There’s a lot to be cynical about these days. This is true for real life and for the shows that populate it. With so much negativity in the world, with so much suffering, the shows that truly make a difference stand out. That is why Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood has become so beloved. And in a slightly different way, it is why people loved Mythbusters.
There was nothing obscene or cynical about Mythbusters. It was a show that was ultimately about simply figuring stuff out. The first Mythbusters episode aired in 2003. It tackled two myths: could an amateur rocket enthusiast actually strap JATO rockets on a Chevy to make it go 300 MPH—and go airborne?