Meltdown
Across America a new breed of urban treasure hunters are making their mark. These profiteers search for precious metals in the most unlikely places hoping to turn junk into gold. The hunt takes them from back alleys to the world of high technology. But competition is fierce with the currently struggling economy that has turned this hobby into a billion dollar industry. It's a high stakes game where one false move could spell disaster. Yet, these melters risk everything to reap their fortune.
- 2013-2013
- 1 season
- National Geographic Channel
- Reality
Across America a new breed of urban treasure hunters are making their mark. These profiteers search for precious metals in the most unlikely places hoping to turn junk into gold. The hunt takes them from back alleys to the world of high technology. But competition is fierce with the currently struggling economy that has turned this hobby into a billion dollar industry. It's a high stakes game where one false move could spell disaster. Yet, these melters risk everything to reap their fortune.
Season 1 Episode Guide
12 Episodes 2013
Episode 1
Bite the Bullet
Thu, Oct 31, 2013 23 mins
Rich gets exclusive access that may grant him a payday, but Dave finds himself at the wrong end of a shotgun, and Diego realizes he's been in the right place, but looking for the wrong things.
Episode 2
Break the Bank
Thu, Oct 31, 2013 22 mins
The hunters dig in to anything from rock crushers to abandoned bank vaults hoping to reap a reward.
Episode 3
Standing on a Gold Mine
Thu, Nov 7, 2013 22 mins
There's fortune in every step for one hunter as he uncovers gold dust right under his feet.
Episode 4
Ready to Rock-It
Thu, Nov 7, 2013 22 mins
From rocket parts to old trophies, the hunters find precious metals in some unforeseen places.
Episode 5
Coffin Up Cash
Thu, Nov 14, 2013 22 mins
Solar panels not only save money, but they make you money too. But the hunt proves more difficult when it comes to coffins.
Episode 6
Platinum Payday
Thu, Nov 14, 2013 23 mins
Where there's a golden tongue, there are golden teeth. Where there's high risk, there's a big prize.
Episode 7
Cash in the Chem Lab
Thu, Nov 21, 2013 22 mins
Where there's a weld, there's a way when the guys hope to find fortune at a salvage yard, a high school chemistry lab, and an abandoned factory.
Episode 8
Fight or Flight
Thu, Dec 5, 2013 23 mins
Diego tears apart an old airplane, Dave helps an elderly couple sell their possessions, and Rich smashes a thousand old cell phones.
Episode 9
Silver Sword, Golden Pig
Thu, Dec 12, 2013 22 mins
Diego takes a jab at the martial arts world. Rich dives into marine life, and Dave digs underground.
Episode 10
No Country for Gold Men
Thu, Dec 12, 2013 22 mins
The Gold Rush, the Wild West, and...the race track. Will the men lose it all, or win big?
Episode 11
Newcomers
Thu, Dec 19, 2013 22 mins
What do a local dentist, a medical supply warehouse, and aircraft recovery have in common? Treasure.
Episode 12
Newbies Dash for Cash
Thu, Dec 19, 2013 22 mins
Is it true that gold is in lie detectors? What happens when a hunter overpays for collectibles.