Television series
MythBusters: The Search
- Action
- Light-hearted
A competition series where aspiring engineers and stunt performers compete to become the next generation of MythBusters. Think *Project Runway* but with explosives, elaborate builds, and actual physics problems to solve. It's chaotic, inventive, and genuinely fun to watch people fail spectacularly in the name of science.
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BattleBots2015
Robots destroy each other with engineering ingenuity and unbridled chaos. The builds are genuinely clever, the competition is tense, and watching homemade machines obliterate their opponents is endlessly satisfying.
But If you're squeamish about mechanical destruction, the repetitive format can feel samey after a few episodes.
Making It2018
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host a competition where makers build extraordinary things under time pressure. It captures that same joy of problem-solving and ingenuity, with genuine warmth beneath the competition.
But It's gentler and more emotionally focused than MythBusters, so if you want explosive chaos, this leans too far toward human connection.
Top Gear2002
Three presenters take on absurd automotive challenges that require improvisation, engineering knowledge, and willingness to destroy expensive vehicles in the name of entertainment. The chaos is structured brilliantly.
But The early seasons show their age, and some of the humor hasn't aged well. Later seasons shift away from the inventive challenges.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from MythBusters: The Search
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
The Toys That Made Us2017
Focuses on the creative problem-solving and build philosophy that drives MythBusters, but from design and manufacturing history angle rather than real-time experimentation. Shows the same ingenuity in different register—serious and archival rather than explosive and playful.
Documentary series about iconic toys' engineering and design philosophy. Episodes reveal the ingenuity behind products we take for granted—the problem-solving and iteration that shaped culture.
But It's nostalgic documentary, not action or competition. If you want to see things built and tested, not discussed historically, this isn't it.
More like this (5)
Nailed It!2018
Watch inexperienced people attempt elaborate challenges and fail in hilarious ways. The fun comes from the attempt and the creative problem-solving, not from success. Nicole Byer's commentary is gold.
But It's light entertainment—there's no real stakes or technical depth, just charming failure.
The Great British Bake Off2010
A gentler competition format focused on craft and problem-solving under pressure. Contestants face unexpected challenges and must adapt. The editing, pacing, and genuine respect between competitors is masterclass television.
But If you want danger and spectacle, this is cozy and focused on precision baking instead.
Scrapheap Challenge1998
Teams have hours to build working machines from scrap metal and junk. It's pure problem-solving creativity with real engineering constraints. The builds are inventive and frequently hilarious.
But The pacing can drag, and the competition format is less dramatic than modern shows. Production values are dated.
Robot Wars1998
Hobbyists bring homemade fighting robots into an arena against house robots and each other. It's creative engineering displayed through combat, with genuine personality clashes between builders.
But The combat is often brief and anticlimatic. Some episodes feel repetitive once you've seen a few rounds.
How It's Made2001
Half-hour episodes showing how everyday objects are manufactured. It's oddly meditative and satisfying—watching systems work with precision and ingenuity. Perfect comfort viewing.
But There's no competition, narrative, or stakes. It's pure process, which some find dull rather than engaging.
People
Cast
Robert LeeNarrator