MythBusters (2010 season)

The 2010 season maintained the established format of MythBusters, with the main team of Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman conducting large-scale experiments, while the Build Team—Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, and Grant Imahara—handled separate myths in parallel segments. Episodes typically featured two or three myths, each subjected to the scientific method, with results categorized as 'busted,' 'plausible,' or 'confirmed.' The season was produced by Beyond Productions for the Discovery Channel, with a focus on high-speed cameras, explosive tests, and custom-built rigs to visually demonstrate the physics behind each myth.¹

Several episodes from the 2010 season became fan favorites. The Shark Special (aired July 28, 2010) tested myths inspired by the film Jaws, including whether a shark could be repelled by a small explosive charge or whether a shark cage could withstand a great white's bite—the latter was confirmed, but with dramatic footage of a shark breaching the cage. Another standout was 'Duct Tape Hour 2' (June 16, 2010), which revisited duct tape myths, including building a working cannon from the tape. The season also tackled myths from video games, such as 'Halo Special' (November 10, 2010), where the team tested physics from the game, like the effectiveness of a Spartan's energy shield against gunfire.²

The 2010 season continued to draw strong ratings for Discovery Channel, solidifying MythBusters as one of the network's flagship programs. Critics praised the show's ability to make science accessible and entertaining, with particular acclaim for the special effects and the hosts' chemistry. The season's 'Top 25 Moments' special (December 22, 2010) served as a retrospective, celebrating the series' most iconic experiments, including the cement truck explosion and the lead balloon. This episode underscored the show's influence on popular culture, inspiring a generation of viewers to engage with scientific inquiry.³

Beyond the headline myths, the 2010 season included several obscure but intriguing tests. For instance, the episode 'Coffin Punch' (April 28, 2010) examined whether a person buried alive could punch through a coffin lid—the team found it impossible, but they did build a device to simulate the attempt. Another lesser-known myth, 'Soda Cup Killer' (October 6, 2010), tested whether a plastic soda cup could cause a fatal car accident if it rolled under the brake pedal; the result was 'plausible,' leading to a public safety warning. The season also featured a rare on-screen appearance by the show's executive producer, Peter Rees, who participated in a myth about whether a bullet fired into the air could kill someone on the way down—a myth that was confirmed, with a dramatic demonstration using a high-speed camera.

Build Team

The trio of Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, and Grant Imahara who tested myths separately from the main hosts.

Busted

A myth result indicating that the myth was proven false or impossible.

Plausible

A myth result indicating that the myth could happen under certain conditions, but not as stated.

Confirmed

A myth result indicating that the myth was proven true or possible.