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How 2
Presented byFred Dinenage
Gareth Jones
Carol Vorderman (1990–97)
Siân Lloyd (1997)
Gail Porter (1999)
Gail McKenna (2000–06)
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of series15
No. of episodes198
Production
Running time30 minutes (later 15 minutes)
(inc. adverts)
Production companies
Original release
NetworkITV (CITV)
Release26 September 1990 (1990-09-26) –
1 September 2006 (2006-09-01)
Related
How (1966–1981)

How 2 is an informative educational programme produced by TVS between 1990 and 1991, and STV Studios (Scottish Television) from 1992 to 2006.[1]

The original show (How) was produced by Southern Television from 1966 up until 1981, when the company lost its franchise to TVS, which was a regular fixture in the ITV schedules.

History

[edit]

The show began in 1966 as How, a series popular in the 1970s. It was designed to provide answers to questions, beginning with the word "How". Each episode began with the presenters all raising one hand and saying "How" simultaneously (playing on the stereotypical Native American greeting). Common topics that were covered, included science, history, mathematics, and simple puzzles. The series came to an end in 1981, when Southern Television lost its ITV franchise, but was revived as How 2 in 1990, by TVS. The first two series were developed by TVS; however, on 16 October 1991, when it was announced that TVS had lost the franchise round to Meridian,[2] several ITV companies were interested in taking over production of the show. Ultimately, Scottish Television won out and produced the show from series 3 onwards. After an intervening year at the Maidstone Studios, from series 4 until the end of series 15, taping of the show took place at STV's Glasgow Studios.[3]

In addition to the regular series, two specials were also produced. This included a comedy special, produced especially for CITV's Comedy Week of programs in February 1997. Later the same year, a Christmas special was produced, which was filmed in Lapland.[4]

In 2006, the final series was broadcast, having waited more than a year for transmission. Afterwards, series 14 and 15 were regularly repeated on the CITV channel, normally at weekends and some school holidays until the end of 2012.

A similar CITV show to appear a few years later was The Big Bang, presented by How 2's own Gareth Jones and Violet Berlin. The Big Bang had a more scientific slant, focusing on performing fun experiments involving simple physics and chemistry. Other similar British television series included Don't Ask Me. Fred Dinenage was the only presenter to appear in both incarnations of How, presenting the shows for a total of 31 years. On 6 January 2013, as part of CITV's Old Skool Weekend (a televised event celebrating the strand's 30th anniversary), the first episode of the 1995 series was shown. Prior to this, a How 2 segment was featured on the 30 Years of CITV documentary that aired on ITV on 29 December 2012 and featured interviews with Dinenage and Jones.

In 2019 How 2 was made available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.[5]

Also in 2019, the CITV channel commissioned a further revival of the format.[6] Fred Dinenage made his third return to the series, alongside a new team of Vick Hope, Sam Homewood and Frankie Vu.[7]

Series overview

[edit]
Series Start date End date Episodes
1 21 September 1990 23 November 1990 10
2 23 September 1991 25 November 1991 10
3 7 September 1992 9 November 1992 10
4 6 September 1993 13 December 1993 15
5 5 September 1994 12 December 1994 15
6 4 September 1995 11 December 1995 14
7 9 September 1996 21 February 1997 161
8 1 September 1997 15 December 1997 2163
9 5 January 1999 6 April 1999 13
10 10 January 2000 11 April 2000 13
11 22 January 2001 16 February 2001 20
12 11 February 2002 22 February 2002 10
13 10 January 2003 14 March 2003 10
14 4 June 2004 27 August 2004 13
15 5 May 2006 1 September 2006 13
Notes

1 The last episode of the series was a comedy special, aired as part of CITV's comedy week.
2 Before that, there was "The Best of How 2" which aired on 18 August 1997.
3 The last episode of the series was a Christmas special.

How Goes 2

[edit]

There was no regular series in 1998, but there was a spin-off series called How Goes 2, which aired from 25 February to 15 April 1998. This series focused on Fred and Gareth going to different places each week, and the eight shows featured segments from the first six-year run, that cast the original three presenters.

Notes

[edit]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
How 2 is a British children's programme that aired on Children's ITV from 1990 to 2006, serving as a revival of the original 1966 series How by providing answers to questions posed by young viewers, typically beginning with "how", through engaging demonstrations, scientific explanations, and practical experiments. The programme was produced by TVS for its first two series in 1990 and 1991, and by () from 1992 to 2006. It featured a studio-based format with limited location filming in later years, emphasizing hands-on activities and visual aids to make complex topics accessible and entertaining for children. Episodes often included themed segments on , , and everyday curiosities, such as building models or testing material strengths, delivered in a light-hearted style that incorporated occasional mishaps to highlight trial-and-error learning. The presenting team evolved over the series but was led by veteran broadcaster , who had appeared in the original How and anchored throughout its run, alongside co-hosts including Gareth Jones, , Sian Lloyd, and Gail McKenna. These hosts conducted experiments live on air, fostering an interactive atmosphere that encouraged viewer participation by addressing real questions submitted by children. The show's revival capitalized on the enduring appeal of its predecessor, which had run for 17 series and 240 episodes until 1981, adapting the concept for a new generation with updated production techniques while retaining its core educational mission. How 2 was notable for its role in promoting STEM () education through playful, relatable content, influencing similar children's programming and remaining available for streaming on platforms like . Its legacy includes inspiring curiosity in young audiences, with memorable segments like egg-strength tests and pottery wheel demonstrations that underscored the value of experimentation despite imperfections. The series concluded amid ITV's programming changes; the original How was revived as a separate series from to 2022.

Background and history

Origins in the original How series

The British educational television series How was conceived by and first broadcast in 1966 by for the ITV network. Aimed at children, the program focused on practical demonstrations of , do-it-yourself projects, and everyday , encouraging young viewers to explore how things worked through hands-on explanations and simple experiments. Hargreaves, a director at and the show's primary presenter, drew from his background in and rural interests to create an engaging format that answered viewer-submitted questions prefaced with "How," such as how to build a model or understand natural phenomena. The original lineup of key presenters included Hargreaves himself, alongside Bunty James, a television continuity announcer, and . joined the team in , bringing a youthful energy as a newsreader and football commentator, often handling the more physical or messy demonstrations. Over its run, the format evolved slightly to incorporate occasional location filming and party tricks, but remained largely studio-based with minimal graphics, prioritizing live, as-recorded segments that captured authentic mishaps for educational charm. Episodes typically lasted 30 minutes (including adverts) and aired in short series, emphasizing curiosity-driven learning in areas like , , and through accessible, replicable activities. How concluded in 1981 after 17 series and 273 episodes, following Southern Television's loss of its ITV franchise to Television South (TVS). The program's enduring legacy lay in its promotion of inquisitive, practical education, which directly influenced the 1990 revival as How 2, adapting the core concept for a new generation.

Launch and evolution of How 2 (1990–2006)

How 2 premiered on CITV on 21 September 1990 as an educational children's programme produced by TVS. It served as a revival and successor to the original How series, which had run from 1966 to 1981. TVS handled production for the first two series in 1990 and 1991. Following TVS's loss of its ITV franchise in the 1991 auctions, STV Productions (Scottish Television) assumed responsibility for the show's children's output, continuing production from 1992 through 2006. Under STV, the programme maintained its core focus on , , , and puzzles while incorporating emerging topics like by the mid-1990s. The series spanned 16 years and 198 s in total. Key milestones included a 1997 special produced by STV. By the late and early , the format evolved to feature more computer-generated for visual explanations. Production for the final series concluded in but faced transmission delays exceeding a year before airing on in 2006. The last broadcast on 1 2006, marking the end of the original run amid ITV's broader reduction in commissioned children's programming due to declining ad revenues—exacerbated by the 2006 ban on junk food advertising—and shifting viewer trends toward digital media platforms.

2020 revival and subsequent developments

In 2020, the educational format of was revived under the title How on , premiering on 15 November 2020 with new hosts Sam Homewood, , and Frankie , alongside the return of veteran presenter as the "Head of HOW." The revival aimed to reignite children's curiosity about scientific and practical "how" questions through hands-on demonstrations and challenges, building on the legacy of the original series while updating it for a modern audience. Discussions for the relaunch began earlier in the year but were delayed due to the lockdown, resulting in a 10-episode run of 30-minute episodes (including adverts) broadcast on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on and on ITV. The first series featured segments like bending metal with water and challenges, with Dinenage providing archival insights from his decades of involvement in the franchise, which spans 486 episodes across its iterations. Production took place at in , the same location used for early How 2 series, maintaining continuity with STV and ITV's involvement. A second series followed in 2022, consisting of 20 episodes at 25 minutes each, airing on weekdays and emphasizing inclusive, engaging content for young viewers. Subsequent developments saw the show's availability shift to streaming following the closure of the channel on 1 2023, with content migrating to Kids to support ongoing access without linear broadcast interruptions. As of 2025, no further series have been announced, but the revival's success in refreshing educational programming for has been noted through its focus on diverse presenters and practical experiments.

Production

Production companies and filming locations

The original How series, airing from 1966 to 1981, was produced by at their Southern Television Centre on Northam Road in , . This studio served as the primary production hub for the educational programme, which focused on practical demonstrations of scientific and mechanical concepts. The facility's setup allowed for the construction of custom sets to facilitate live experiments and explanations central to the show's format. Following the loss of Southern Television's ITV franchise, the successor series How 2 launched in 1990 under production by (TVS), utilizing in Vinters Park, , , as its main filming location. TVS, which had taken over the South and franchise, remade the original concept at this facility, known then as TVS Television Centre, to maintain continuity in the hands-on educational style. Production at emphasized practical workshop spaces for building and testing models, aligning with the series' emphasis on . However, TVS's operations ended abruptly after losing its franchise in the 1991 ITV review process, leading to the company's acquisition by (STV) in 1992. Series 3 (1992) was produced by STV at before the full shift. From 1993 (series 4) to 2006, How 2 production took place at in , , reflecting the new ownership and a strategic move northward for operational efficiency. The Cowcaddens-based studios in provided expanded facilities for the long-running series, including dedicated areas for elaborate experiments that required safe, controlled environments. This relocation ensured the show's survival post-TVS, with 's lower production costs contributing to its sustainability over 15 series. The 2020 revival, rebranded as How and broadcast on , is produced by independent company Terrific Television, with initial filming at Studio 2 of in to evoke the early How 2 era. Subsequent seasons, starting around 2022, moved to in for additional production flexibility. The revival has not produced new seasons since 2022. Amid the , the revival adapted with remote filming options where necessary, while retaining practical sets for core experiments to preserve the series' interactive ethos; this included limited use of green-screen technology for safer integration of . These logistical choices supported consistent episode lengths of approximately 25 minutes across the revival. Following 's closure in September 2023, episodes are available on .

Technical format and episode production

The original How series episodes lasted 30 minutes (including adverts), while How 2 episodes were 25 minutes long. How 2 aired on ITV and during weekday afternoons, targeting schoolchildren, with a production cycle producing 10–20 episodes per series annually to align with the academic year. Early seasons relied on analog video recording and editing, reflecting standard UK broadcast practices of the late and early , before transitioning to digital editing systems in the mid-1990s for improved efficiency and post-production flexibility. The revival incorporated 4K filming and visual effects (VFX) for enhanced demonstrations of scientific experiments, leveraging contemporary digital tools. Production emphasized scripted demonstrations with strict safety protocols, including risk assessments for hands-on segments to protect child actors and crew. Post-production involved consultations with educational experts to ensure factual accuracy in explanations of scientific and technical concepts.

Presenters

Main presenters (1990–2006)

The original run of How 2 (1990–2006) was anchored by Fred Dinenage as the primary co-host throughout its entirety, leveraging his experience from the predecessor series How (1966–1981) to deliver clear explanations of scientific concepts and demonstrations. Dinenage's steady presence provided continuity, often guiding viewers through experiments and real-world applications of physics and biology, drawing on his established reputation in educational broadcasting. Joining Dinenage from the show's inception were Gareth Jones and Carol Vorderman, who co-hosted from 1990 to 1996 across the first seven series. Jones, known professionally as Gaz Top, specialized in technology-related segments, including gadgets, , and topics, bringing an energetic style that appealed to young audiences. Vorderman focused on and hands-on experiments, using her background in numbers to break down calculations and puzzles in an accessible manner; she departed after series 7 to pursue broader television opportunities. Following Vorderman's exit, joined for series 8 in 1997, contributing weather-themed segments that integrated meteorology with the show's educational format, though her tenure was limited to one series and a special. Gail Porter briefly co-hosted in 1999 for series 9, emphasizing interactive and fun elements during her short stint alongside Dinenage and Jones. From 2000 onward, through series 10 to 15, took over as the female co-host, excelling in audience interaction and lively demonstrations that encouraged viewer participation. Jones continued co-hosting alongside Dinenage and McKenna until the series concluded in 2006. In addition to the core presenters, How 2 frequently featured rotating guest experts for specialized topics, such as and , to provide in-depth insights without relying solely on the main hosts. This ensemble approach ensured diverse expertise while maintaining the show's focus on engaging, practical .

Guest and revival presenters (2020 onward)

The 2020 revival of the children's educational series How featured a refreshed presenting team designed to blend legacy with contemporary appeal, led by the return of veteran broadcaster as the "Head of HOW." Dinenage, who has presented across all iterations of the franchise spanning over five decades, provided insightful continuity by setting tasks and offering expert guidance to the new hosts, drawing on his extensive ITV experience including long-running programs like Meridian Tonight and classic shows such as . Vick Hope served as a co-host from the revival's launch in 2020 through the second series in 2022, bringing her multifaceted background as a British radio and . Prior to joining How, Hope co-hosted Capital FM's Breakfast show and later became a presenter on BBC Radio 1's Life Hacks, where she addressed topics blending lifestyle, science, and for younger audiences; her involvement in How highlights a focus on diverse perspectives and accessible explanations of modern scientific concepts. Sam Homewood co-hosted the series from 2020 to 2022, contributing 20 episodes with his established presence in children's programming, including hosting CITV's Scrambled and youth-focused initiatives like Use Your Voice Live. As a tech-savvy presenter, Homewood specialized in segments exploring gadgets, coding, and digital , making complex technological ideas engaging for kids through hands-on demonstrations. Frankie Vu has been a co-presenter from 2020 through the 2022 series, leveraging his profile as a young tech enthusiast and live event host on platforms like CBBC and Disney XD. With a background in sports presenting and digital content creation, Vu handled interactive segments that incorporated social media, gadgets, and real-time audience engagement, appealing to tech-oriented younger viewers. The revival occasionally featured guest experts, such as scientists in special episodes, to deepen explorations of scientific topics, though there were no fixed recurring guests from prior eras.

Content and format

Core educational topics

The core educational topics of How 2 encompassed a range of science fundamentals designed to foster curiosity in young viewers through accessible explanations of natural phenomena. The programme covered science, technology, and engineering topics, illustrating basic principles to demonstrate how everyday objects interact with physical laws. Broader themes included and topics, alongside everyday DIY projects that applied to home-based activities. The series stressed hands-on exploration of core and via tangible experiments in its original run from 1990 to 2006.

Recurring segments and presentation style

The show How 2 structured its episodes around hands-on and DIY activities to engage young viewers. Presenters guided demonstrations of experiments and builds using everyday materials, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. The format included explanations of , often supported by diagrams or models, and addressed viewer-submitted questions to reinforce topics. The presentation style was energetic and presenter-led, with hosts like and Gareth Jones directly addressing the camera to create a conversational tone that made viewers feel involved. Child volunteers participated in segments to add relatability, while humor arose from unexpected outcomes in experiments to keep the tone light and entertaining. Animations were employed to visualize abstract concepts, simplifying explanations for children. In the 1990s and 2000s, the show relied on practical props and physical sets for a tangible, workshop-like feel, reflecting its roots in hands-on .

Series overview

Original run series breakdown (1990–2006)

The original run of How 2 consisted of 15 series broadcast annually from September to December between 1990 and 2006, totaling 198 episodes across the production of TVS and STV. The series began under TVS production and transitioned to STV in 1992, reflecting changes in regional ITV franchise holders. Series 1 and 2, aired in 1990 and 1991 respectively by TVS, each featured 10 episodes with an introductory focus on basic concepts, such as simple experiments and everyday phenomena, aimed at young audiences new to . These early series established the show's format of hands-on demonstrations without delving into advanced . From Series 3 to 7, produced by STV between 1992 and 1996, episode counts ranged from 10 to 16 per series, incorporating topics alongside core science to reflect emerging digital interests in the mid-1990s; Series 7 specifically had 16 episodes. This period marked a thematic expansion, blending traditional experiments with introductions to and . Series 8 through 12, from 1997 to 2001 under STV, reached a peak of 20 episodes in Series 11 while covering diverse topics including , , and , with Series 8 having 16 episodes. The content broadened to encompass interdisciplinary explanations, emphasizing practical applications to engage viewers with multifaceted real-world problems. The final three series, 13 to 15 from 2002 to 2006, saw episode counts of 10 to 13, with increased emphasis on such as and , aligning with growing public awareness in the early ; Series 15 aired in 2006. This shift highlighted conservation themes through experiments on and , culminating the original run's evolution toward contemporary issues.

Revival series details (2020–present)

The revival, titled How, aired on starting in 2020 and consisted of two series totaling 20 episodes, presented by , , Sam Homewood, and Frankie Vu, and produced by Terrific Television. Series 1 aired from 15 November to 25 December 2020 and comprised 10 episodes focusing on hands-on science demonstrations. Series 2 aired from 25 April to 6 May 2022 and also featured 10 episodes, restoring studio-based filming while incorporating modern educational topics. The revival concluded after Series 2 in 2022, with no further series as of November 2025.

Episodes

General episode structure

Episodes of How 2 followed a straightforward, educationally focused structure designed to engage young viewers through interactive and visual explanations of scientific and practical concepts. The show revolved around addressing questions beginning with "how," such as how everyday phenomena or technologies function, ensuring a consistent emphasis on curiosity-driven learning across its run. The opening segment featured the presenters assembled in a studio—typically on a sofa or around a table—where they introduced the episode's central "how" questions and provided a brief teaser to hook the audience, setting the stage for the explorations ahead. This introductory portion established the episode's key learning objectives, often tied to topics in science, , , or everyday mechanics. In the main body, which formed the bulk of the 20-minute runtime, the transitioned into core segments delivering in-depth content. These included hands-on demonstrations and experiments performed live in a setup or via blue-screen effects for dynamic visuals, alongside expert interviews and animated sequences to break down complex ideas into accessible explanations. Presenters alternated in leading these segments, blending with practical activities to reinforce conceptual understanding without overwhelming detail. The closing segment wrapped up the episode with a recap of key takeaways, often incorporating a viewer-directed , challenge, or simple activity to test comprehension and encourage home experimentation, while underscoring reminders for any suggested trials. This structure promoted active participation and retention of the episode's educational goals. While the original series (1990–2006) maintained a largely linear progression from introduction to demonstration to conclusion, the 2020 revival—retitled How and aired on —adhered to this foundational format but incorporated contemporary production elements, such as updated studio visuals at . The revival consisted of two series: Series 33 with 10 episodes from 15 to 25 2020, and Series 34 with 10 episodes from 25 to 6 May 2022.

Notable episodes and specials

The series featured a Christmas special in 1997, produced by Scottish Television and aired on CITV, focusing on festive experiments. Archival confirmations have clarified episode counts for later original seasons, with Series 7 comprising 16 episodes and Series 8 totaling 18.

Reception and legacy

Critical and audience reception

During its original run from 1990 to 2006, How 2 was praised by audiences and critics for its engaging approach to education, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for children through hands-on experiments and demonstrations led by charismatic presenters like Fred Dinenage, Gareth Jones, and Carol Vorderman. User reviews frequently highlighted the show's ability to foster curiosity and retention of information. On IMDb, the series maintains a solid audience rating of 7.3 out of 10, based on 167 user reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal as a staple of children's programming. However, as the show progressed into the early 2000s, some viewers and reviewers criticized it for feeling dated in the face of emerging trends, with complaints centering on an over-reliance on computer-generated animations and a shift away from the original's practical, low-tech charm. The 2006 finale drew expressions of disappointment from fans in online discussions, who lamented the end of an era for interactive educational amid changing viewing habits. The 2020 revival, rebranded as How and airing on with new presenters Sam Topley, Vickie Holland-Bowyer, and Frankie McLaughlin, elicited mixed responses. While praised for updating the format with greater inclusivity and modern production values to appeal to contemporary audiences, it faced nostalgia-driven critiques from original viewers who felt it lacked the original's spark. On , the revival holds a rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a smaller sample of 8 reviews, indicating a more polarized reception compared to its predecessor.

Cultural impact and modern availability

How 2 has left a significant mark on British children's television by promoting hands-on , with its blend of experiments and explanations influencing subsequent programs and sparking interest in STEM subjects among young viewers. The show's memorable demonstrations, such as the dramatic flour dust explosion illustrating combustible dust hazards, have become emblematic of 1990s educational TV and are frequently cited as highlights that made complex concepts accessible and exciting. This segment, in particular, gained renewed attention in online discussions during the , contributing to nostalgic viral shares of "failed" or spectacular experiments on platforms like . Reruns of How 2 aired on until 2012, maintaining its presence in after-school programming for a new generation. Following the closure of the channel on 1 September 2023, children's programming including archival content shifted to the streaming platform. The series was prominently featured during 's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2012–2013, including "Old Skool Weekend" specials that showcased classic clips to honor its role in the channel's history. In terms of modern availability, the complete original run of How 2 has been streamable on since 2019, allowing global access to its 16 seasons for educational and nostalgic viewing. The related revival series, titled How, premiered on ITVX in 2020 and aired until 2022, updating the format with new presenters while echoing the original's focus on science and curiosity. Select clips from the original How 2, including full episodes, have been uploaded to by official and archival channels in recent years. The program's legacy extends to contemporary education, where its experiments are referenced in school curricula and STEM workshops during the 2010s and beyond, often as examples of engaging practical learning; for instance, reports highlighted How 2 as a key title fostering among children. This enduring influence is evident in tie-ins with schools, where teachers incorporate show-inspired activities to demonstrate concepts like physics and chemistry, bridging broadcast media with classroom application.

How Goes 2

How Goes 2 was a short-lived spin-off from the educational children's series How 2, airing on as an 8-episode travel-adventure program produced by STV Productions in 1998. The series extended the main show's focus on explaining "how things work" by sending presenters to various locations across the for on-site explorations, often incorporating classic clips from prior How 2 segments to provide educational demonstrations. Hosted by and Gareth Jones—who had been key figures in the original series since its launch—the program emphasized practical, hands-on learning through visits to industrial and technological sites, such as factories and energy facilities. Episodes typically ran for around 25 minutes and aired weekly on Wednesdays, with confirmed broadcasts on dates including 25 February, 11 March, 25 March, 1 April, and 15 April 1998. Representative episodes highlighted real-world applications of and . This direct tie-in to How 2's format maintained the program's commitment to accessible, demo-based education, though the series concluded after its single run. A similar children's program on was The Big Bang, which aired from 1996 to 2004 and was presented by Jones, a co-host of How 2, alongside . The show emphasized hands-on experiments and demonstrations in a format akin to How 2, spanning nine series produced by Yorkshire Television. Another related CITV offering from the era was the quiz show Finders Keepers (1991–1996), hosted by Neil Buchanan, which incorporated educational elements through puzzle-solving and prize hunts, sharing the channel's focus on engaging young audiences with informative entertainment. While How Goes 2 served as the primary spin-off from How 2, no major international adaptations or direct versions of the program have been documented in other countries.

References

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