#34Number of Seasons (To Date): 6
Years Active: 2003 - Present
Network: Showtime
Penn and Teller: Bullshit! is biased, but they are extremely upfront about it. The show involves the two Las Vegas magicians tearing to pieces groups, ideas, movements and "common knowledge" they deem, well, bullshit. The first season mainly focused on things that didn't really need to be labeled bullshit, since most sensible people would already know this. ESP, talking to the dead, and alien abductions are pretty ridiculous. But as the series went on, the duo delved into subjects that some people would never think to question. But even in the episodes that one may not agree with remain entertaining.
Penn and Teller use an argument style that isn't exactly journalistic, which they not only admit to in the first episode, but explain its purpose. By referring to the people and things they are criticizing as assholes and bullshit, they are less likely to get slapped with a slander lawsuit than if they use terms like fraud and liar. The amazing thing about the show is the fact that they can still get opponents of their viewpoint to appear on the show. According to the duo, they inform their guests of their position, and in order for them to show footage of anyone, release forms must be signed (or there would be lawsuits a-plenty).
While there are a few less-than-stellar episodes, most of the ones about "obvious" bullshit are pretty good, since these ones tend to have the best "Bullshit Experiments". But the best episodes are the ones which take things that most people don't normally perceive as bullshit, but make so much sense after the show. The never-ending parade of holier-than-thou guests never stops being entertaining, and the whole "love to hate" aspect is half the fun of the series.
Up next: #33...
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