8.3 / 10 (based on 53395 reviews)
A weekly documentary in which two Hollywood special effects experts attempt to debunk urban legends by directly testing them.
Genre: Documentary, Mystery, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Robert Lee, Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Kari Byron
Creators: Peter Rees
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15 seasons, 299 episodes, 44-minute runtime
Shows Most Like MythBusters (2003)
Mythbusters Jr. (2019)
7.2 / 10 (based on 330 reviews)
The nation’s most talented kids have a chance to show off their amazing ingenuity and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Adam Savage, Allie Weber, Cannan Huey-You, Elijah Horland
Creators:
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1 season, 10 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
White Rabbit Project (2016)
6.9 / 10 (based on 1696 reviews)
Scientists investigate unusual events from pop culture, science and history.
Genre: Reality-TV
Main Cast: Tory Belleci, Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, Benjamin Cavanagh
Creators:
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1 season, 10 episodes, 48.0-minute runtime
MythBusters: The Search (2017)
4 / 10 (based on 408 reviews)
A reality competition show that aims to find the next stars to continue the popular MythBusters (2003) series.
Genre: Game-Show, Reality-TV
Main Cast: Kyle Hill, Robert Lee, Brian Louden, Martin Pepper
Creators:
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1 season, 8 episodes, 42.0-minute runtime
Motor MythBusters (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 113 reviews)
Follows a joyful search for truth behind popular automotive myths, to try to answer the biggest questions on every car fan’s mind.
Genre: Mystery
Main Cast: Tory Belleci, Bisi Ezerioha, Faye Hadley, Robert Lee
Creators:
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1 season, 13 episodes
MythBusters, a show that debuted in 2003, quickly became a staple for science enthusiasts and skeptics alike. It’s a series that combines elements of entertainment, science, and education in a way that’s both engaging and informative. The show’s premise is straightforward: hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, along with their team, tackle various myths, urban legends, and popular beliefs to see if there’s any truth behind them. Through a mix of scientific method and ingenuity, they put these myths to the test, often with explosive results.
The Appeal of MythBusters
What sets MythBusters apart from other science shows is its unique blend of humor, science, and the occasional explosion. It’s not just about debunking myths; it’s about the journey to the truth. The hosts, with their contrasting personalities—Adam’s enthusiastic approach versus Jamie’s more reserved and methodical style—create a dynamic that’s both entertaining and enlightening.
Educational Value
Despite its entertainment veneer, MythBusters serves a hefty dose of education. The show does an excellent job of demonstrating the scientific method in action: posing a question, conducting background research, forming a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis through experimentation, analyzing the data, and then drawing a conclusion. It makes science accessible and exciting, showing that it’s not just about lab coats and textbooks.
Entertainment Factor
Let’s not forget the explosions. From blowing up cement trucks to testing whether a bullet can ignite a gas tank, MythBusters knows how to keep its audience on the edge of their seats. But it’s not just about the big bangs; the show’s creativity in designing experiments and building contraptions is equally captivating.
Memorable Myths
Over its run, MythBusters has tackled over a thousand myths. Some stand out for their unexpected results, others for the sheer spectacle of the experiments.
The Exploding Jawbreaker
One memorable experiment involved heating a jawbreaker to see if it would explode. The result was more dramatic than anticipated, with the candy shattering explosively, underscoring the potential danger of seemingly innocuous items.
The Jet-Assisted Chevy
Another unforgettable myth was the attempt to make a car take flight using rocket boosters. The visual of a car soaring through the air before crashing down was not only spectacular but also a perfect example of the show’s willingness to go to great lengths to test a myth.
Can a Penny Dropped from a Building Kill You?
This myth is a classic example of the show debunking common beliefs. Many people think a penny dropped from a significant height could be lethal. MythBusters tested this and found that, due to the penny’s terminal velocity and its small mass, it wouldn’t be deadly—busting a widely held myth.
The Impact of MythBusters
The legacy of MythBusters extends beyond entertainment. It has had a tangible impact on education, popular culture, and even safety.
Inspiring Future Scientists
MythBusters has inspired countless viewers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By making science fun and approachable, it has sparked curiosity and a love for experimentation in a generation of future scientists.
Influencing Safety Standards
Some myths tested on the show have led to changes in safety standards and practices. For instance, the myth about whether using a cell phone at a gas station could cause an explosion prompted further research and contributed to safety guidelines regarding cell phone use at gas pumps.
A Cultural Phenomenon
MythBusters has become a part of the cultural lexicon, referenced in other TV shows, movies, and by celebrities. Its influence is evident in the way people approach and think about everyday myths and urban legends.
Behind the Scenes
The making of MythBusters is a testament to the creativity and hard work of the cast and crew. Building elaborate setups and conducting experiments often under challenging conditions requires a blend of scientific knowledge, engineering skills, and a bit of creativity.
The Build Team
Beyond Adam and Jamie, the Build Team—Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, and Grant Imahara—played a crucial role in the show’s success. Their ability to tackle multiple myths simultaneously allowed the show to cover more ground. Each member brought their unique skills and personality to the team, making the show all the more engaging.
The Scientific Method in Action
MythBusters demonstrates the importance of replication in science. Many myths were revisited in response to fan feedback or new information, highlighting the show’s commitment to accuracy and the scientific process.
Conclusion
MythBusters has left an indelible mark on television and its viewers. It demystified science, making it accessible and entertaining. The show taught us to question the world around us, to seek evidence, and to not accept things at face value. As we move forward, the spirit of MythBusters lives on, encouraging us to stay curious and keep questioning. Whether it was through a mind-blowing explosion or a simple debunking of a common belief, MythBusters showed us that science is everywhere, and it’s fascinating.