Ep 3. Commercial Myths

In Season 16, Episode 3 of the renowned science-themed television series, MythBusters, titled "Commercial Myths," the ingenuous team of Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman continue their quest to unveil the truth behind widespread myths and urban legends. In this thrilling episode, they set their sights on dispelling some of the most popular tales derived from commercials.

As the episode commences, the MythBusters dive headfirst into their first myth-busting expedition, which centers around a classic ad that claims "you can't make a brick of processed cheese withstand the forces of a semi-truck." In their typical fashion, the intrepid duo crafts an elaborate experiment to investigate the veracity of this statement. Utilizing an array of trucks, cranes, and of course, copious amounts of processed cheese, Adam and Jamie meticulously construct a large-scale experiment to put this claim to the ultimate test. Through innovative engineering, they aim to determine if the cheese brick can indeed survive the immense pressure exerted by a semitruck's wheels. Will this myth be confirmed, or is it nothing more than marketing hype?

Continuing their investigation into commercial claims, Adam and Jamie move on to another intriguing myth that permeates the auto industry. This myth revolves around the notion that undercoating a car significantly improves its resistance to rust. To navigate the complexities of this myth, the MythBusters acquire a selection of used vehicles and divide them into test groups. One group receives the recommended undercoating treatment, while the other remains untreated. In a rigorous series of tests, including submerging the cars in a harrowing rust bath, Adam and Jamie scrutinize the impact of undercoating on the cars' overall rust protection. Will the myth hold up under these controlled conditions, or will it be revealed as mere salesmanship?

As the episode progresses, the dynamic duo turns their attention to an iconic ad that claims, "just one sheet of industrial-strength paper towel cannot possibly hold a 1-pound brick." Intrigued by this unlikely statement, Adam and Jamie embark on a mission to unravel the truth. Constructing a specialized rig, they devise a remarkable experiment to gauge the tensile strength of a single sheet of paper towel. Can this seemingly fragile material defy expectations and uphold the weight of a hefty brick on its own? The MythBusters eagerly set out to uncover the surprising outcome.

In a departure from their usual myths, Adam and Jamie take on an unconventional commercial claim that boasts "one blender can indeed pulverize the very contents of another blender." Curious whether this advertising statement holds up in reality, the duo designs an intricate setup to pit blender against blender in a showdown of crushing power. With the assistance of an array of fruits, vegetables, and even a few unexpected items, they hope to determine if one blender can truly assert dominance over its mechanical counterpart. The stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable experiment that could revolutionize the way we perceive blender capabilities.

Wrapping up this captivating episode, the MythBusters tackle an extraordinary myth inspired by a popular commercial that claims, "a car can drive through a flying billboard." With the aid of an aerodynamically engineered billboard, Adam and Jamie unleash the power of a vehicle and put this outlandish assertion to the test. Employing high-speed cameras and state-of-the-art tracking systems, they meticulously analyze the journey of the car as it confronts the airborne billboard. Will this myth become a reality or will the forces at play risk their audacious endeavor?

In Season 16, Episode 3 of MythBusters, "Commercial Myths," Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman combine their relentless curiosity and scientific expertise to scrutinize a collection of legendary claims originating from the world of commercial advertising. With their trademark ingenuity and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to separate fact from fiction. Prepare to be captivated by the myth-busting adventures that challenge our perceptions and redefine the limits of possibility.