The show MythBusters is one of the most popular shows to ever air on The Discovery Channel preceded only by How It's Made and Daily Planet. For 17 glorious seasons, special effects experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman tested the validity of various myths, rumors, movie stunts, and more – all while relying on the scientific method.
With their San Francisco-based crew, known as The Build Team, Savage and Hyneman tackle some of the most insane experiments known to humanity. The team's objective is to label the myth they're investigating either busted, plausible, or confirmed. From duct tape islands to mechanical sharks to underwater cars, the MythBusters gang solves one entertaining mystery after another.
Demolition Derby (8.1)
In this season 7 opener, Savage and Hyneman address a very important topic: how to destroy cars. The gang explores the many ways people can obliterate all kinds of vehicles, from dropping them to crashing them to by creating rocket sleds.
On a mission to mash metal, the team tries out four different smashing techniques. One seeks an answer to whether or not two colliding big rigs can completely flatten a compact car between them.
Underwater Car (8.1)
This season 5 episode sees whether or not all those movie underwater car escape scenes are legit. Creating a nightmare scenario and then diving right in, Savage holds his breath for a long time in this episode – playing guinea pig for the experiment.
Two other members of the team, Tory Belleci and Kari Byron, check out the Seven Paper Fold myth. They figure out whether or not it's possible to fold a piece of paper more than seven times.
NASA Moon Landing Hoax (8.1)
One of the most pervasive conspiracy theories asserts the Apollo 11 space mission didn't actually make it to the Moon in 1969. Neil Armstrong never walked on the orbiting rock's surface; instead, it was a giant hoax recorded in a Hollywood studio.
During season 6, the MythBusters took on this supposed hoax, using the original footage to recreate the action. Instead of trying to send anyone into space, the team tries to figure out whether or not any special effects or video manipulation was involved – potentially adding validity to claims Americans never went to the Moon.
Duct Tape Island (8.1)
Can two men survive being marooned on an island with only a pallet of duct tape? Hyneman and Savage set out to answer this sticky question in the season 10 opener.
The pair use duct tape to make clothing, shelters, SOS messages, and even a boat. What feels like a prolonged advertisement for the durability of duct tape makes for one nerdy, science-based spectacle.
Jaws Special (8.2)
It doesn't get much cooler than recreating the explosive ending to Steven Spielberg's classic horror movie Jaws. This is just one of many shark-related experiments the gang sinks their teeth to in this season 3 tie-in to Discovery Channel's popular Shark Week.
In addition to testing whether or not a scuba tank explodes when shot, the team also investigates how easy it is to destroy a shark cage and how easy it is for sharks to damage or pull boats. They also examine whether or not it's possible to scare a shark by punching it.
Exploding Water Heater (8.3)
Fires and explosions are MythBusters favorites. In season 5, Savage and Hyneman tested if it's plausible for a water heater can rocket through a roof and into the atmosphere.
What seems like a terrifying prospect for any homeowner is a hoot to watch unfold on the show. As the hosts get steamed about the water heater debate, The Build Team assesses some common myths about blue jeans.
Flights Of Fantasy (8.3)
Hyneman and Savage soar into the jet stream in this season 13 episode. Airplane geeks will be pleased by the episode's inquiry into flight and all its possibilities.
In one segment, the gang ascertains the toughness and durability of a U-2 aircraft. In another, they see what a remote control multi-rotor drone can do.
Return To Duct Tape Island (8.4)
The "Duct Tape Island" episode was so popular Hyneman and Savage decided to return to the original segment in 2017. The pair reexamine clips from their experiences on the island while answering viewer questions.
As the gang unravels mile after mile of duct tape, the MythBusters prove yet again this adhesive polyethylene may be the best modern invention. The episode also includes outtakes.
Mythbusters: The Reunion (8.5)
The penultimate episode of the 14th and final season of the original MythBusters is exactly what it sounds like: a reunion with the original cast. Hyneman, Savage, Bellici, Byron, and the late Grant Imahara chew the fat around a circular table.
The crew shares their favorite experiences from their Discovery Channel television run together. They also get emotional about what MythBusters means to them.
Duct Tape Power Hour (8.8)
Over MythBuster's run, Hyneman and Savage do a lot with duct tape. There's the duct tape trebuchet, the duct tape seatbelt, and the duct tape canyon - just to name a few.
In this episode, airing after the original series ended in 2017, the gang turns back the clock on their first-ever duct tape episode. They also explore new possible uses for their favorite tool.