National Geographic - Science of Stupid (2014)

This is the show that combines cold hard science with some of the craziest, most spectacular and painful user generated clips ever recorded. Richard Hammond introduces all manner of mishaps featuring brave, if misguided individuals from around the world and then explains the science behind their failure and humiliation with the use of bespoke animations and super slo-mo cinematography. Each week we show between 50 and 60 clips of misadventure – ordinary folk making extraordinary mistakes. Each episode will feature several themes such as weightlifting, shooting guns or jumping over cars and each theme will be paused, re-wound, and re-played as we analyze exactly what went wrong and why. Richard Hammond explains the physics, chemistry and biology at play; he will present forensic detail to explain the stupidity that resulted in failure. He’ll look at everything including weight, volume, momentum, combustion and even how the brain operates. This is misadventure explained. This is Science of Stupid.

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Part 1:
What could possibly go wrong when attempting to jump over a moving car, trying a backflip off a brick wall, or popping a “wheelie” on a motorbike in a crowded street? Probably more than you think.


Part 2:
With claimed muzzle velocities as high as 300 kilometres per hour, potato cannons can cause some real damage. But that does not stop one man from taking a potato to the groin.


Part 3:
There is a scientific reason why dancers are virtually naked. Minimal clothing combats the pull of gravity. But if the pole is not secure, friction won’t stop a dancer from falling on her head…


Part 4:
The “Cannon Ball Ice Dude” racked up 2 million views on YouTube with his attempt to jump into a frozen pool. We break down the science behind what went wrong.


Part 5:
What happens when there’s not enough friction on a slip and slide, or too much drag after diving off a nine metre platform? We break down the science of summer fun gone wrong.


Part 6:
Who knows for how long mankind has been jumping up and down for fun, and yet we still have not perfected the art of the trampoline. We break down the science of bouncing.


Part 7:
We break down the science of a human cannon ball, and see can go wrong when attempting to run across rooftops for sport.


Part 8:
Get a crash-course in aeronautical science with home videos of paragliders colliding into trees, a moving truck and even the Statue of Liberty.


Part 9:
Richard Hammond uses science and home footage to reveal the humiliating and painful potential of riding a rodeo bull, and hanging upside down.


Part 10:
Richard Hammond combines science with home videos in order to explore the many ways we can injure or humiliate ourselves when walking on stilts, firing a sling shot or playing golf.


Part 11:
Richard explores the potential to embarrass, injure and humiliate yourself when riding a zip line, playing on swings or trying to swallow powdered cinnamon.


Part 12:
Richard uses science and home footage to reveal the humiliating and painful potential of bungee jumping, juggling and flying a kite - though not all at the same time.


Part 13:
Richard Hammond explores the potential to embarrass, injure and humiliate yourself when pole vaulting or just rolling down a hill in a trash can.


Part 14:
In this episode we explore the potential to embarrass, injure and humiliate yourself when abseiling, running up walls or flying with a jet pack.