What other shows would you say give you the same feel-good, cooperative vibe as Mythbusters, but aren't necessarily even in the same realm?
Posted by FluidVeranduh@reddit | mythbusters | View on Reddit | 37 comments
I really enjoy the myth-busting aspect of Mythbusters, but I'm also drawn to it because it's a generally feel-good show featuring people cooperating.
To that end I'm trying to put together a list of shows that feature this vibe, whether they're along similar lines or not. And they're not necessarily high quality shows; the vibe is the more important part.
Here are some examples:
Closest direct analog I can think of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g53LtTqlRU James May did a show where they built some random things. It's pretty funny and has a childlike imaginative quality to it (it may have been made for children). I'm not sure if it's the exact same show, but he also built a house entirely out of Lego.
Completely out there: Republic of Doyle, White Collar, Eureka, Resident Alien, possibly Northern Exposure though I haven't watched it in a while, The Good Place, Stargate, Star Trek (the differences between each series could be a whole post of its own so not getting into it...there's something for everyone), Veronica Mars, Burn Notice.
These are not even in the same realm as Mythbusters, but they all casts generally trying to get along and cooperate. Some of them have much less drama (Republic of Doyle) and some of them have more of it (Veronica Mars). Some of them are in between. Some of them have a sci-fi aspect that might appeal to Mythbuster fans.
Somewhere in between: Grand Designs (especially New Zealand), Outback Truckers, Great British Bake Off, Baking Impossible, Nailed It.
These aren't the same setup as Mythbusters at all, but still about making things or cooperating.
Any other suggestions?
PizzaWhole9323@reddit
English show called Time team. It follows a bunch of archaeologists and students when they dig and historic places in England. There’s lots of good personality. There’s amazing amount of science. And the places that they excavate are beautiful. There’s a dude named Phil Harding who is a senior archaeologist, and he is just a hoot. Give it a try it’s on YouTube.
Sudden-Wash4457@reddit
Was there a show similar to this where they dropped a handful of scientists and engineers off somewhere and they had to figure out their way back to civilization using field science methods and building stuff?
Zrk2@reddit
THATS WHAT I THOUGHT OF!
PizzaWhole9323@reddit
Yay! Great minds think alike.
FluidVeranduh@reddit (OP)
Thanks!
Zaks_Grimoires@reddit
Has anyone said Scrapheap Challenge, UK show, great host, got that team work vibe and team challenges.
FluidVeranduh@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the rec
dem4life71@reddit
Forged in Fire is the only show that scratches that itch for me. Oh, and Battlebots. An old show called junkyard wars was in the same wheelhouse as well.
myname_not_rick@reddit
Oh man I grew up on junkyard wars. That's probably the triggering event that eks to me becoming a mechanical engineer lol.
If they ever brought that back, I would KILL to compete in it.
dem4life71@reddit
I loved the eccentric host-he gave off that Adam Savage energy for sure
basshed8@reddit
I miss Junkyard Wars, Monster Garage, and Monster House. Just heard Scrapheap Challenge is getting remade
myname_not_rick@reddit
Wait really?!? I thought scrapheap and junkyard wars was one in the same, and just rebranded under a different name in the US. That would be sick!
troubleshot@reddit
Junkyard Wars is a great reccomendation
javoss88@reddit
Is battlebots back on again yet?
dem4life71@reddit
The new season usually starts in the summer.
javoss88@reddit
Thank you!
cptnpiccard@reddit
Came here to recommend Junkyard Wars!
SpaceChef3000@reddit
A lot of great suggestions already so I’ll just throw out Mystery Science Theater 3000.
At its core the show is about people (well, a person and several robots) coping with a difficult situation through humor.
troubleshot@reddit
Australian Lego Masters & US Making It. Both very different but I watch both along with MythBusters with my kids and it's a great experience and a cool vibe with interesting discussion always popping up
SeparateRepair96@reddit
If you like James May, you could give Grand Tour a try! I’m not even a car guy and I love the series. I would suggest how I actually watched it: I coincidentally started at episode 4 and then went back to the beginning eventually. I found the first episode is a lot easier to sit through as a newcomer once you already like the guys
Minimum_Honey_9379@reddit
Taskmaster
zzupdown@reddit
My vote is for the British Show "Top Gear", which is mostly about test driving different cars, and competing in silly car-related challenges.
javoss88@reddit
In interesting places
Mirar@reddit
There was the first season of what I think was called "rough science" where a much of practical scientists had to solve some interesting problems on an island. Later seasons they lost it, but the first one was good.
NewToSociety@reddit
based on your third paragraph, Parks and Rec.
You mentioned Bake Off and Nailed it, which I thought of.
Maybe try Rocket Jump, a show about young film producers making shorts on a shoestring budget. Only one season, but this crew made a DnD liveplay podcast called Dungeons and Daddies that's one of the best out there. In fact, you may be looking for DnD podcast. Collaborative storytelling, miniature building, comedy, shared success.
Outsider recommendation: Red Letter Media. Some aging filmmakers sit around and make fun of/ boost movies good and bad that they care about. Its how I get my "friends sitting around bullshitting" fix and they remind me of the Adam and Jamie/ build crew dynamic.
DesdemonaDestiny@reddit
The Craftsman. A heart warming reality show/character study about a very kind, wise master carpenter and woodworker collaborating with others on restoration projects. I watched it on Max.
agdtinman@reddit
Making It with Amy Pohler and Nick Offerman.
RajDek@reddit
Top Gear is an obvious one, starting with season 2. Especially their specials.
polkjamespolk@reddit
I'm fond of Secret of Skinwalker Ranch. I love the "something weird is happening? Let's shoot a rocket at it!" mentality.
Neknoh@reddit
Loved Scrapyard Wars for the first few seasons, really nails that lovely builder spirit (most of the time)
Arrakis_Is_Here@reddit
White Rabbit project for obvious reasons
floyd_the_barbarian@reddit
James May also had a show called Man Lab where he did some mythbuster like builds. Not really to bust a myth but more to solve a problem or just to see if he could do it. I highly recommend it.
FluidVeranduh@reddit (OP)
Ah yes, Man Lab is basically the same show as the toy show without the sponsorship, lol
floyd_the_barbarian@reddit
I didn’t think about the toy companies sponsoring the show. I felt it was more about James doing great things with toys he loved as a kid.
benglescott@reddit
Expedition Unknown with Josh Gates. He does a good mix of historical archaeology, treasure hunting and paranormal investigation. His crew is often featured in some of the more unexpected events in filming an on location series
DaxDislikesYou@reddit
Most of the stuff from motortrend. Roadkill, Hotrod Garage, Faster with Finnegan/ Newbern and Cotten, Engine Masters all fit the bill. A lot of Top Gear fits the bill. And Car Fix absolutely fits the bill. My other suggestions have largely been already mentioned.
emotwen@reddit
The Repair Shop has become a comfort show for me.