The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius is an American reality competition television series produced by Pilgrim Studios and WET for Discovery Channel in which each week contestants attempt to solve seemingly impossible engineering challenges, with one contestant being eliminated weekly until one remains, winning a cash prize and a work contract.
The series premiered in the USA on Discovery Channel on 1 May, 2013.
The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius premiered in South Africa on Discovery Channel on Wednesday 28 August 2013, at 21h25. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are eight episodes in the first season.
Synopsis
The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius features a seemingly impossible engineering challenge to be solved by the contestants each week. Competitors will have just 30 minutes to come up with a solution using their own intellect to complete the challenge.
Based on logic and design, the expert panel of judges will determine the best engineering concept and select two captains to lead their team to execute the project.
The team with the best design will remain safe, but the losers will face the judges who will determine which member will be eliminated.
The cameras will not only capture the tension and pressure in the design workshop, but will also go inside the living quarters where all the competitors must reside – dealing with each other's quirks and habits.
The winner of the competition will earn $50,000 and a one year contract to work at WET, the industry leader behind some of the world’s most innovative water-based designed environments and experiences including the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
The Big Brain Theory: Pure Genius is hosted by actor and producer Kal Penn. He is joined each week by judges Mark Fuller, President and CEO of WET and Dr. Christine Gulbranson, a nanotechnologist and renewable energy innovator.