Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2003 - 2003
Episode 1
Talking to the Dead
Fri, Jan 24, 200327 mins
The magicians Penn and Teller follow the tradition of Harry Houdini and set out to debunk supernatural fraud in the first episode of a series designed to expose B.S. artists of all kinds. First they explain their overuse of profanity. The terms "liar," "quack" and "scam artist" will expose them to the more litigious of their subjects; but various obscene terms are legally acceptable. Choosing obscene terms over more precise ones will help keep them out of court. Later, they profile the celebrity psychics, John Edward and James Van Praagh, who claim to speak with their clients' dead loved ones. They set out to debunk Rosemary Altea, who professes the same ability. Mark Edward is a psychic as well, but his motivation for appearing on this show proves a surprise.
Episode 2
Alternative Medicine
Fri, Jan 31, 200329 mins
Penn and Teller set out to debunk reflexology, which is applying pressure to the feet to cure various illnesses; and magnet therapy, which is using magnets on the body to do the same. They also investigate chiropractors and discover that while these doctors can deliver the same benefits as good masseurs, they aren't able to treat diseases unrelated to the spine. Meanwhile, they test the gullibility of the public at a local mall by offering magnetic hats and "snail mucus" facials.
Episode 3
Alien Abductions
Fri, Feb 7, 200330 mins
Penn and Teller and crew visit a UFO convention and attend a therapy session for alien abductees. They find mostly sincere people, and a couple of insincere jokesters, at the convention. They theorize the ones seeking therapy are getting exactly the kind they don't need. The debunkers debunk alien implants and the idea that Bush senior and Bush junior are reptilian aliens. Meanwhile, Penn blames alien abduction for being late to the taping; and Teller makes out with an alien baby.
Episode 4
End of the World
Fri, Feb 14, 200329 mins
Penn and Teller debunk the believers of the Nostradamus prophecies, which seem to mean anything their enthusiasts want them to mean. A survivalist camp provides instruction on how to survive in the woods when the end of the world nears; but two Brooklyn infiltrators take a dim view of the proceedings. Christian authors peddle end-of-the-world stories, such as "Left Behind" and "The Late, Great Planet Earth," and inspire Penn's profane epithets that question their integrity.
Episode 5
Second Hand Smoke/Baby Bullshit
Fri, Feb 21, 200330 mins
In the first segment, we learn that claims about the danger of second-hand smoke are false, even while anti-smoking crusaders are using dubious studies to support their attempts to ban smoking in public places. Segment two shows us the lack of evidence for marketers' claims that their videos, computer programs, CDs and other products can really make your baby smarter.
Episode 6
Sex, Sex, Sex
Fri, Feb 28, 200330 mins
Penn and Teller look at what people will do to increase their penis and breast size, and the scams merchants that will help them do it.
Episode 7
Feng Shui/Bottled Water
Fri, Mar 7, 200329 mins
Three different Feng Shui "experts" are asked for their advice on changing the layout of a room. Penn and Teller also ask why we are buying bottled water when tap water is just as good.
Episode 8
Creationism
Fri, Mar 14, 200326 mins
Penn and Teller take a look at creationism, or intelligent design as it would like to be known, and how it is trying to force its way into American schools.
Episode 9
Self-Helpless
Fri, Mar 21, 200329 mins
Penn and Teller take a look at the self-help industry, and find out why walking on hot coals can make you a better person.
Episode 10
ESP
Fri, Mar 28, 200327 mins
Penn and Teller expose spoon bending, remote viewing, psychic ability and telepathy, for the scams that they are.
Episode 11
Eat This!
Fri, Apr 4, 200326 mins
Penn and Teller look at peoples obsession with dieting and health foods, and the industry that surrounds them.
Episode 12
Ouija Boards/Near Death Experiences
Fri, Apr 11, 200326 mins
Penn and Teller expose Ouija Boards and the myth of people experiencing Near Death Experiences by scientifically looking at evidence.
Episode 13
Environmental Hysteria
Fri, Apr 18, 200329 mins
Penn and Teller look at some of the more extreme claims of the various environmental organizations.
