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Penn&Teller: Bullshit!

• Skeptics & Atheists

The bad boys of illusion have diverted their manic energy into debunking what they call frauds: alternative medicine, self-help fads, alien abductions, ESP. Tonight's episode is devoted to dumping cold water on self-proclaimed mediums who say they schmooze with the dead.

Where Bad Boys of Illusion Turn Into Psychic-Busters

According to Jillette, the subtitle is based on the advice of the Showtime legal department.

"If one calls people liars and quacks, one can be sued and lose a lot of one's money," Jillette says. "If we said it was all scams, we also could be in trouble." But the subtitle is considered opinion or satire, Jillette says, and thus safe.

A magical mystery tour de farce

DVD released.

Richard Evans Lee
January 26, 2003 •
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Comments

Hey Penn, It must be a good feeling having your own TV spot on cable. Just think how many people your reaching with your opinions on all the subjects you air. I just wonder how you would feel if you found out that there was a bigger picture behind one or two of the topics you talk about. A much more sinister big picture that didn't care about the common citizen, but only a way to make money. And, what if you found out it was our government that was the true BULLSHIT, would you or your producers air that? Like I said before it must be nice to have your own show where you can express yours or your writers opinions, but I hope you realize you can affect peoples beliefs and what if you're wrong. I just hope your not operating on a percentage basis. It isn't as easy for the common citizen to state their opinions, they don't have a TV show platform to do that. Plus you will always have the last word.

Posted by: Ken Coleman | April 11, 2003 2:14 AM

my girlfriend was involved with a religious following that used the bible and religon to manipulate her for her money. She is the daugter of the founder and creator of INTEL corp. His name is Robert Noyce and his daughter is margret Noyce. Margret had a major car accident and recived a head injury which makes her an easy target for these kind of snake oil salesmen that are commonly refered to as "reverend" or pastor to brainwash her and steal her money. she is no longer involved with the" FELLOWSHIP" and I have been slowly de programing her from 10 years of religious braingwashing. This "fellowship" of fucking religious assholes preached to her telling her that her father was responsible for creating the technoligy that would bring an end to the world.(Robert Noyce was the inventor of the integrated circuit)

Posted by: james waller | April 22, 2003 1:05 AM

in regards to last comments if you were to do a show on cults and manipulating assholes I have a story that would make your toes curl !I would like to tell the world about this guy and make it impossible for him to do the same to anyone else. thank you for standing up and saying "THE EMPEROR WEARS NO CHLOTHS"

Posted by: james waller | April 22, 2003 1:17 AM

hi guys was wondering where i could get a copy of Penn & Teller get killed. please help.

Posted by: cwilliams | October 13, 2003 6:02 PM

I have been watching the Penn$Teller Bullshit stuff on Showtime. Great show. It is about time somebody spoke up on the subjects you cover. I have always watched anything of yours because of your "magical" talents. Nice of you to reveal the bullshit for what it is. Great job.

Posted by: Ron | December 22, 2003 9:36 PM

Dear Penn & Teller mad at price for gas because they say that a gasline broke ,in some state and we the people have to pay to fix it,not even brokeing and how we pay it by pay high taxs and bills, highprice for gas

Posted by: ken | December 22, 2003 9:55 PM

ok, i love when you guys played with your food, now i'm in stitches. i was very impressed with how you debunked scammers. i have scammers i need to debunk and this on a personal level. not the 1st time i have come across this, but it is very personal to me and most importantly my family. my parents church has for the 2nd time come victom to a money hungry bitch. a former member of the church that has died left over a million to the sertain needs inside the church, and vulchers have come a running. i don't know how they know of this money, but this one is hitting closer to the mark of steeling it. i think this is honestly the lowest form of life known to man. this preseant man uses the faith of the people to take there cash. he has asked (after less then 2 years of service to the church) for a 50 thousand dollar a year raise. he claims the house that the church has provided for him is filled with deadly fungis. ok this is something that has plagues the media of resant days, but i have discussed it with some people who are experts in this industry, (excuse the run on sentnce) that really doesn't exist... yet. there is no epa stander for testing on deadly fungis, and or molds. the only testing subjects that if a higher percentage on fungis/mold is found inside then is found on same premise outside, it is concidered a danger. which means dick. ancase this guy is close to scamming a lot of money off people who lay there full faith in him. ...and what ever the means of his bullshit, its wrong to those who it exploits. i need tips from the masters of the debunk. i'm concidering becoming of a member of this church, if for no other reason to stand shoulder to shoulder with my parents in there hardest hours. if you have any good resources that may help me, or would wish more info for doing some work your self, please returns to above adress. your friend Sik MF

Posted by: sik mf | December 22, 2003 9:57 PM

Jajajjaja you crack me up couldn’t stop laughing. Sorry to say that at the end you only speak to a few that have the capacity to understand what you are saying We don’t need you to reach the same conclusions, but we sure have fun listening to the way you expose the obvious ……. .So not much is really accomplished in terms of speaking to the monkeys ( Human race in general , Bush included) once a monkey always a monkey no matter what anyone does jajajaj . But at least it is amusing and at least someone comes out on TV that has something to say about all that bull shit that monkey require in order to continue living . Anyway , Good to have your program . Best regards Axbal Zavala

Posted by: Axbal | December 23, 2003 12:46 AM

I love the show. I have a suggestion....actually a request. Drug screens for work. I won't go into a long speech, but I believe it more than qualifies for BULLSHIT. thanks..Jen

Posted by: jenni | April 4, 2004 3:27 PM

Dear Penn&Teller, I love your show. I think its cool to prove that there's a lot of stuff out there that really is a lot of bullshit. Keep up the good work. Charlotte

Posted by: charlotte | April 17, 2004 11:03 PM

you guys really kick i was so happy when u spoke up on the Marijuana issue and reveiled the truth that its harmless. But its good of you not to "sell it" (figuritively speaking). I have an issue with the GAS prices in the U. S. now i no its not a big issue but its my issue. i know that the US hasent even tapped half its resources of oil and i was wondering if it wwas a big enough issue for u guys. also my freinds have issues with microsoft perposely putting "bugs" into there software i was wondering if there was any thruth to that.

Posted by: HP | April 29, 2004 6:23 PM

Dear P&T: I've watched several of your shows, and found them both highly informative and entertaining. A recent telecast on Recycling has put me in a quandry of sorts. I believe all the information you presented, and am not challenging any of it. As someone who has believed in recycling for many years, it was hard to hear some of it, but hey, who said truth always makes you feel good. I do have one or two specific questions, however. For example, while I agree it is not economically viable to recycle plastic, isn't it better to spend some money tryint to reuse it instead of putting tons of this stuff that will never decompose into the ground? And if there is pollutions associated with recycling it, isn't there some way to break it down or make it less harmful, as is true in other processes? Also, you said recycling cans is economically viable, and therefore worth doing? Does that go for all other cans (cat/dog food, soup, etc.)? And how about metals in general? And isn't glass the same as plastic...I mean, I know we'll never have a 'sand shortage', but why just bury it when it won't decompose? They used to recycle glass when I was growing up in the 60's...two cent deposits, remember? What was wrong with that? As I said, I think you're show in general is done extremely well, and the recycling episode did open my eyes in a number of ways. I would like someone to address the comments above, however, as I'm not sure economics is the only criteria to judge this subject on, and in general, re-using items just seems smarter, even if it costs a bit more now. Thanks again for putting on such an intelligent program. I look forward to future episodes. Jeff B.

Posted by: Jeff B. | May 13, 2004 4:41 PM

I'm just curious. Did you guys notice that this isn't a website devoted to the Penn & Teller show, but rather a site that documents news articles and allows others to post their feelings on the article in question?

Posted by: Raven | May 15, 2004 3:12 PM

This particular portion of it is devoted to debunking nonsense, exposing gullibility. Over the years people have turned various pages into forums for one purpose or another. OK, with me.

Posted by: Richard | May 15, 2004 4:10 PM

I ordered the three tape set of Bullshit, a few months ago, and I did not play them as soon as I got them. I recently tried to play them, and tapes 1 and 3 were fine, but #2 would not play. How do I go about getting a replacement for it? Thank you, M. J. Cannon

Posted by: Michael J. Cannon | June 19, 2004 2:50 PM

If the people you bought the tapes from won't help you maybe you can get someone to dupe a copy of the detective Bullshit tape.

Posted by: Whimwham Man | June 19, 2004 4:32 PM

I Seen your show the other day on the bible and relgion and stuff like that. I have to admit being a firm belevier in Jesus Christ and The Mighty GOD, THE Father and the Most High some of those things u mentioned i can definetly agree with, But YOU have to remember who actually wrote most of these things you talked about... yes, MAN meaning HU MAN. Get it? Man fucked things up a long time ago and they will never get it right? ok? Now, all i'm sayin is that You and your silent Buddy need to read books like Psalms and Proverbs which explains the meaning of mortality. real things. not what Man fabricated in other books in the Holy Bible. Some of the things in Proverbs and Psalms are amazing and very true.They mention things that are very accurate, not to be funny but it mentions people like u and that sceintist that u had on your show. Me, myself i belong to no religion or cult or any other man based relgions but i do beleive in the Almighty Creator which creataed all things. I really can't get in to it but keep the faith in the Amighty God and read those books Psamls and Proverbs but u gotta read with an open mind. It'll show things that are relavent to whats moral and immoral, true meanings. By the way u said if there's a GOD "why would he wipe out innocent people and children" Please remember this. He's not just a God of love He's also a God of war and desrcution He can wipe out the whole planet if He wants to and beleive me He's gonna do it again. All i'm sayin is that everyone is entitled to there opinions and mines is that... Fear GOD! Thats it.

Posted by: GREG | July 23, 2004 6:42 PM

I particularly enjoyed your recent "Humbug" installment of Bullshit! and agreed with about 95 percent of what you're saying with these exceptions: 1) The trouble with most profanity spoken -- other than my use of it has often led to my getting the crap beaten out me -- is that it's often used stupidly and unthinkingly. For example when some oaf doesn't have the vocabulary to express himself or herself in any other way, it's "motherfucker this" or mutherfucker that!" In my book, it's okay to offend people but it's a cardinal sin to bore them. Can't we all just learn to get along and cuss in an original, amusing manner? 2) And as for Howard Stern? Okay he's funny, and let him say what he wants to when he wants to. I'll turn him off if he becomes tiresome. But casting the horny bastard as the savoir of free speach and apple pie is just plan, well, bullshit. But overall, thanks for the show, Robert B.

Posted by: Robert B. | August 13, 2004 10:42 AM

Dearest Penn & Teller, I love you guys! Grandpa always insisted, "two heads are better than one! Even if one is a goats' head!" Although he never told me which one was the goats head!! I am a recently disabled (within the last 15 months) Chrysler employee (on the job) who purchased a PT Cruiser (which isn't a bad little car) from Chrysler with the "supposed" employee discount! I have been paying over $600.00 per month on that car! That is over $7200.00 per year or over $36000.00 for a car which my neighbor, (which isn't even a Chrysler employee) paid $17,000 for, and just recently traded in for a 2005 Convertable! They gave her $9,000.00 for her PT! I went to the dealership and was told I still owe $13.000 on mine!! I would love to see you do a show on this type of "Bullshit" Any time you are in the Detroit area, please give me a call or even an e-mail! I would love to speak to you (if I might get a word in edgewise) and of course listen to you in person! I met John Delorean at the Radisson Hotel in Southfield MI back in 1988. I was the Door man there and observed someone remarking at the cost of his bill at the desk. I asked James the security guard, " Isn't that John Delorean?" He said " Idon't know! Why don't yoou ask him!" No one can take the 45 or so minutes John and myself shared! I could write a book! Enough of this! May the love of God be of significent influence in your lives, even through the Bullshit! With respectful admiration, Don Jinright

Posted by: "Studebaker" Don (my Grandfather was a Stoodie dealer) | August 13, 2004 1:22 PM

I JUST WATCHED YOUR SHOW ON ALCHOLISM,AND YOU DID A GREAT JOB. ALL THAT BULLSHIT AA PUTS OUT JUST DOESN'T GO IN THE REAL WORLD. I QUIT WITHOUT THEIR HELP,AND I WAS A REAL HARD DRINKER. WHEN MY DOCTOR TOLD ME ONE MORE WILL KILL YOU I QUIT. WHAT I DID DO IS MAKE MYSELF NUMBER ONE OVER ANYTHING ELSE,AND THEN WENT FORWARD.. BOOZE IS A CHOICE,AND IF YOU WANT TO QUIT YOU CAN. I LOVE YOUR SHOWS,AND WILL KEEP WATCHING.

Posted by: RANDY SANWICK | August 22, 2004 1:40 AM

Hey guys, you are the real deal when it comes to proven people that what they say is BULLSHIT. you guys opened my eyes to alot of things. You guys have to talk about the bigger pictures like this country being the white mans land, no affence to anyone but all the racists say that and as part Native American i find that to be alot of BULLSHIT so if you can try to work that in one of your shows. And also Teller, dont say so much.

Posted by: Eddy Davis | September 6, 2004 2:04 AM

f*** you guys what the f*** did you prove PETA saves animals they don't kill them you guys are on pot. PETA is kind to animals hence the acronym People FOR the ETHICAL TREATMENT of Animals.... if they killed animals their name would be People For the Slaughtering and Cruelty to animals you guys are the quacks

Posted by: PETA Supporter | September 13, 2004 9:32 PM

What!!?This things MORE outdated than your tolerance!You're still here.......Get a JOB

Posted by: M.Mullen | January 25, 2005 9:15 PM

SHOULD BE A GUIDE TO LIVE BY. GREAT JOB P&T, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND LOOK FOWARD TO MANY MORE VOLUMES IN THE FUTURE. HOPEFULLY ONE DAY EVERYONE WILL SEE THE BIG PICTURE. DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ OR SEE, QUESTION EVERYTHING, AND PEOPLE, PLEASE, PLEASE USE SOME COMMON SENSE IN THIS FUCKED UP WORLD FILLED WITH BULLSHIT.

Posted by: BULLSHITFAN | February 28, 2005 4:55 AM

Tough I never belived in any of the things that p&t have talked about (except maeby recycling), you really, thoroughly strenghtend my... hmm... unbeliefs? Anyoway, especially the Bible-episode was great!

Posted by: ZardagBum | March 14, 2005 11:42 AM

I just wanted to let you know that I love the show and they way your opinions are presented. I know you're big on revealing the scams and bullshit all over the place, but I have a question for you. One of the biggest scams I can think of are religious organizations around the world but mostly operating in this country. Why is it that being a religious organization frees you from paying taxes? I understand that contributions to a cause or organization out of charity is non-taxable, but what about the fact that these organizations are abusing the "tax-exempt" status to invest those contributions into businesses that actually generate profit for said organizations? Wouldn't that act alone deem them from being considered "tax-exempt?" Millions upon millions of dollars are donated every year to many different churhces and religious organizations, and it seems that mr. regular tax-payer is picking up the slack for the exemption from property taxes, food taxes, and not to mention income taxes. I would love to see an episode or two devoted to calling "Bullshit" on all of these "tax-exempt" organizations. Thanks for the intelligent and entertaining viewpoints so far. Keep having fun with it. -Ryan

Posted by: Ryan | April 12, 2005 10:56 PM

I was watching your show on circumision and I just wanted to say that I was un cut for 38 years. I was having sex with my wife and for the first time my foreskin rip on me. It got infected and it was the worst pain in my life. I was scared eveytime I had to go to the bathroom, I didnt drink for days at a time. I had to wait two weeks before the doctor got operating time at the hospital. I had to get cut because of the infection. Plus I was never in to many sports because all of the other boys were cut and I felt different and embrassed to show myself. Both of my boys are cut and are doing well. And yes, I watched both of them get cut.

Posted by: Angel | April 25, 2005 11:46 PM

Man you guys show is awesome. Do you have the DVD'S availble at alot of places. I especially want to see the ones on recyling, bottled water, PETA, and religion (I am a beliver of Jesus Christ). It's so cool how you just kill all of these crazy beliefs some people have.

Posted by: mbrols | April 28, 2005 1:50 AM

I LOVE YOU PENN & TELLER YOU ARE THE REASON WHY I WATCH T.V PLZ PLZ PLZ OK PLZ KEEP YOUR SHOWS ROLLIN AND I WILL BE A LOYAL VIEWER FROM HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA ROXIE LOVES YOU GUYS MUAH MUAH MUAH HUGGS AND KISSES OXOXOXOXOXOX I LOOOVVEEEEEEE WAATCHING YOU GUYS!!! YOU PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE AND GIVE ME A TINGLY FELLING INSIDE WHEN I WATCH YOU (EVERY MONDAY NIGHT SHOWTIME)

Posted by: Ruzanna Palezyan | June 22, 2005 12:27 AM

I watch your show when ever possible. But one show you had upset me. I know the show will not agree with everyone's beliefs or lifestyles. But on the show is question Penn took a shotgun and proceeded to "shoot the bible" when Teller threw it above him. I just thought this was a little strong, and totally disrespectful to me as well as others. Very much like recent events in the news involving The Koran. Tolerance should be the key. Just my two cents.

Posted by: Birdie | July 2, 2005 1:02 AM

i love the show but unfortunately i only get it through internetˇ and im crap at typing but id like to ask you guys to look at what u dont know doesent hurt, in other wordsif ure told ure gonna die you die faster if you know what i mean,(because you know) sorry i know its morose but i know of friends who had desieses and didnt know but lasted longer becaus the docter told the family not to tell them, anyway ty hope to see the show more often byyyyyyyyy

Posted by: mark | July 11, 2005 10:21 PM

I just needed to see if you two could do a show on either the Chemical Trails being sprayed above us or the vaccines they are giving us(or both) and find out what exactly is going on. I would not have ever tried to say anything about this because it would simply have been a conspiracy theory, however i have proof of pictures about the chemtrails. Also anything you can say about what George Bush had or has been doing i always enjoy hearing how our president fucked everything up in such a short period of time. hehe I am also on a team heading an ivestigation to find out what all our government is testing on us and why. I would love for anyone to contact me about any issues that they have proof something odd is going on. Please do not E-mail me about anything no matter how complelling an argument unless you have some way to get links or proof to debunk what is being told to the sheep. Thank you Scott Bush

Posted by: Archmagustime@gmail.com | December 30, 2005 12:12 PM

As a long time skeptic, it is always a bittersweet experience to have one of my own superstitions (I wish I could remember the word you used at the beginning of the recycling episode) debunked. Please understand, I enjoy the hell out of your show, but those comforts are hard to shed. Afterwards I always feel better, and even though sometimes your claims can seem a little exagerated (except for those concerning Norman Borlaug), and I would occasionally like to hear an intelligent point from the opposition, you have yet to fail me... sort of puts the pressure on doesn't it?

Posted by: Ehrich Weiss | February 3, 2006 11:52 PM

penn & teller needs to do a little research on a drink called "mona via"it's about $40.00 a bottle.it said it has like rare fruits from africa that has healing properties.to me it tast like grape juice.and i cant tell any difference in my life.i wonder how much is true they say about it.

Posted by: wesley | March 17, 2006 12:04 AM

You both make me laugh, and feel entertained. But more importantly, I feel like you truely are telling the truth. NO BULLSHIT. I come to you as a last hope, my son has been diagnosed with autism. I have heard that there might be a connection with the government mandated vaccinations and this disorder. Even though there is a one in four chance your child will have a reaction to these vaccines, we are still forced to have them administered to our children or face strict federal penalties including the loss of our children. We have frantically researched this topic and have come up with nothing to help us. We believe you have far greater capabilities in disproving or confirming our fears in the vaccines. Our daughter's sequence of vaccines are coming at the end of this month. We don't know where to turn, we need help, NO BULLSHIT!

Posted by: payphone pauly | April 13, 2006 12:07 AM

my friends and i have an idea for a show, and i'm sure you get a million of them. this one is about scientology. i was interested in some of the teachings, and was considering joining a church, but i am a thinking person, and with all the *bullshit* out there, i decided to do some checking. lo and behold i find that the man responsible for this religion is reputed to be a pill popping rum swilling bigamist! i am completely amazed that many of our role models in the entertainment believe this. it would be a informative show that would reach millions of people and would expose at least some of the errors in thinking the religion has, and some of the actual truth about the founder. then again, maybe this would not be such a hot idea, due to the fact that you are both in the entertaiment industry, and have to work side by side with some of these people. maybe you woulnd't want to piss off the monsters with the most money, huh?

Posted by: booboo | April 18, 2006 9:47 PM

Love the show, I happen to be a devout agnostic, which merely indicates I don't know what bullshit to believe. Devout believers and athiests have a tendency to think the finite mind can explain the universe. This has yet to occur so the arrogance of both sides pretending to prove either way is laughable. A physicist friend of mine believes in only quantom theory, which I find a good start in seeking some sort of spiritual enlightenment. Think about it, what would an atheist talk about if their weren't absurd pontificating zealots of biblical ignorance to make fun of. Have you ever noticed when someone says "the bible says" that the biggest pile of ignorant bullshit soon follows displaying fallacious personal opinion. In Shakespeare, Homer's Illiad,and Camus many great truths are discussed. And suprisingly enough even the bible has human truths that can be learned. But like previously mentioned authors' the bible has practically no evidence or fact contained anywhere. Why can't a effing Christian get it, that a parable equals a fable utilized to display a point of veiw to the unwashed masses. If you read stupid into the word unwashed-more power to you. Enough banter, bs flows like water and who in this world decided that the bible should have a capitalization-oh that's right the people who win can rewrite history to suit themselves. A sense of humor is critical to reading holy scriptures, especially the book or mormon. That alone is enough for a full hour of Bullshit absurdity-- Hey look what I found in the back yard a unrealistic set of scriptures I made up. Let me put on some wierd undergarments and get me some wives. Bob signing off.

Posted by: bob | April 19, 2006 2:19 AM

I watched your show on "Ground Zero" and was quite annoyed, no, I was pissed off because you had that asshole, Gilbert Godried on. He's a total moron. His joke about the Jews who were going down in the hijacked plane was 1) not funny, 2) in the poorest of taste. I know your shows aren't always polically correct, but come on.

Posted by: Barry | May 6, 2006 5:15 PM

How do you feel?

Feel free to share your feelings about Penn&Teller: Bullshit!. Please stick to the theme of the entry. Disagreement is fine. Homophobia, racism, and kindred expressions of hatred will be deleted. This site is one of my hobbies. I genuinely enjoy hearing from people and hate moderating or killing comments. Forthright disagreement is fine as long as it is civil.
My thanks,
Richard

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