Penn & Teller: Bullshit! (2003–2010) User Reviews

Totally offensive and totally original and fascinating

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 11 January 2008]

The magicians, Penn and Teller, are very Libertarian in their views and because of this, their political bent is towards smaller government, less intrusive laws and a willingness to attack both Conservatives and Liberals alike. I love this Showtime series--even though occasionally it offends me. That's because 99% of the TV shows out there never think to question much of anything--even though "common knowledge" is often 100% wrong because,...well...people are stupid!

As of this date, the show has five seasons behind it and they have attacked many "sacred cows"--such as asserting that recycling is usually a BAD thing, pornography and nudity is GOOD, being fat isn't much of a health risk and religion is for idiots. While I wouldn't agree with them about their views on religion and a few other things, I love that they actually dare to address the topics and are fully exercising their first amendment rights to free speech. Plus, when I see that they are offending people for whom I have little respect, I can't help but shout "amen"! The style of the show is unique because it is a combination of a documentary, humor and crassness (with a heaping spoonful of obscenities). While I can ignore all the profanity (especially the thousands of "f-words") and I can ignore all the gratuitous nudity (which, after all, fits in with the team's Libertarian bent), I really wish they had toned this down and chosen a different title for the show because I would love to be able to show these episodes to the high school teachers I teach. Unfortunately, because of the show's style, that will never happen--or, I'll show an episode and just wait to be fired! Aside from kids, this show SHOULD be watched by everyone. Sure, it's bound to offend you--but it will also make you think and shock you out of complacency. While in the end you may not be convinced (in a couple episodes, I think their logic wasn't quite correct--though usually they were dead on target), you can't help but think and re-assess what you think and why. It's just too bad that practically NOTHING on TV today does that other than PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!.

Entertainingly hypocritical

[agentzero-626-226027 · 8/10 · 28 January 2020]

I enjoy watching this show. Obviously, Penn & Teller are an entertaining duo. One doesn't last for 25+ years in Vegas without commanding a consistent audience.

Regarding the message of the show...let's just say the title is both catchy and ironic. Roughly 50% or their claims (maybe more) are nearly as full of bull as their subjects.

The global warming episode is probably their biggest blunder, but it's also a good example of the general outline of all of their episodes: 1. Choose a controversial topic. 2. Find a bunch of fringe nut jobs to exploit. 3. Counter the claims of said nutjobs with common sense and a Dr. or Scientist if helpful.

Go ahead and watch the show. You'll probably enjoy it. If any of the topics are of true interest to you, do your own research and investigation.

The fact that Penn & Teller have appeared on exposed quack Dr. Oz tells you how much integrity they have regarding exposing BS.

This show is for entertainment purposes only.

I call bulls**t on P&T.

[kyrat · 8/10 · 22 September 2009]

The episode on second hand smoke was just a personal rant against what they saw as a curtailment of rights. They pulled the same logical fallacies, gave opinions as if they were facts, used predictions based on opinions and other tactics they accuse others of in other episodes. I'm glad to hear they had to retract this episode later (though I wish that had been on this disc to see).

Sometimes I wish they were more thorough or stayed on topic. (Mocking a survivalist camp didn't really address the issue of doomsday prophets).

Other than that, it's an interesting show. Well worth a watch, but like anything else *(and like they seem to imply) take it with a grain of salt.

Skepticism = Critical Thinking

[Buzz Vinard · 8 February 2005]

I've been a skeptical atheist for a while, now. It is great to have a show that, at the very least, confirms that I am not alone out here.

Penn and Teller are also skeptical atheists, so no one should be expecting an expose of religion to turn into an episode on the religious conversion of the duo. I don't understand many of the reviews here, suggesting that "thoughtful debate" should be the order of the day on this show. The show is called "Bullshit!" for a reason. You can count on any topic presented here as being something to be taken apart, limb by bloody limb.

The methodology they use is appropriate to their subjects. I personally hate PeTA and other extremist groups like them. The show about PeTA focused on the hypocrisy in their actions, since what they essentially offer is an extremist opinion, not science. PeTA euthanizes animals? PeTA gave financial support to convicted arsonist Rodney Cronado? PeTA vice-president Mary Beth Sweetland uses animal-based insulin, despite PeTAs firm stance that animals are "not ours to use—for food, clothing, entertainment, experimentation, or any other reason"? Holy cow!

The show about AA took a hard look at the success rate of the program, as well as focusing on the religious-based nature of the program itself, calling into question whether or not it is right for courts to order folks into it.

The debate on evolution vs. creationism being taught in public school was fascinating. The point being made, lost on many, was that creationism, "intelligent design", or any other theory that involves a divine creator is religious in nature, and therefore has no place being taught in public schools. What was seen as the outrage was that the prevailing majority religious viewpoint was being pushed to the front as a fact that all, regardless of religion, were going to be taught. This is as offensive as bizarre attempts to round off the value of pi by legislative coup.

Holistic/alternative medicine is a huge business in my home state. I know a lady who has used these remedies to help her back. I've known her for ten years, and she's been a strict adherent to these methods for at least that long. Her back has hurt for ten years, and it still does, today. There is no science at all on the side of the vast majority of these remedies. Some were even shown on this show to be aggravating to the conditions they were supposed to treat. Basic anatomy classes will show that there are no chakra points on the body, or any reflexology nerve pathways in the foot.

The main thing the guys want to get across is to use some common sense. Think critically about these kinds of things. Look at them from all angles. If a group of people offer an extremest and absolute point of view, but make exceptions for themselves, ASK WHY! If science is being trampled by religion, ASK WHY! If someone wanted your money to sell you a car, you'd have it checked out first, right? Do the same with anything holistic and/or psychic. Dig. Find some real answers. ASK WHY! And if someone wants to take your freedoms away, say NO!

When it comes to matters of opinion, Penn and Teller are not shy about their own. But they don't condescend the audience, telling what opinions they SHOULD have, just asking them to question the opinions and beliefs they DO have. Opinions and beliefs that can stand up to critical thinking deserve to be held on to. Those that can't are bullshit. That's the whole point of the show.

I do hope that the show returns soon. It's still at the top of my Tivo list, though an episode has not aired in months.

And if either of you guys read your own reviews, check it out: The two men who founded "Exodus International", a Christian "gay conversion" group ended up leaving the organization and their wives for each other. Please do a show about this!

A series of entertaining, skeptical looks at common phenomena.

[steyr-1 · 10/10 · 8 July 2009]

There is something rather suitable about two illusionists debunking frauds, scams and illusions. Penn & Teller should know what is real and isn't, and most of the time they do. Even though I do not agree with everything they claim (for example, Gun Control is not bullshit, it works and there is a ton of evidence for it) and even thought they use some media-tricks to make their points, it's most often a point well made. Most importantly, skepticism is a very necessary thing in this world which is so full of assholes who will tell you anything to get their hands on your money. That is the disease of the "western culture". Penn & Teller is the cure.

Best show on TV

[tmnoble · 10/10 · 30 December 2006]

Penn and Teller Bull$#!t is one of, if not THE best show on the boob tube these days. They call people out for what they are, frauds and opportunists who prey on the weak willed, weak minded, and easy targets. I agree with everything that I've seen on this show, each and every episode, and all Penn and Teller do is expose more reasons to be a sarcastic, cynical, question-asking naysayer. This is about the only show that I will say is worth what you pay for the DVDs 100%! They are great to watch over and over, and to show to whatever friends come by, and expose them to the brilliance! Not to mention, that if you enjoy this show (and who wouldn't), you have to check out Penn's free radio show, it's full of the same irreverence and monkey love that I've come to expect from the big loud-mouth member of the magic team!

Funny and serious.

[dalsgaard · 10/10 · 11 May 2009]

Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Is something else. Imagine watching a mix between Mythbusters and South Park - and you will pretty much have Bullshit apart from the occasional magic and illusion performance.

It makes its living portraying many different organizations, big or small, from many outskirts of life which the hosts deem to be based on fraudulent premises.

The format seems to have all matter of audiences in mind, as it explores everything from conspiracy theories, prostitution, porn, and 9/11 attacks - to the love of dogs and belief in the supernatural abilities of dolphins.

I am a skeptic myself, and have found myself agreeing with the series on all but one of the topics. Some of the arguments portrayed against the ideologies and systems they debunk are very well grounded in rationale and logic, while at other times, they attack it vigorously with inane attempts humor. Most of these attempts are successful, and to use the Bullshit rhetoric: 'Is f***** goddamn f*** f*** funny as f***'.

To say that their evaluation of the topics at hand is unbiased, would be ridiculous - as it is quite clear from the beginning that the off-hand comments delivered seem to be handpicked. The obvious bias is portrayed in such a way that it seems overblown, and this heightens the comedic value, and makes you forgive a lot of the degradation.

If you are conservative, this may not be an interesting watch, unless you are highly sadistic - as you can be fairly certain that a big part of your belief-systems will be challenged through-out the series.

Sometimes, in order to target a broader audience, the attempts at humor through shock-value can perhaps be a bit much to your average viewer. Some of the arguments they use are not grounded in scientific studies but rather common sense or cultural standards. They will degrade the opposition to a huge extent, sometimes unnecessarily, in order to score 'frat points'.

Do not be fooled by this however, as there is so much intelligence behind the seemingly inane comedy-show that I will recommend it to any viewer who enjoys challenging the gray matter between their ears. The show is constantly walking a fine line between funny, or serious. Cynical or critical. Reasonable, or outrageous. And it manages to come across well enough to sneak onto the comedy scene, while at the same time getting its vital points across . It is beautifully designed and executed in this manner, and does it far better than any other shows I have seen thus far.

All in all, Bullshit! is a challenge to your intellect and your belief-system all summed up with a high dose of rude in-your-face humor and dark comedy unlike anything I have seen on TV before. No matter who you are, if you are interested in truth - watch it.

One Of Vegas Class Acts

[DKosty123 · 10/10 · 10 April 2010]

This series takes serious issues (recently the fast food proposals) & uses experts to go over both sides of the argument. Penn & Teller entertaining host this tour & of course add their spin to the issue. While it is not their traditional magic act, this series on pay cable is worthwhile viewing as they try to sift out the Bull S**** on serious issues. Penn speaks & Tellers illustrates everything about the issue as they go along, & they do keep things going with good humor.

Penn & Teller are one of the class acts in Las Vegas. They are outstanding performers who you should try to see @ the RIO when your there.

Penn does most of the talking in this team that I'd equate to the Laurel & Hardy of Magic. At six feet and seven inches, he towers over lots of folks. Intellectually, he towers over lots of folks too. Very often his dialogs are so cerebral that his logic goes over the audiences heads. Usually when that happens, he realizes what he has done and explains it to the folks who have been lost on the way.

Teller is in a class by himself. He does not speak, but his actions often speak as loud as Penns words. Together they are as unique as any team operating today. They do lots of enjoyable things & are sure to please any audience. Their comedy is as great as their magic. Bullshit highlights this quite well.

When I saw them @ the RIOS in Vegas, they put on a great show too. They start seating the audience in their theater an hour early. A Jazz Pianist & Bass Player play tunes for that entire hour to warm up the audience. There is an audience participation activity during the music as well.

Then they do a series of acts that are quite astounding. After their live show, they meet with everyone in the lobby for photos, autographs & show overall their class & showmanship. During this recession, they are one of the few acts who have "Sold more mementos than last year." While your @ the RIO, besides visiting Penn & Tellers lounge, try to visit the VOODOO lounge. You will enjoy the experience, & it is just a little bonus to the show.

Bullshit is not too be missed on TV, & their live show is not too be missed in Vegas. I am still looking for the blonde that disappeared during the show, I had a date with her.

What a brilliant show.

[mazunderscore · 10/10 · 28 February 2007]

without having previously heard anything about it's content; tonight i watched quite a few episodes of penn and teller: bull****.

what. a. brilliant. show.

for some reason i had it in my head that it was a sitcom of sorts, but this part exposé, part comedy, part documentary series is absolutely terrific and far from an ordinary show.

the episode that delved into the historical and scientific inaccuracies of the bible is so far my favourite. they went into some of the bull**** stories within the bible like: adam and eve, noahs ark, the parting of the red sea, the ten commandments...and my favourite bull**** story of all time...Jesus!!

although penn and teller clearly have their point of view in each episode and of course they voice them, they get people from both sides of the argument to tell their beliefs, ideals and stories so you get a clear and concise chance to agree or disagree. some of the stuff in the episode about prostitutes i was a bit edgy about. so much i agree with, but at the same time i think they spent too much time showing the good side and not the bad side. making sure there is only a good side to prostitution seems too much like pie in the sky simplicity to me.

BUT that is just one of the many reasons this show f*****g rules; it's interesting enough for me to want more and actually form an opinion about something topical after watching it! not to mention the fact that it's f*****g hilarious. (and there are naked people)

i know this has never been and will never be on prime time television (except lucky old cable), due to the swearing, nudity, drug themes etc etc...and probably just the content it's self, but you MUST find and watch this show. download it off the net, order the DVD, steal cable, harvest your organs for TV money!!

do something!! but you must see this show.

Hilarious, informative, and just plain fun!

[GKx · 10/10 · 14 June 2006]

I came across this gem last year during a free preview of Showtime. I watched all the clips from the show that I could find online and was hooked.

I bought the DVD's and have let all my friends watch it too. It's just a great and fun show! I've learned so much about smoking, death, and much more that I would have never cared about otherwise.

It's presented in a fun format where profanity is key and used perfectly to express Penn & Teller's (OK, not verbally with Teller) feelings towards the topics.

If you're looking to have some fun and learn some stuff at the same time then check out Bullshit!

Funny at times, but not to be taken to seriously.

[dutchfartpolice · 6/10 · 3 May 2018]

A series full of debunking trough shallow paper thin arguments, based on "common sense" and led by the ideals of pen and teller.

Troughout the series you will find times you agree with them and times you don't, but none of it is presented with very convincing arguments but full of riducule.

I guess it is though provoking and helps you think deeper about the world around you, i just think penn and teller aren't the right persons to lead their audience in this endevour. As magicians they are masters of social engineering, redirection and reframing, and it shows in this series.

As entertainment it is passable i guess. I doubt most people see it as such though, but rather use it as validation of their allready held beliefs. In that context it pretty much is useless information full of questionable sources and shallow reasoning and logic. It isn't any worse then anything else on tv though, i guess this is as good as it gonna get.

Very entertaining and thought provoking

[FatherTime · 9/10 · 29 October 2009]

Bullshit is the longest running series on Showtime and has just been renewed for season 8.

Basically with each episode Penn and Teller take a topic and declare it, or some aspects of it to be Bullshit. For example in the episode hypnosis they seek to debunk some of the more far out things people claim hypnosis can help achieve but never state that hypnosis itself doesn't exist. On the other hand the lie detector show basically said (in no uncertain terms) that polygraphs are completely worthless for detecting the truth or lies.

The typical format of the show is Penn and Teller introduce the topic at hand and then get people to defend the topic and people who think the topic is bs in some way.

The people however do not appear on the set or (with a couple exceptions) interact with each other but instead are just interviews taped for the show. The people that appear can range from pundits, experts, professors, government officials, doctors, political activists, all the way down to people who are just nuts (not as in mentally diseased).

While they show the clips Penn does a voice over and once in a while Penn and Teller interrupt these clips with their own segments. These typically are used to illustrate a certain point or argument that Penn and Teller would like to make, in an amusing way and only rarely go on for pure comedy. For example in the 12 stepping episode Penn reads out loud the 12 steps while Teller 'illustrates' them with a little performance mocking them. In another episode on the idea that video game violence makes people violent they responded to the idea that games can train kids to kill with Teller playing tennis on a video game console. A tennis player comes over and hands Teller a tennis racket saying "you might want to use this" after which he serves Teller a ball from across the room really fast. Teller misses and leaps back a little from fright. These segments can be pretty funny and while the experts have their degrees to give them credibility it doesn't stop Penn and Teller from making good points.

Penn and Teller's style can be best summed up as blunt. For the most part they don't pull punches and are not above insulting their opponents or swearing (as you can tell from the title). They also never insult their audience's intelligence or pretend things need more explaining than they actually do. They also have nudity on the show, so much so that it's become a running gag.

The topics they pick sometimes dwell into religion (they had a whole episode on the Bible and another recently on the Vatican) and politics. Penn and Teller's politics are libertarian so they have no qualms about bashing the mainstream left (including environmentalists) or the mainstream right. They've done shows advocating that prostitution, weed and gay marriage be legalized, and have bashed uber-patriotism they've bashed the Endangered species act, reparations, sensitivity training and wal-mart hatred.

For the most part they're generally hit or miss. When they miss they can still be funny and when they hit they can be truly entertaining and convincing.

I've been a fan for 2 years and I'm excited it got renewed for season 8.

Favorite episodes: Lie Detectors Cryptozoology War on Drugs The Death Penalty PETA Ground Zero

Objective and bias - well, yeah

[sparrowspearl882 · 7/10 · 7 September 2009]

I believe that Penn and Teller have stated in several of their shows that they realize the bias and non-objective status of some of their material. Just goes to prove that as hosts of their own show, they have the freedom to call anything B.S. that they want to.

Obviously, the main purpose of the show is not to inform the audience of everything they THINK is B.S. But with some things, objectivity can't prove anything, no matter how clean it is (objectivity or not, religion isn't going away).

So, I find it a bit harsh to expel this show due to some, repeat, some bias, when I think it would be literally impossible to go on for seven seasons without some of it. Penn and Teller tell us to expect it - so expect it.

Very biased, very stupid show...

[wouellfee · 1/10 · 23 May 2006]

I've seen quite a few episodes of Penn & Teller's show. And I have to say it's terrible. In more ways than one. It poses as an informative show and tries to show or disprove what they think is bullshit without REALLY looking at the evidence. They have the habit of bringing in 1-2 EXPERTS who are completely on their side...and then they bring in 2-3 morons who poorly represent the other side.

If you want your decisions made for you by stage magicians, this is the show for you. If not, I recommend you open up your mind and do some ACTUAL research. And if you're intellectually honest with yourself you may get some REAL answers.

Penn, Teller, keep your magic tricks on the stage pretty please.

Best. TV Show. Ever.

[warlokc · 3 April 2004]

Wow. This should be mandatory viewing for the entire human race. Con men of all stripes hate this show, and with good reason. If enough people see it, they'll be out of business. To re-cap the first season: Bottled water is the same as tap water. Your penis can't be enlarged. "Intelligent Design" isn't. ESP -an old con debunked 10,000 times over. When will people learn. As for "talking to the dead" -these people deserve prison.

And already in the 2nd season we've seen that PETA is a terrorist organization.

Of course, I already knew a lot of this stuff, but Penn and Teller do a fine job of presenting the truth with humor.

Wow

[amazinz2006 · 10/10 · 23 January 2008]

This is one of the most brutally honest, entertaining shows i've seen in a long time. Penn is just hilarious, i constantly find myself laughing out loud from his comments. Teller is entertaining as he could be, being silent. With each episode, Penn & Teller delve in to the many contradictions of our society. Granted, they do overdo it just a tad in their interviews by making the subject look preposterous, but it is definitely entertaining enough to bear. While some episodes i might not agree with, they portray a different facet of it which i never thought of.

Overall this show is great. I would give 4 out of 5 stars easily

Arrogant, angry and totally refreshing.......

[XtwentyoneC · 9/10 · 15 January 2007]

To start with, i shall not give a breakdown of the series, nor show specific points of interest, what i will do however is comment on Penn and Tellers approach on Bullshit.

Abrasive, rude, arrogant, and refreshing.

It is hard for me to believe that many people can still believe in talking to the dead or having psychic surgery despite the complete lack of credible evidence, and yet many do.Everyday.Perhaps even people you know, and so i say tell every one you talk to about this show.

There were several entertaining facts i had not known before, but after years of calling people on there bullshit I've heard most of the stories before, just never as wittily put nor as entertaining to listen too.

So, does the anger that people notice in the show seem justified? i believe it is, as not only myself but many, many people around the world still cannot believe American classes approved ID for school lessons.This is only one small fact in a bucket of B.S that i am intimately familiar with, and i urge any person with even the slightest interest in there world, and the sharks who walk on land, to watch this show.

Truly excellent show, entertaining format and a refreshing change from the blatantly religious or irrelevant shows they usually label "television".

If you like this show, try to watch "The God Who Wasn't There", you will likely be surprised by what you find out.

Cowscat: the greatest show on earth

[erich242 · 10/10 · 15 September 2006]

I just want to say that this is the single greatest show on TV. Somehow Penn & Teller managed to make a funny, scary and timely show that is just chock full of good information and very well researched. They are smart enough to not outright bash the uninformed with their opinions; instead they inundate the viewer with tons of credible sources and let them decide for themselves. The goal of this show is to break up stigmas & misconceptions about things that are widely thought of as true IE: Recycling, PETA, Bottled Water and a whole other laundry list of the stuff we just blindly accept. If you see any of the Bullshit DVDs for sale you really should just buy them outright, you won't be disappointed. -Erich Von

...and hilarity ensued

[killbot-prime · 8/10 · 24 July 2008]

I love this show. It's far from perfect, but it is indeed entertaining and more accurate than not.

Almost as amusing to me as the show, however, are the people who find it so offensive and feel that they must attack it. Reading the submissions, I have taken great pleasure in chortling at the pre-literate scrawlings of those who hate the show the most. The majority of the negative comments are quite nearly illegible.

To all of the misguided people who think the show is "right wing": Penn and Teller are libertarians (note the lower case l, it's important) and should never be referred to as "right wing" by anyone with a clue. (l)ibertarians find left and right to be equally pathetic and almost universally wrong.

P&T are entertainers who perform 6 nights a week in Las Vegas where they make a great deal of money. Their income from Showtime is not going to come close to their Vegas earnings, so if you were thinking they're selling out, you're wrong and will need to start the critical thinking process over again.

Yes, they employ vulgarity, nudity, and snarky comments in their war on stupidity and institutional ignorance. No, they don't always argue as completely or compellingly as one might hope, but they are out there doing something that no one else is bothering to do...and they're doing it pretty well.

American Communists have the DNC and NPR; American Fascists have the GOP and Fox News. Us libertarians apparently only get P&T for 30 minutes a week.

I'll gratefully accept BS! as it is until Penn & Teller die or someone else does it better. After all, I think for myself and I know entertainment when I see it.

Everyone should watch these! Entertaining & you will learn something too!

[TheEmulator23 · 9/10 · 30 August 2009]

This is one of those shows that you can just seeing it being pitched to the Showtime Executives. Getting a strange look back at you, then doing just one episode show it to them & think, "Wow we may have something here." What's even worse is that Penn & Teller could do this show for the rest of time & never cover all the B.S. in this world & particularly American Society. I recommend everyone to see at least one these shows & I dare you that you won't be hooked. If you aren't hooked it's probably because it attacked something you believe in & they DESTROYED what you thought no matter how absurd. Do I agree w/everything they say, well about 95% you bet I do. What's most sad though is that even after all of the proof about how wrong you are or what you believer however irrational it may be, people continue to think they are right! Just a few of my favorite episodes were on the absurdity of Bottled Water, Conspiracy theories, & the best of all of them was showing what a hypocrite the lady who runs P.E.T.A is. If you see any of the fantastic shows watch the one about PETA! It will destroy what a joke the whole thing is & what a piece of garbage the lady who runs it is & how she supports things like firebombing, never gives a straight answer, & rakes in the cash from however misguided but people that think they are helping. Please watch this show & maybe it will catch on so that many of these things can be destroyed or crushed in their entirety.

Outstanding!

[Blueghost · 10/10 · 8 March 2015]

Everything I knew and believed in since I was a little boy, has been proved to be true by Penn and Teller.

From churches, to security, to rehabilitation, to martial arts, to the boy scouts, to the bible, to UFOs, to anything else.

This is now my 4th favorite show of all time. And that's important, because prior to that I only had three; original 1960's "Star Trek", "Cadfael" and "Sharpe's Rifles". But now "Penn and Teller's Bullsh*t!" has made that list. Even Carl Sagan's "COSMOS" doesn't make that list, and loved that show.

There is nothing extraordinary about this show other than these men, their cast, their crew, have the gumption and audacity to skewer the most high profile sacred cows through their exposing hucksters and frauds on all levels.

From the jerk who gives lie detector tests, to the nut cases who trespass into Area 51 looking for aliens, to a similar group who claim to have been molested by said ETs, to the paranoids who claim "9/11 was an inside job", to the less paranoid but strangely more articulate and more deceptive health-meisters who want to do away with fast food, to the crime that is exposing young women to the hazards of cheerleading industry without better oversight, to any other falsehood you can think of.

The only thing I ever disagreed with was one select stance on the death penalty, and even then it was under special circumstances, and even then those special circumstances would have to be extraordinary.

I'm am so sorry and regretful that I did NOT see this program when it first aired. I consider that a personal tragedy.

There's lots of swearing, quite a bit of nudity, and the occasional sexual situation. But I swear to you that this documentary series ranks up there with "The World at War", James Burke's "Connections", as I mentioned earlier Carl Sagan's "COSMOS" and any National Geographic special or NOVA. It's that good.

There are some notable changes in production from the first few seasons to the last few; notably that the last few seasons were shot with hi- definition cameras, and the CGI titles were a little more sleek. Some reviewers have mentioned that the subjects tackled in either the 2nd or 3rd season were not as hard hitting. As I've watched this series I've not noticed any change in social veracity of the topics chosen for the show. Some may be more "profound" to some than others, but otherwise every topic is compelling.

I can't say enough good things about this show. I missed it, and am kicking myself for missing it the first time, but lo and behold, thanks to the miracle of online streaming, I am catching up.

Am I a fan-boy? Perhaps. But imagine you were told your entire life that a bunch of artificial human social institutions were right, when all the time you knew they were wrong, and, you were berated for disagreeing, and, could not find barely a single soul to share your views, and then, suddenly, you saw an entire show and audience dedicated to your point of view on the world. That's the impact this show has had on this particular viewer.

Again; as great as this series is, it's not for the feint of heart for those of you with issues in etiquette. But hey, there's even a show on that, and one on swearing.

You must see this series. A must for all critical thinkers.

It's educational and fun

[hazysistersunshine33 · 7/10 · 3 August 2014]

This is a Penn & Teller Showtime original where the duo explores the more humorous side of several controversial subjects from The Apocalypse, Having a perfect body, Cheerleaders, Perfect lawns, etc. They really make you think about these subjects in different ways. It's always funny and always witty and always pretty crude and rude, which I love. Since it's on Showtime they can show nudity to prove a point and there's plenty of expletives. It's half-hour long, so it's a nice quickie and you may learn something. It's educational and fun. Even if you don't agree with them on everything, I think you will still get a kick out of it.

I was once an atheist. Haha!

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

During my short stint as an atheist due thanks of YouTube (and being raised as Christian) that allowed me to learn about religion and history. I came upon P&T. They took out a shotty and blew holes into Christianity and religion. They were good talkers and the presentation was engaging. Not only that, but they didn't hold back. Furthermore, they also touched on psychics and mediums. They were just so great to listen to because they would blow holes into the false abominations.

They also did magic tricks, which was impressive as well. The big guy does all the talking, while his partner in crime doesn't say much at all. He usually does magic tricks as his partner talks.

The way the show spoke about religion and phony psychics is what caught my attention the most. They had a great show, and they are very underrated.

Objective viewing?

[johan-259 · 3/10 · 31 July 2006]

God this is terrible journalism. I can't see the point of discrediting actual issues by mixing them up with spiritual goofs and use eccentric fanatics as front figures for let's say global warming. When you get so many hurricanes in one year that you run out of names, there's something going on. The last show I saw, they tried to wave away the dangers of passive smoking. I'm curious about who's really paying for this show. I get the feeling that there is some hidden lobbyism in this program.

I used to consider Penn & Teller two funny magicians (except for the lousy acting in "Sabrina"). Nowadays I think they are sellouts who's obviously not doing well with the magic business (cause then they wouldn't have to take part of this crap, would they?). I mean, who listens to a magician when it comes to global warming and long term problems with genetic manipulation?

Best Approached With an Open Mind

[menardi · 30 July 2003]

Showtime's recent series 'Bullshit!' garners widely-varying responses from viewers-- it has fanatically devoted fans as well as those downright offended by it. Abandoning Penn & Teller's usual material, dispelling myths surrounding magicians and magic, 'Bullshit!' is based on the duo's more serious beliefs. With episodes critiquing beliefs many people hold dear to their hearts, such as religion and environmentalism, 'Bullshit!' is an excellent show if you're looking for more than just the same old sensationalist garbage on television. Using a satisfying blend of humor and journalism, 'Bullshit!' is entertaining and informative. ****