even know if he got a good deal or not, but it felt like he was getting screwed.
He actually only paid 15k for the Star Wars! Insane price.
Can’t say I’ve ever seen the show. After reading the blog and the comments, my interest is now piqued. I’ll have to check it out and give my comments later.
You have to check it out! And definitely come back and let me know what you think. 😉
I wanted to like the show, and tried watching it once or twice, but I just could not get into it. I do love shows like Antiques Roadshow and American Pickers, but this show just felt like it didn’t know who it’s audience should be.
Maybe it’s gotten better, but it lost me at the beginning and it doesn’t sound like it’s forging any new ground enough for me to bother checking it out again.
Hey Eric, I’ll let you know when they do a Harley Quinn episode. 😉
I watched the first couple of episodes, and I found I was more intrigued by the prototype and unproduced items, than anything else. If the show was just about Jordan going around finding and talking about these extremely rare toys, I would be more inclined to watch. Sadly, it sounds like it has fallen into the usual trap of reality shows entering their second season; more celebrities, more scripting, more drama.
There are already enough shows out there about buying and selling stuff, for once, I’d love to see one that’s more about passing on the history of the toys.
I’m trying to think of another example of a show that does this for a different type of product. Sure, I’d love to see a show that focused on the history of toys, but I think the market for that would be way too small for network TV. Someone should be doing that on Youtube though!
Honestly, I can’t think of any other shows that focus on just the one product.
I guess I would just love to see him focus on the collectors and their actual collections, and save the horse trading for off camera. But, I understand I’m in the minority when it comes to that aspect of the show.
What can I say, I’m a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to reality tv.
your article makes valid points about the show. though one has to relize Jordan is a toy dealer he is in the business to find toys and sell them for a profit thus why it seems on the show he looks like he is winding up ripping off the people he is buying the toys from. including the ones who look like they are deer in the headlights. plus i can really do with out the celebs all the time for if a celeb wants jarod to find them a toy too they can do it off camera. plus the one beet i had with the show so far is Jarod seems to act like he really could care less about certain things he finds or he mispronces something like when he called the darksied destroyer he found darkseed.
He will never live down that “Darkseed” comment. 😉
You really can’t win with a buying and selling show. Like all the rest — American Pickers, Pawns Stars, Thrift Hunters — people are going to think you are ripping people off (even when you’re not!).
Although I agree with you about the celebrities for the most part, I actually really enjoyed the episode with DMC. He showed some genuine enthusiasm for the toys he played with as a kid, and I thought that was a lot of fun to watch. And even though most of the celebrities and the scripted drama is kind of lame, that stuff is probably necessary to attract viewers who are NOT toy collectors. Even though people like us would like a show that just focused exclusively on the toys, I doubt there’s enough of us out there to give a TV show the ratings it needs to stay on the air.
Oh DMC was certainly enthusiastic! 🙂
I totally agree that the scripted nature of the show is the only way this thing could ever be produced. The casual viewer probably doesn’t even notice the “flaws” but for those of us who have been watching from the beginning and are familiar with the toys, it tends to come off a it heavy-handed. It’s certainly a tough line to walk — do you want to please the toy community or everyone else? The latter is probably the right decision. 😉
Nice post Brian. As far as mindless entertainment, it’s a watcher. We can all pick apart everything that is said and prices, etc. We all know the reality of reality TV, so just enjoy the show and hey, it’s fun to say he doesn’t know what he’s talking about once in a while. I was approached about the show but they are hard to nail down, you need to be ready right away or they jump to the next thing. They bought a James Bond attache case from me, so I’ll be curious if this gets “found” on a future episode.
Ha! I can picture it now…
On this episode of Toy Hunter, Jordan is searching for the Albert R. Broccoli Foundation Museum…
Jordan: “{Gasp} Do you know what you have here?!?” {cut to commercial}
😉
I am not a great fan of Toy Hunter . I have been blogging about it from the first episode on my web site http://www.stadsstuff.com . As a long time dealer, I have been annoyed with some of his actions such as pulling an item from a collector’s hands for customer’s hands. The episode Money masters shows the wrong way to search for items. aboard. I can not wait to see his United Kingdom show. and see what he gets of traveling abroad to buy.
Jordan reaches the box at the bottom of a pile, opens it. The audience cannot see the contents of the box. Jordan’s face lights up with excitement.
Jordan: You’ve got to be kidding me!
Cut to commercial
I thoroughly enjoy this show, and have been watching ever since the pilot too. It does have it’s problems, like formulaic commercial cliffhanger above. Another bit I find irksome is how Jordan will wikipediaize the stats of each item to the collector that he’s buying from. I’d venture to guess that 98% of the sellers are aware of what they are selling. I get that the item’s stats need to be mentioned, but I think there might be a better way to do it.
The celebrity aspect is is hard to watch, and the “acting” is very clunky.
I ended up in front of the Toy Hunter cameras at the 2012 Comic Con. Before realizing it was Jordan’s booth, I attempted to purchase a vintage plush Chewbacca doll they had on display. They asked if I’d be interested in making the transaction on camera. I agreed to it. We had to go through it a couple of times., getting the “it’s a deal” handshake just right and so on. The footage they shot never did make it into season two. Maybe my camera-fright was showing or my acting was a little too clunky.
Ha! You didn’t buy it right. Do it again with feeling! 😉
Could not agree more. LOVE the show, HATE the “celebrity” episodes. The Gene Simmons episode was the worst (most because I refuse to watch the partridge family guy episode). Simmons further reinforced his place in Delta Bravo (dbag) land. He is a total knob.
Totally agree with everything you say!