Watch Break It Down

2010
2 Seasons

Break It Down is a television series that airs on National Geographic, and focuses on the science behind the objects and structures that make up the world around us. Through visualizations, simulations, cutting-edge technology, and expert interviews, the show takes apart everything from everyday objects to elaborate machines to uncover the intricate details and inner workings of these creations.

The first season of Break It Down deals with topics ranging from airplanes, bridges, and buildings to musical instruments, household appliances, and sports equipment. In each episode, the show begins by introducing the object or structure in question, providing its history and context before breaking it down into its individual components. They then examine each component, discussing its function, the materials used in its construction, and its impact on the overall performance of the object or structure.

Throughout the show, viewers are treated to stunning visuals and animations that help them better understand the science behind the objects they encounter in their daily lives. For example, the show might use slow-motion footage to demonstrate how a golf club deforms during a swing, or use computer-generated models to explore the aerodynamics of a bird's wings.

One of the standout features of Break It Down is the way it blends science with storytelling. In each episode, the show features experts from different fields who help explain the science behind the object or structure in question. These experts come from a variety of backgrounds, such as engineering, physics, and materials science, and they all bring their unique perspectives and insights to the table.

The show also incorporates interviews with people who use these objects or structures on a daily basis, such as professional athletes, musicians, and engineers. These interviews help to humanize the science, demonstrating how the objects and structures discussed in the show have very real impacts on people's lives.

Another notable aspect of Break It Down is the use of technology to visualize and simulate the objects and structures being studied. For example, in the episode on airplanes, the show uses a state-of-the-art wind tunnel to simulate the conditions that planes face during flight. In other episodes, the show might use computer simulations to explore the stress and strain that different parts of a structure undergo during use.

Ultimately, Break It Down is a fascinating and engaging exploration of the science behind everyday objects and structures. By breaking down complex creations into their individual components and examining them in detail, the show helps viewers develop a deeper appreciation for the science and engineering that goes into the objects and structures we encounter in our daily lives. Whether you're a science enthusiast or someone who's simply curious about the world around you, Break It Down is definitely worth checking out.

Break It Down is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on July 8, 2010.

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Seasons

2 1

6. 3,000-Foot Bridge

June 2, 2011

A look at how 24,000 tons of concrete and steel from San Francisco's Carquinez Bridge were dismantled and recycled for use in other structures. Included: procedural risks.

5. Locomotive Overhaul

May 26, 2011

Follow a breakdown crew as they tear apart a 50-year-old locomotive and rebuild it from the frame up, using the latest energy-efficient technology. This four-axle train must boast 1,400 horsepower and ride the rails for another 50 years. Chains and cranes do the heavy lifting, as power tools crank, torches flare and fires blaze. In just eight weeks, this loco will undergo a complete transformation and emerge again as a lean, green pulling machine.

4. Jersey Prison

May 19, 2011

Summary not available

3. Porsche in Pieces

May 12, 2011

Los Angeles, California — home to the rich and famous... and their sports cars. Luxury is king here, and some say nothing shows off better than a Porsche. But when those cars crash and burn in accidents, their wreckage comes to "LA Dismantlers for Porsche". Here, an expert team tears down the totaled remains and pulls out the salvageable parts including the engines, transmissions, and seats — anything that wasn't damaged in the impact. Now, the team's got three new Porches to tackle: a 2002 Boxster, a first-generation 911, and a 997 Carrera. Each car has components that customers have back ordered, so these fresh wrecks need to come apart now.

2. New York Scrap Yard

May 5, 2011

Gershow Recycling - a sprawling 40 acre scrap yard in Long Island, NY. In just one day, this family run business will destroy three million pounds of scrap -- including as many as 500 cars and 20 city buses - to create a multi-million dollar mound of steel. This family of scrap connoisseurs has only 10 hours to get the job done. They must supply their monster shredder with a continuous lunch of discarded metal. But in the face of a volatile ferrous and non-ferrous metal market, will Gershow come out on top?

1. Yankee Stadium

April 28, 2011

The Pacific Northwest's epic rivers are home to primordial runs of endangered wild salmon and to river-blocking dams that generate power. What happens when the dams get too old? The Marmot Dam outside of Portland, Ore., is almost 200 feet long and stands nearly five stories high. Built almost 100 years ago, it's too expensive to modernize and instead will be removed. It will take engineers, explosives experts, river scientists and weather forecasters to construct the best destruction plan.

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Where to Watch Break It Down

Break It Down is available for streaming on the National Geographic website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Break It Down on demand at and Tubi TV.