Brainiac: Science Abuse (2003–2008)

Stars:

Jon Tickle, Neil DuCran, Moira Kan

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jon Tickle	...	Himself (38 episodes, 2003-2007)
Neil DuCran	...	Brainiac Neil (38 episodes, 2003-2007)
Moira Kan	...	Brainiac Moira (38 episodes, 2003-2007)
Joe Rowntree	...	Brainiac Joe (38 episodes, 2003-2007)
Richard Hammond	...	Himself - Presenter (37 episodes, 2003-2006)
Tom Pringle	...	Dr. Bunhead (37 episodes, 2003-2007)
Ed Arriens	...	2 Brains (37 episodes, 2003-2006)
Rachel Grant	...	Professor Myang Li (31 episodes, 2004-2007)
Daniel Norris	...	Brainiac Dan (31 episodes, 2004-2006)
Stefan D'Bart	...	Dolly Boy (31 episodes, 2005-2008)
Charlotte Hudson	...	Herself (28 episodes, 2004-2006)
Richard Greenwood	...	Brainiac Richard (28 episodes, 2003-2005)
Karen Naiker	...	Brainiac Karen (20 episodes, 2004-2005)
Peter Dickson	...	Himself (19 episodes, 2005-2007)
Sonal Patel	...	Brainiac Sonal (18 episodes, 2004-2005)
John P. Kilcoyne	...	Himself (18 episodes, 2005-2007)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

custard | stunt | microwave oven | scientific experiment | science | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Details

Official Sites:

G4TV Sky One

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 August 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Brainiac - Apithana peiramata

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), London Weekend Television (LWT)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The show courted mild controversy when it emerged that at least one of the experiments was faked by a pyrotechnics department. The alkali metals are known to react rapidly with water, producing hydrogen gas and energy, with potentially explosive results. An experiment was set up to demonstrate how these metals reacted by dropping them in water, with the expectation that the heavier alkali metals would be more potent. Lithium, sodium, potassium and rubidium reacted with increasing potency. However caesium (the heaviest of the alkali metals commonly available) simply sank to the bottom of their "tank" (a bath) before it could react significantly, which was far less dramatic than the other reactions suggested. The producers had the bath wired with explosives and blown to pieces, and presented this instead. According to a statement issued by the production company, they frequently used pyrotechnics in this way.

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Quotes

Richard Hammond: [introducing Jon Tickle walking on custard] Now, science has proven the following - man cannot walk on water. Jesus did, but he was the son of God, giving him an unfair advantage.
[pushes Jon into the pool]
Richard Hammond: As you can see, Jon Tickle cannot walk on water.
Jon Tickle: But I can walk on custard!
Richard Hammond: ...but he can walk on custard.

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Connections

Referenced in QI: Gardens (2009)

User Reviews

Funniest Science Show Ever

I started watching Brainiac from its second series and it is the funniest science show I've ever seen.

Okay, the main attraction to the show may be the massive explosions but deep within, there are lots of interesting experiments that make you remark "Wow, I don't know that!" From electrocuting celebrities, blowing caravans up to Jon Tickle walking on custard, Brainiac has the wackiest and funniest experiments ever seen on TV, a true masterpiece.

Two spin-off shows have also been produced: 'Brainiac: History Abuse' and 'Brainiac Test Tube Baby'. While 'History Abuse' was a little hit and miss, 'Test Tube Baby' was live and as funny as the main show. Sadly though both have only run for one series.