I stumbled onto this show quite by accident on the 'net a couple of weeks ago, as I don't have Discovery Canada in my cable TV lineup. As a Western Canadian who's driven the Coq countless times -- but never in winter -- I've been fascinated to see what a zoo it becomes when the snow flies, particularly for the semi drivers who must push through with their loads year-round in every kind of weather. Jamie and his crew are a pretty likable bunch who put up with demanding working conditions themselves, and unlike the similarly situated Ice Road Truckers series (another of my faves) there are no grindingly obnoxious characters to irritate. Just real guys doing real, honest, hard work and not being unnecessarily bitchy about it. Of course, their biga$$ trucks are fun to watch in their own right! I've just heard that the show has been picked up for a second season and am well pleased to hear it. Despite the show's very simple premise and lack of any serious twists and turns, it never seems to get boring or stale. This is just plain good entertainment for any fan of big vehicles and big men doing big jobs in the big outdoors.
23 Reviews
Just watched the First Episode on Natl. Geo. Channel in California
highsierraer24 January 2013
I really enjoyed the first episode of this series. Surprise of surprises, so far this show isn't over produced like so many reality shows. A bit of scripting and a scene where supposedly a tow truck driver goes up the wrong way of the highway without authority, but overall very interesting and good filming and show.
It's also nice to finally see a professional tow company with good equipment and professional drivers that know what they are doing, and handle themselves and the equipment like you would expect from a tow operator. I'm really impressed with the beautiful trucks, especially the three axle tow unit. A very rough highway and a long winter must make for some interesting work.
I hope that the producers don't feel the need to get too deep into personal squabbles between employees and other tow companies as the future episodes play out. This could be a very interesting show and popular for quite a long time. You don't need to play out false drama with this show, there is enough at play with the weather, equipment, accidents, etc.
Looking forward to future episodes and glad to read they are going to be coming back for another season.
It's also nice to finally see a professional tow company with good equipment and professional drivers that know what they are doing, and handle themselves and the equipment like you would expect from a tow operator. I'm really impressed with the beautiful trucks, especially the three axle tow unit. A very rough highway and a long winter must make for some interesting work.
I hope that the producers don't feel the need to get too deep into personal squabbles between employees and other tow companies as the future episodes play out. This could be a very interesting show and popular for quite a long time. You don't need to play out false drama with this show, there is enough at play with the weather, equipment, accidents, etc.
Looking forward to future episodes and glad to read they are going to be coming back for another season.
Great show about tough towing company in the Canadian mountains
peterlov26 November 2013
I have to say that I don't like many of the Discovery Channel shows, because they are so much staged and you can see and feel it. This show however feels somehow real and the main characters are likable guys, doing their exhausting work in the bad conditions of Canadian mountains. If you like cars and trucks this is a show for you, in my country we don't have such though conditions so we don't have such high-tech towing companies as Jamie Davis has. I watched every episode with great interest, you can see amazing performance by the towing crew. Jamie himself is a great character and great boss too, who tries to solve problems with his employees in a good and fair way, you have to admire him.
I love the last episodes of every season, where they meet at a table, drinking beer and summarize the whole season. It gives the show another perspective and deepness.
Overall a great show about huge trucks in the ditches of the CCHL Highway, combined with great team of people and interesting problems to solve.
Thanks Discovery :)
I love the last episodes of every season, where they meet at a table, drinking beer and summarize the whole season. It gives the show another perspective and deepness.
Overall a great show about huge trucks in the ditches of the CCHL Highway, combined with great team of people and interesting problems to solve.
Thanks Discovery :)
watching highway thru hell comments
jactun20 May 2017
I love this show. I watch it quite a bit. It is mind-boggling to see these guys work with such heavy equipment and in such bad conditions. They have to have a lot of courage, be extremely tough and have the smarts to do that job. I am glad this kind of stuff is on TV. It gives us a bird's eye view of a dangerous and scary situations these guys run into all the time that I would never know about or think of. It is great to get an education on how this stuff works. I hope the show continues.
Love it
cuddleydee17 December 2014
Love this show, it's an honest look at life of Heavy Rescue. Nothing else like it on TV. Nothing staged, no phony characters, no fake action. It gives us a view of what life is like for the world of truckers and what they face driving on our highways. The good, the bad and the ugly conditions they face everyday. Not to mention the good, the bad and the ugly drivers. My only complaint is not enough shows. Winter usually starts in October or November and lasts until March or April. You should be able to have plenty more shows, especially now that you a second team in Alberta. You could have a whole other show just for the guys on the Alberta team. Ask any fan and they'd say the same. We'd even like to see more of Al, his team and his big green rig. Give us more HIGHWAY THRU HELL.
Awesome show from Discovery
crsims-902622 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a great fan of Discovery shows for the most part because even the reality shows have a bit too much scripting and staged drama to make them watchable. However Highway Thru Hell dispels with that need. The weather and accidents more than make up the need to not have to stage anything. This show I actually picked up on Netflix after the first 2 seasons were available and was hooked. Seasons 3 and 4 are now available, and I've just finished 3, and am a couple of episodes into 4.
Jamie Davis and co do an excellent job of showing just how difficult recoveries can be up on the Canadian highways in the peak of winter, yet somehow their professionalism manages to minimize delays for the most part, although sometimes no matter how much experience you bring to the job, a long delay is unavoidable. When you have to haul up 80,000 pounds up a steep incline 40-50 feet, there is no hurrying that or physics will tan your behind.
With Jamie Davies expanding into Lac La Biche and Edmonton in the Alberta area, I would have thought there was more than enough content to keep focusing on Jamie Davis. He has left equipment and crew in Hope but season 4 is making it seem like JD cannot handle that area since they are featuring Al Quiring a bit too much for my liking - although I must admit I get a chuckle out of his side kick Gordo.
It was a shame that Adam decided to leave JD at end of season 3, but he had his reasons, and also Ken moved on to another towing company. As much as I liked him, the series is really about JD and season 4 is beginning to lose that focus.
Despite what is happening in season 4, I am still liking this, but that is why I am giving it an 8 out of 10 instead of a solid 10.
The only thing I would say to the producers of this show is watch the sound effects, some of them of clearly enhanced. I get why, but sometimes it gets in the way of what is really happening - also the radio sound bites supposedly from other drivers chit chatting about the conditions is not really necessary and quite often grating - the commentary and JD interviews are more than enough to explain what is happening.
All in all a good series and I know season 5 is happening and hope that it gets picked up for a least a couple more, it deserves it, winter never lets up in Canada and there are always wild and wacky drivers to keep the towing business in operation.
Jamie Davis and co do an excellent job of showing just how difficult recoveries can be up on the Canadian highways in the peak of winter, yet somehow their professionalism manages to minimize delays for the most part, although sometimes no matter how much experience you bring to the job, a long delay is unavoidable. When you have to haul up 80,000 pounds up a steep incline 40-50 feet, there is no hurrying that or physics will tan your behind.
With Jamie Davies expanding into Lac La Biche and Edmonton in the Alberta area, I would have thought there was more than enough content to keep focusing on Jamie Davis. He has left equipment and crew in Hope but season 4 is making it seem like JD cannot handle that area since they are featuring Al Quiring a bit too much for my liking - although I must admit I get a chuckle out of his side kick Gordo.
It was a shame that Adam decided to leave JD at end of season 3, but he had his reasons, and also Ken moved on to another towing company. As much as I liked him, the series is really about JD and season 4 is beginning to lose that focus.
Despite what is happening in season 4, I am still liking this, but that is why I am giving it an 8 out of 10 instead of a solid 10.
The only thing I would say to the producers of this show is watch the sound effects, some of them of clearly enhanced. I get why, but sometimes it gets in the way of what is really happening - also the radio sound bites supposedly from other drivers chit chatting about the conditions is not really necessary and quite often grating - the commentary and JD interviews are more than enough to explain what is happening.
All in all a good series and I know season 5 is happening and hope that it gets picked up for a least a couple more, it deserves it, winter never lets up in Canada and there are always wild and wacky drivers to keep the towing business in operation.
Great Action-Never Lets Up
kenbond-5380522 April 2017
Love this action oriented series. Been watching it from its beginning, and have seen it improve with each new Series.
Noted that the writers have toned down Quiring's "snarkiness." Although he is obviously a very experienced wreck expert, the show suffered when he used to show-off too much. Good change.
I'll keep watching. Good filler, just before hitting the sack!
Noted that the writers have toned down Quiring's "snarkiness." Although he is obviously a very experienced wreck expert, the show suffered when he used to show-off too much. Good change.
I'll keep watching. Good filler, just before hitting the sack!
Love the show
wildeagle-4704530 August 2017
I love this show. It can be addicting. You are always wanting more. I wish some of the people would be on more shows. Jamie is a good person and takes the time to explain helpful hints and the best of bad situations, to new and old employees. He does this without making them feel like a fool and he doesn't talk down to anyone. That is what makes them want to continue working for him and doing their best. This trait makes Jamie a great person and employer. Jamie also, has trusted people working for him. He has confidence in then and they work hard for him. I also, like Al, he is quite a character. All of the people on the show work hard to keep the roads open and moving, while doing the work as safely as possible for everyone. The main thing I would like to see is for the show to have cc. I like Colin and hope to see more of him and the good people that work with him. Thank you
best tow truck docu series ever
leniszam-179-93712413 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
filmed in Hope,BC,Canada. Jamie Davis Towing, Aggressive Towing, Quiring Towing and Mission Towing are the main tow companies in the show, sometimes other minor companies are helping out. all these tow companies are real. nothing is faked during filming. the people in the show are real. have been to Jamie Davis' tow yard n met his wife Sherry and their sweet dog Snowflake. i love real docu series. if faked would not watch. I've lived in BC all my life. to travel anywhere in Canada beyond Hope you must go on the three hwys featured on the show.Hwy 1 is the main hwy in Canada. goes up the Fraser Canyon. Hwy 3 is the Hope Princeton Hwy. Hwy 5 is the Coq. I've been on all three. all three are extremely deadly all year round. the show only does winter. if you like big rigs and lots of edge of your seat nail biting drama then this is the show for you. i rate this a 10
Excellent show
redlemons-7924313 November 2017
Shows honest hardworking people doing work in conditions no one else would work in. Like that they show interactions good and bad between the guys who tow.Jamie is always willing to teach guys. Give us more shows. Love that they now how 2 locations. They understand safety first but get those roads clear.
Could of been great!
samdalgliesh2 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Stumbled across this series on Netflix's and think the first 3 series are great, getting to see an amazing insight into Canadian heavy recovery! But then from the start of the 4th season everything goes downhill. I enjoyed watching the program to see a mix of exciting dangerous action, accompanied by seeing the change/expansion within Jamie Davis's company. At the start of season 4 it seems the show makers have had enough with Jamie Davis's and look for other towing companies to film, which is where they have lost my interest. It has just turned into another 'Ice Road truckers' which people only watch when there is nothing else on! Think they need to get series 3 team back and forget the other companies to keep the program interesting, there's only so many wrecks we can watch!
More entertaining than the 401 show
shaun-morin11 March 2019
Considerably better than Heavy Rescue 401. I know better when I'm driving the coquihalla in winter... It's slow going. You never drive the speed limit or you're asking for trouble.
I've also driven the 401... That's a damn deathtrap induced by idiots!!!
Interesting
moivieFan5 January 2021
I like to see how the tow truck crews get cars or rucks back on to the road after they have gotten into an accident.
Before I watched highway thru hell I never gave tow trucks much thought. I never thought gee how to trucks get towed after an accident. Now I think I know the answer to that question.
For me its a calming show to watch. I don't know why it is because its all about towing trucks out of ditches or side hills after they have gotten in accidents.
Its my favorite reality show after penn & teller foll us, and american pickers.
Before I watched highway thru hell I never gave tow trucks much thought. I never thought gee how to trucks get towed after an accident. Now I think I know the answer to that question.
For me its a calming show to watch. I don't know why it is because its all about towing trucks out of ditches or side hills after they have gotten in accidents.
Its my favorite reality show after penn & teller foll us, and american pickers.
WELL SCRIPTED, BUT FAIRLY STUPID
bnewman-9001015 June 2019
Love It
dhindsa-0557216 November 2019
I know the guys doing the work from Aldergrove, BC so I don't think it's scripted. Know them and that garage for over 25 years. I worked in Aldergrove right beside this garage, Quiring Motors. We did all their printing for them and we used to take our cars there for any repairs. The show fascinates me. I had no idea or even gave a thought as how they could get these accidents straightened out and trucks towed away. Looks like a hard job and we don't appreciate these men enough. All we do is complain when they close the highway or close a lane to clean up an accident, not realizing all that is required to do this job. I watch this show a lot and it keeps my attention. I don't get bored and I have a short attention span. Lol.
Wow! A reality show that's actually real!
kcankid2 December 2021
The ultimate in reality tv
coachways698 March 2021
Jamie's manta has been..."keep it real", and he has done it. Very interesting to see how the cast has grown and changed over the years. Also sorry to see some cast leave and hopefully return down the road.
Even the reruns are a pleasure to watch again.
Piqued my interest in all things Canadian.
GreggoWhitehead8 December 2019
As a former over the road trucker, I found this fascinating. This show delves into a world seldom seen by the general public. As stated on the show, people are starting to be more aware of emergency vehicles on the shoulders/sides of the roads. These folks are available 365/24/7 and spend a lot of time away from home helping others in all kinds of weather. I wouldn't want to be one, but I'm glad there are people willing to do this kind of job.
Listening to Jamie and Al, I can't help being reminded of Bob and Doug McKinzie. Beauty, eh? In school, we were taught that Canadians are just like Americans, but they speak French, too. I never thought too much about that until I started watching this show. I've seen several YouTube videos about the differences in Canada and America, and there are many. It's fascinating how different we really are.
I highly recommend this show. It's getting hard to find in the US. I hope when it is over they'll release a "complete series" collectors set of DVDs.
Listening to Jamie and Al, I can't help being reminded of Bob and Doug McKinzie. Beauty, eh? In school, we were taught that Canadians are just like Americans, but they speak French, too. I never thought too much about that until I started watching this show. I've seen several YouTube videos about the differences in Canada and America, and there are many. It's fascinating how different we really are.
I highly recommend this show. It's getting hard to find in the US. I hope when it is over they'll release a "complete series" collectors set of DVDs.
I don't understand something!
buhbyeed10 October 2020
I truly love this show, watch every episode.
What I don't get is, it's called Highway Thru Hell, which says to me that should be about all members of the recovery businesses on the highway. However, you seem to showcase Jamie Davis 90% of the time! What about the others?, like Al and Gord for instance?
Just sayin'!
This show has heart!!
seanproud-2021128 August 2023
I have been watching since the beginning. To me the show has alway had a lot of heart but over the last two seasons the producers have taken heart to a whole new level. With all the new characters. Company's being sold guys retiring trials and tribulations of running a business and a dangerous job to boot. The sons and now the daughters becoming tow operators. The proud fathers wow how did the producers find so many genuine hard working proud to be canadian people. This show demonstrates to everyone what being canadian is all about. Im a proud Alberta rancher and and very proud to have British Columbia and all its wonderful people as my neighbour. Hats off to the producers for bringing a show with heart into my living room. U guys are geniuses.
Cool show!!
pbkckzht7 June 2022
This is an awesome awesome show. I am in awe of you guys and what you do. I think this show gives people respect for truckers as well as you guys risking your lives to solve these accidents and keep the roads clear. One thing I don't understand is why do the trucks drive so damn fast in bad weather conditions? It's absolutely absurd and scary especially when you guys are right in the lane next to moving traffic. I worked for a striping company for many years and heard the guys tell horror stories of moving lane closures so I bow to you guys in what you do. I hope this show continues forever. Jamie you are a good boss and teacher and I love Al's attitude plus all the other guys are great. Love you guys.
Please be careful out there 😘😘
Please be careful out there 😘😘
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