The series premiered on March 18, 2012.[1][2] The show pits two teams of various backgrounds against each other to build an elaborate chain reaction contraption (sometimes also referred to as a "Rube Goldberg" machine or device). Teams are provided with identical sets of tools and materials and are given five days to construct a series of mechanisms based on a predetermined theme. Midway through each week, the teams are provided with a surprise "missing link" item that they must add to the middle of their machines. The winner would be selected by Savage, Hyneman, and a guest judge.
History
Discovery Channel announced Unchained Reaction, described by Savage as his "super secret project", on January 20, 2012.[3] In the announcement, Savage said he and Hyneman wanted to create a show "that puts the process of problem-solving and ingenuity front and center".[3]
The series was produced by Discovery Studios and BermanBraun (Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun).[4] The first and only season consisted of six episodes.