Tornado Chasers (2012– ) User Reviews

Lots of fun to watch

[stephsaid · 9/10 · 8 May 2014]

My family and I love watching Tornado Chasers together. The energy of Reed and his team make the show a lot of fun to watch, even if there isn't necessarily a tornado in the scene. I was also impressed with how well they handled some of the more serious moments in the 2013 season. You get a good insight into the highs and lows of storm chasing. As an added bonus, there is even some educational content sprinkled within the episodes. As a person who lives in the Midwest where there is often tornado potential, it was good to learn more about storms, how they form, etc.

We enjoyed the 2013 season so much, that we ordered the 2012 season to watch as well. Both were good, but the 2013 is the better of the two.It's great to have a show that a mom, dad, and our 11-year old son can all enjoy together!

Better than Storm Chasers

[lozzy-pwns · 9/10 · 8 May 2014]

Overall I think Tornado chasers is better than storm chasers, mainly because it hasn't got all the stupid unnecessary drama and 'entertainment' addon's that storm chasers had. It shows you the real world of storm chasing from the amazing storms and weather that can occur, to the real grind and hardship it takes to do what these guys do.

It gives you an insight into a world most of us will or can never do. I doubt I'll ever be able to go and storm chase for months over in the states, but I can see how amazing and difficult it is from this.

Overall, if your looking for made up rivalries and un-realistic drama I wouldn't bother with this. If you want to see the hardwork, sacrifice and shear effort that Reed and the TVN team put into chasing storms for the safety and science to help protect and save lives, then this is for you.

Great Series Loved Both 2012 and 2013

[andysaid · 9/10 · 8 May 2014]

This show is awesome! Reed and all the others are fun to watch.

This show is different from all the other "reality shows." This is a true show, what you see is what is happening.

The show deals with tornadoes, but also has other story lines about Reed and the others, gives good information on the weather and tornadoes. Very informative and educational. It really brings home the awesome power of tornadoes and what damage they can do.

I liked the fact that we could watch it without commercials on the computer or through our Nintendo Wii U. The quality of the video was wonderful.

A few words to sum up the show are: Informative, breath taking, funny, serious, helpful, sympathy towards the victims and exciting. Overall, great show to watch.

Immersive, The REAL story

[zdenofan33 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Previous reviews yielded that "It was not like Discovery show" simple translation meaning this show is unscripted and dives into the real story of chasing. The series does a fantastic job on immersion into the storm chaser role. Whether it be finding the perfect long track tornado or coming up with nothing this show powers through ups and down. Another factor that makes this show is the cast, the devotion and passion shown towards their goal of improved science and research is unmatched. What this small production has done is excellent and produces two very solid seasons. If you are looking for a more "behind the scenes" look on chasing aka:Real this is it. Not everything is identical to what you see watching Twister.

Great Show 10/10 Serious,Comedic and, Genius

Awesome group of extreme meteorologists.

[livnadream · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

First of all to the person who posted the first comment..."constructive criticism??" Seriously?? that whole thing was a bash in their face. You wanna see tornadoes go watch Twister. This is real raw footage of what their day is like. You probably see more tornadoes on one of their shows than they see in one day. Give em a break jeez!! they are there to document weather and keep people safe and try to figure out why the weather does it was does so they can figure out how to prepare people earlier and earlier and maybe someday even STOP these storms from being so severe. And you want to complain because they don't show enough tornadoes for you?? they aren't out there taping storms for YOUR entertainment. They are out there, putting their lives on the line WORKING to keep us informed and safe you tool.

In a nutshell, this show and everyone in it and everyone in the meteorological field are AWESOME. Keep up the good work and STAY SAFE my friends!! J.Cook Illinois.

Leading the way!

[cjshipulski · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Fantastic show! Reed takes his work seriously and is very professional. He is leading the way in the field to finally find out what makes these storms tick and to further advance our current warning systems. Not to mention their use of ground breaking equipment such as the Dominator armed research vehicles, and his use of storm probes. Also, his explanations of storm cloud structure and formation help me in my own life in recognizing threatening weather. It also shows up close how dangerous these storms can really be, and to heed warnings and take necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. Great work guys! I look forward to your future episodes!

Tornado Chasers

[dosbo42584 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Ever since Discovery Channel dropped Reed Timmer and his Dominators, TV has been lacking the one reality type show that is different from the rest. This show isn't just about tornadoes, but about the real people behind the chases. It's pretty difficult to have a show about just tornadoes without a group of professionals getting the shots people want to see. This show brings to us the life of these people outside of the vehicles.

I think it would be unwise to not give this show a whole season's worth of viewing before deciding for yourself. I think it opens a whole wide window into the life of people who risk it all to inform us of what could be in our backyard.

Great show!

[dream-live-satisfy · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

This show is amazing!! It shows the true side of storm chasing. You begin each day as they would at Reed's house getting ready to chase. You continue to follow them throughout the day. You can get various gas station scenes. You end up at the storm cell they are targeting and this is where the magic of this show kicks in. Reed's team gets some amazing footage. It's not supposed to be glamorous and I like that about this show. Reed and his team do a great job with this show and their research. So, if you wanted this show to be like storm chasers you probably out of luck. While, Storm Chasers was great it had that reality show TV feel to it with all the drama between the different teams. Tornado Chasers is not reality TV it's a documentary about storm chasing that is accurate. If you like documentaries you will like this show.

Tornado Chasers is definitely one of my favorite online series.

[reachgroup24 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Watching these episodes of Tornado Chasers definitely opened my eyes of what true chasing entails. It is a lot of driving, looking at radar, stopping at gas stations to get some food, but all in all, you saw the passion and commitment these chasers had to catch a tornado. When they didn't quite get to the tornado in time they we're let down, but they never quit. Day after day they chased. You see the lives of real storm chasers and see how they live on a daily basis, which was really cool. I am excited for the next season. Every episode is worth the buy.

Thank you Dominator team for letting me and others join in your passion for weather.

Are you kidding me?

[momjanicew888 · 2/10 · 4 June 2014]

My kids started watching this show, then I took a look. Are you kidding me? I did a little digging into Mr. Reed Timmers background. Researcher and scientist? No he is not. He may be a meteorologist, but so what? So are many chasers and TV weather people. He has no university backing him. His money comes from products and films. His facebook blog is full of commercial items for sale and there are pictures of him tornado chasing with friends and girlfriends, like it's some kind of vacation. His cover story as a "scientist" is silly. My older boy Steven wanted to do a science project using Timmer as the inspiration. I had to explain that he was another chaser making money, not any kind of life saving hero as he claims. This production is not accurate. The things they use for science are of no use according to experts. Avoid this production if you want a true storm of tornado chasers. I'm also displeased that he "solicited" all the 10 ratings from friends and followers as others have noted. Poor judgment again. Janice.

Very Exciting & Educational.

[rebeccaleebowater · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

My main passion has been Tornadoes and Tornado Chasing since 1996, so when I saw this show advertised I was very excited.

You feel the 'Thrill of the chase' watching it and you see some really good laugh's with Reed and the rest of the crew but not only that, you actually learn a few things about how they take reading's, what they intend to do on next intercept and what sort of things they use to gather data from storms.

I think what is important to take away from the show is that of course its not always about tornadoes, it's about the storms that produce them and what type of outcome can come from certain thunder storms and better predict what, if any, tornadoes can be produced from them. I love the show and I really like that we get to see Reed and his team working hard to try and protect other's with their predictions.

BIG THUMBS UP!!

NOT Storm Chasers... but close

[irazil44 · 7/10 · 8 May 2014]

This is a good series for what they have for a budget. Season 2 was definitely an improvement from the first season. My biggest complaint is the lack of action in each episode. Now I know you can't just get a tornado whenever you want, but some episodes lacked excitement. Example: There was an episode where Reed was at an expo of some sort for Bosch windshield wipers. It took up more than half the episode and it was just Reed and Chris there talking with fans.

Hope they can get a series on a cable channel again in the future. Was VERY disappointed this morning when I woke up and saw there wasn't going to be a season 3 this year.

Are you kidding?

[UrbanElysium · 1/10 · 24 September 2018]

First episode: ok getting to know the team (meh group of guys) and vehicles, and some tornado/weather footage- nothing spectacular.

Second episode: POINTLESS-NO tornado or weather footage but ALOT of team standing around, talking, traveling in cars talking and eating, and last 12 minutes playing GOLF!

I don't know IF or when I'll finish watching season one knowing now that at least half of each episode is going to be the same meh guys talking and eating-incredibly. But, If I do and it warrants it I'll update my review.

The real thing

[mateja-boltis · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

To me this is raw and real thing about tornado chasers. It shows real life, struggle and sometimes missed opportunities. This is how a reality show should be like. There is no false leading scenes, faked drama, it's all real. And if you watched "Behind the scenes", you'll get into it more and understand the concept. What this team do is amazing and a multitasking hell! So much effort, time and money invested into something that can entertain but also help the warning system improvement. The quality of the episodes is outstanding, the sound also. And there is this whole production team, even music composers that are contributing to the whole project. It not only gets you into the chasing, it gets you into the whole project which sometimes seems less organized but it works.

If you liked Storm Chasers you are going to Love Tornado Chasers!

[pauljohnstonjr · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Ride along with Reed Timmer and the rest of the TVN Weather crew as they film tornadoes up close and personal. This series is web only but if you liked Storm Chasers you will LOVE Tornado Chasers.

Meteorologist Reed Timmer and his crew report for 4WARN Storm Team at KFOR in Oklahoma City. You will be able to ride along with them in the "Dominators" (specially modified vehicles that allow them to enter inside of a tornado) as they travel up and down tornado alley filming all the wrath mother nature has to offer.

Throughout this season you will see another familiar face. Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel rides along with the crew for his first actual storm chase. It is quite amusing to watch Reed and Jim get so excited. It is like watching two kids on Christmas morning.

This series not only shows you severe weather but you get a glimpse of the lives of those involved from the chasers to those whose lives are forever changed by the storms.

Being a storm spotter for the National Weather Service I can relate to a lot of what I see on this show but they take it to the next level. There are no other shows like this and it is refreshing to see something different. I enjoyed this show so much I watched all the episodes in less than 24 hours. I HIGHLY recommend this for weather enthusiasts, reality TV junkies (who are tired of scripts), and for anyone who enjoys a good Adrenalin rush. This show is family friendly, educational, and all around a very well done production filmed live during actual weather events. I plan on using it with my sons who are in home school.

Highly recommend Tornado Chasers for weather enthusiasts. Great show!

[mdross4 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

I absolutely loved Tornado Chasers. Great show. Very entertaining. Great professionals.

For anyone who feels that there was not enough tornado action you really need to learn more about the weather. Reed Timmer and his crew are not guaranteed to see tornadoes. Mother nature sometimes produces a record number of tornadoes in a season, while the next season could produce a record low. So to rate this show poorly because of a lack of tornadoes is not fair and conveys a lack of understanding when it comes to tornado formation.

Reed and his crew do the best that they can with a low number of tornadoes in 2012. In the 2013 season, things started out slow. However, the crew caught many of the important tornadoes (including the El Reno) on tape and were able to keep locals informed of the danger.

I loved the way that they blended a lot of humor (Reed is a pretty funny guy) into the show. It really helps to make the tornado drought times entertaining. But when tornadoes were imminent, they got down to business and showed that mother nature is no one to joke with.

I would also recommend the bonus episodes of Tornado Chasers. It really gives you a glimpse of the behind the scenes action and shows you just how much work goes into this awesome show.

Can't wait for the future of Tornado Chasers. As a meteorology student, watching this show just re-enforces my passion and love for weather and my desire to help those in the path of severe weather. Keep it up Tornado Chasers crew!

The Realities of Storm Chasing

[evan-weeks · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

This isn't the Discovery Channel series, nor is it the multiple one-off spin-offs with dramatic voice-overs and apocalyptic descriptions of tornadoes as unfathomably vicious, near-sentient destroyers of worlds and eaters of belongings and pets, complete with the same repeated stock footage with different filters and dramatic zoom levels.

This is a reality TV series about presenting the life of storm chasing, without glossing over the less-dramatic bits like, oh, needing to eat or use the necessities. Those can, so I've learned, become little dramas in and of themselves.

Another thing the series is quick to teach is that tornado chasing is not an exact science. If it were, we might not even need these guys out there, as our forecast models would be perfect.

They aren't, so you won't see a tornado every episode. Some episodes are about chasing storms that look GREAT on radar but don't produce. Some episodes center more around what life is like out there on the road for days, eating fast food and truck stop junk. Others still focus on what the TVNWeather team are doing to further the science of meteorology. It's a reality show, and reality doesn't mean tornadoes on demand. Nature rarely works on our schedule, nor is it often that it stands still long enough for a great shot.

The series, thus far, has been a great way to gain insight into what it is these storm chaser people really do and why they do it. On top of that, there are some great tornadoes encountered, some gorgeous supercellular storms photographed, a lot of laughs, and some very solemn moments when the tornadoes come into direct contact with humanity.

fantastic there is nothing like it

[bucklrusse · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Both seasons 1 & 2 are absolutely fantastic. Its like a roller coaster ride of thrills, spills, life on the road and high emotions seeing what these weather phenomenons do to peoples lives including the lows of death. You need to be a storm chase fan to understand everything I watched all episodes one after the other because it was so intense and I did not want to wait for ages before watching the next one. You can also watch live storm chasing via TVN weather.com. I have nothing to do with this company, just a normal person ( I think) who lives in the UK doing a normal job @RussRB on twitter. There is nothing like this type of programme anywhere, its also about the science and trying to give people earlier warnings so they can take cover sooner, there are also some funny bits and lol moments. Having seen the episode were we know Tim Samaras lost his life, this sent shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes, Tim was one of the safest chasers and the tornado turned and killed him, his son and chase partner.

Worth watching

[anitavanvoorst · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

I think it's an excellent show, hope it returns. Watched both season 1&2 and it really shows how these storm chasers are trying to intercept the tornadoes with their advanced vehicles and scientific instruments, getting really close. The show includes jaw dropping, exciting, spectacular scenes but also moments while they wait for storms to pop. You really live close with them, watching. In the meanwhile they also help out victims and try to collect scientific data with their probes, it's very educational. If I have to rate this show, I would give it a 9/10 but with all the effort and long drives I will make it a 10/10. It's really worth watching, very confronting sometimes, but also good to see what these guys have to go through and I respect that. Even if you're not a storm chaser or weather addict you still watch this show with full excitement.

Decent footage, garbage, unexperienced crew ruins it

[glockthirty · 2/10 · 3 June 2017]

This feels even worse than watching one of those ghost hunting shows. Why? Because 80% of the episodes are literally 5 or more guys frantically screaming at the top of their lungs the entire time you are trying to pay attention to what is going on. If you can imagine this: Storm chasing with a truck full of 8 year- olds...that's what this is.

Verdict:

With volume on, 2/10. If you mute the show and just watch the footage...6/10.

Highly entertaining show. If you love tornadoes you will love this show

[Jesskoning · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Amazing Show!!!! Highly educational and exciting. I watched both seasons and the bonus episodes in 3 days. I couldn't pull myself away. This show is much better then Storm Chasers. If you liked that show you will LOVE this one. The show is drama free and all about the chase. I love the raw footage of the tornadoes in the bonus episode. The beauty of the storms are breathtaking and make your heart race. I hope one day to see this show on TV. Reed and crew did a wonderful job on making the last two seasons very exciting for the audience. When you watch the show you feel like you are in the tornado with all of the chasers. Hold on to your seats and enjoy the ride. Watching this show makes me appreciate the risks and danger that is involved in storm chasing so we can all enjoy the beauty of the storms from the safety of our homes.

"Tornado" Chasers? Not really.

[techiekathy · 3/10 · 30 October 2016]

The first season was terrible. Here's a spoiler: You barely see any tornadoes. How they could call this "Tornado" Chasers baffles my mind.

The second season had a little bit more storm chasing, but the description of this series is way over-hyped.

The first season was extremely boring. I mean really really boring. The editing was just bad.

The second season was better. It seems they put a bit more effort into the editing and making it slightly exciting, although barely so.

I purchased both seasons, and although I love storm chasing and the old Storm Chasers show, I didn't even finish watching the last 2 episodes of season 2 of this Tornado Chasers show. It was just plain, not very good.

Thankfully, it didn't cost much, so I didn't waste that much money.

I like the idea of the show, but the execution failed.

It's funny though, all of a sudden a bunch of 10 star reviews showed up on here. Pretty suspiciously. I heard it through the grapevine that reed's buddies made them.

Anyway, if you watch the episodes, you will see what I mean. It was extremely boring. This is why it was not picked up on TV and this is why the "series" never continued, even though they wanted it to.

Tornado Chasers, love the series!

[pbcaircraft · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

I watched this season of Tornado chasers and was impressed knowing the limited budget they have to operate on. The video quality was excellent. I am really hoping that one of the major networks would pick up this show. With a real budget I believe Reed Timmer and his crew could do a really exciting season series.

Not only does Reed film a quality show but has a real value to protecting and warning citizens in the area that he is chasing in.

The private lives of all involved in chasing I'm sure are put on hold until the season is over.

Keep it up and hope to see you guys on the air be it internet or television!

If u like Tornadoes u will love this show

[Charmies21 · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

As a huge fan of StormChasers and of Reed Timmer I was ecstatic to learn the he was doing another show online. While season 1 is Tornado light because the Tornado season itself was light season 2 more then makes up for it. With the devastating Tornadoes of the 2013 season u sill see first hand not only great structure and just the PURE force and power of tornadoes but the compassion and humanity that comes along with the devastation tornadoes leave behind. It's edited brilliantly and th bonus episodes teach u way more about how to stay safe, the technology they use, and of course the dominators. I highly recommend watching this amazing show. By the time u are done with all the episodes u will not be disappointed.

Amazing

[adrian-faulkner · 10/10 · 8 May 2014]

Storm Chasers was one of my favourite programmes so I was very sad when Discovery ended it. I loved the dynamics between the various cast members but preferred the great tornado footage.

Tornado Chasers is an independent production, the 2013 season funded via Kickstarter. Whilst the episodes are shorter than the Discovery series (20-25 mins each), there are no ad breaks or repeat footage. 2012 season shows the team trying to refocus following Storm Chasers cancellation. There are a lot of busts but the handy use of flashbacks ensures each episode has some great tornado footage. The 2013 season takes it one stage further with the integration of news footage from the time giving a complete 360 degree view of the storm they are chasing.

It's less reality drama and more documentary than Storm Chasers with some of the best tornado footage I've ever seen.

If you want a true feeling of what it is like to chase storms, I would recommend this series to you. It's my favourite TV programme of all time and I can watch those episodes again and again and again. Simply brilliant.