TV series
Brainiac is The Alternative science series that shows you the experiments you were never allowed to do in school. Richard Hammond aims to answer the scientific questions that have been bothering us all such as what you shouldn't put in a microwave and Do mobile phones really cause explosions in petrol stations.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
You can also buy it from Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Brainiac is The Alternative science series that shows you the experiments you were never allowed to do in school. Richard Hammond aims to answer the scientific questions that have been bothering us all such as what you shouldn't put in a microwave and Do mobile phones really cause explosions in petrol stations.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Vic Reeves takes over as the new host of Brainiac for a fifth series. This week the brainiacs are testing out such things as: can you run through a wall of sellotape and what is the fastest means of transport for your luggage!
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 2
.Vic Reeves tests the fire resistance of a meringue, and assists Jon Tickle in an attempt to create a DIY earthquake using Dynamite. Plus, Rik Waller takes part in the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 3
Vic Reeves, Jon Tickle and Charlotte Hudson join forces to wreak havoc in the laboratory, and try to answer a selection of puzzling scientific questions. The trio are joined by GMTV weather presenter Clare Nasir, who takes part in the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 4
Vic Reeves, Jon Tickle and Charlotte Hudson continue their madcap antics and try to answer a selection of puzzling scientific questions. This week the Braniacs are joined by Tony Hadley on helium and The Salon's Ricardo Reido as he attempts the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 5
Vic Reeves, Jon Tickle and Charlotte Hudson continue to wreak havoc in the laboratory, and try to answer a selection of puzzling scientific questions. The trio are joined by former England cricketer Mark Butcher, who attempts the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 6
Lady Isabella Hervey accepts the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge while she trains at the gym. The Braniacs fill a shed full of fireworks, and attempt to make a knickerbocker glory in a microwave. Vic Reeves and his team attempt to answer the questions that have baffled scientists for years.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 7
Vic Reeves attempts to create music using rockets, and Jon Tickle carries out an experiment to see if the additive monosodium glutamate really does enhance the taste of foods. Eddie the Eagle joins the madcap team and accepts the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 8
Vic Reeves and Jon Tickle attempt to find the best rocket fuel using takeaway food such as pizza and kebabs, and Sky News presenter Kay Burley agrees to take the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 9
Vic Reeves and Jon Tickle attempt to find out how destructive a water bomb can be, and a father tests his son's honesty by seeing how far he can throw him. Plus, DJ Brandon Block takes on the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution Challenge.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 10
Vic Reeves sets out to create a personal rocket pack aimed at improving commuting times, and 2008 Strictly Come Dancing champion Camilla Dallerup faces the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution Challenge. Meanwhile, Jon Tickle tries to find out whether it would be more painful being hit when it is cold than when it is warm.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 11
Horse-racing pundit John McCririck undergoes the Celebrity Day Job Electrocution Challenge, while Vic Reeves and Jon Tickle test the flying abilities of household objects. Plus, a look at the crumbliest foods and an experiment to try out a variety of alternative fire extinguishers, including a steam roller and explosives.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode 12
To mark the last in the series of Brand New Brainiac: Science Abuse, Vic Reeves and the team celebrate the most competitive day in the school calendar - Sports Day. Which national dress is the best outfit for swimming? Will it be the kilt and sporran of the Scots or the lederhosen of Germany? In Stuff Nasa Never Tried, Vic attempts to discover whether rockets can help you play football and Olympic silver medallist Iwan Thomas falls prey to Brainiac's top tips for cheating in a race.
Where to watch Brainiac: Science AbuseEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Vic ReevesSelf - Host
Charlotte HudsonSelf - Host
Richard HammondSelf - Host
Jon TickleSelf - Host
Thaila ZucchiSelf - Host
Rachel Grant
Kate Lawler
Phillip Schofield
Sky OneUnited Kingdom
ITV StudiosUnited Kingdom
Granada ProductionsUnited Kingdom
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