Brainiac: Science Abuse 

The show that's takes a comedic look at the world of science and asks the really important questions as well as putting stuff in microwaves

Stars:

Jon Tickle, Joe Rowntree, Tom Pringle

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jon Tickle	...	Himself 42 episodes, 2003-2008
Joe Rowntree	...	Brainiac Joe 42 episodes, 2003-2008
Tom Pringle	...	Dr. Bunhead / ... 41 episodes, 2003-2008
Neil DuCran	...	Brainiac Neil 38 episodes, 2003-2007
Moira Kan	...	Brainiac Moira 38 episodes, 2003-2007
Richard Hammond	...	Himself - Presenter 37 episodes, 2003-2006
Ed Arriens	...	2 Brains 37 episodes, 2003-2006
Rachel Grant	...	Professor Myang Li / ... 35 episodes, 2004-2008
Stefan D'Bart	...	Dolly Boy 32 episodes, 2005-2008
Daniel Norris	...	Brainiac Dan 31 episodes, 2004-2006
Charlotte Hudson	...	Herself 28 episodes, 2004-2006
Richard Greenwood	...	Brainiac Richard 28 episodes, 2003-2005
Peter Dickson	...	Himself / ... 23 episodes, 2005-2008
John P. Kilcoyne	...	Himself / ... 22 episodes, 2005-2008
Karen Naiker	...	Brainiac Karen 20 episodes, 2004-2005
Sonal Patel	...	Brainiac Sonal 18 episodes, 2004-2005

Storyline

The show that's takes a comedic look at the world of science and asks the really important questions as well as putting stuff in microwaves

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Plot Keywords:

reenactment | scientific experiment | surrealism | number in character's name | water | 

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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

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: Discoveries (2006)

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.