Confirmed: ‘MythBusters’ will end in 2016, Discovery Channel says

Sorry, “MythBusters” fans, but this one’s confirmed: The trailblazing reality series will come to an end early next year, Discovery Channel announced Wednesday.

The popular show, on which hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman apply the scientific method to test the validity of conventional wisdom, urban legends and pop culture moments will return for its 14th and final season on Jan. 9.

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“‘Mythbusters’ is — and will always be — an incredibly important part of Discovery’s history. Adam and Jamie are enormous talents who have brought learning and science to the forefront of this network,” said Discovery Channel President Rich Ross in a statement.

“MythBusters,” which premiered in 2003, is the longest-running series on the network. Over the years, Savage and Hyneman have evaluated the story of Benjamin Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm, the science of “Breaking Bad” and the legend of Archimedes’ solar ray, an episode that President Obama appeared on in 2010. “MythBusters” has been nominated for seven Emmy Awards and is widely credited with encouraging interest in science.

In separate interviews with Entertainment Weekly, Savage and Hyneman, who also are executive producers of the series, cited an array of factors in the decision to bring “MythBusters” to an end. Savage pointed to the show’s declining ratings, while Hyneman was more vague. “It’s just time,” he said, also noting his discomfort in front of the camera. (Another possible factor: the famously frosty relationship between the hosts.)

Discovery promises “MythBusters” will go out with a bang: Savage and Hyneman will “tackle some of the biggest myths they’ve ever tested” in the show’s final season, said the network.

A “MythBusters” marathon will also air on sister network Science Channel from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3.

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