Season 1

2015 · 26 episodes

Episodes

1Adam Ruins GivingAdam exposes why shoe companies that give away free footwear do more harm than good, and explains why you should stop giving food pantries your leftover canned goods.
2Adam Ruins SecurityAdam sets his sights on security, explaining that airport security wastes too much of our time and money, medicine safety seals do nothing to protect us, and your credit card number isn't remotely secure.
3Adam Ruins CarsAdam exposes the surprising truths behind car dealerships, and the fact that the concept of "jaywalking" was created by auto manufacturers to blame pedestrians for car crashes.
4Adam Ruins Forensic ScienceAdam uncovers the scary truth behind unreliable methods used as evidence in criminal cases. He exposes the flaws of fingerprinting, hair strand matches and bite mark analysis - which often send innocent people to jail.
5Adam Ruins RestaurantsAdam explains why tipping is a custom worth ditching, shows that experts can't tell the difference between wines, and reveals that mislabeled seafood is rampant in the industry.
6Adam Ruins HygieneAdam reveals that the term "halitosis" was popularized in a 1920's ad campaign that used cruel ads to make people insecure about their breath, and explains why running water is one of the greatest miracles of modern times.
7Adam Ruins VotingThe twisted history of the Electoral College, explaining that the Founding Fathers did not want most Americans to vote.
8Adam Ruins WorkAdam shows how the 40-hour work week not only exhausts employees but also harms businesses, reveals the legal mess of hiring interns and freelancers, and explores how discussing your salary with co-workers is actually a good thing.
9Adam Ruins Summer FunAdam reveals that extended vacation makes you dumber, and that iconic rodent Mickey Mouse has made a mess of our copyright laws.
10Adam Ruins SexThis episode explains why circumcision is common in the United States, how Herpes isn't as scary as the media makes it seem, how most people do not truly understand the hymen, and explains the worst sexual problem of all.
11Adam Ruins NutritionAdam shows why vitamin supplements don't make us any healthier, that the "balanced breakfast" we've been sold is anything but, and reveals how most of the nutritional science the media reports on isn't science at all.
12Adam Ruins DeathIn a limbo setting, Adam exhibits several failed attempts at terrestrial immortality, and reveals the American funeral industry's more exploitive tactics of mourners. After his date dies in a freak accident, however, he concedes that grappling with uncertainty with death can be just as healthy as clear-cut answers.
13Adam Ruins HollywoodStraight from the red carpet (and with the help of celebrity guests Rachel Bloom and Ariana Madix), Adam exposes the hidden truths behind Hollywood's glitz and glamour, from the clothes stars wear to the process behind movie ratings.
14Adam Ruins FootballAdam hits the gridiron to illustrate why the playoffs rarely determine which team is best, then he explores how hydration myths spread by sports drink companies are putting kids at risk. Adam also tackles football-caused brain injuries.
15Adam Ruins WeddingsEmily and Murph's wedding day is finally here - but Adam's gift of information may rain on their parade. Adam reveals how most wedding "traditions" were recently created by consumerism, and that divorce is actually a wonderful thing.
16Adam Ruins MallsAdam illustrates that shopping centres were created as tax loopholes for greedy developers, outlet stores are a scam selling low quality merchandise, and nutrient supplements are often dangerously unregulated.
17Adam Ruins AnimalsAdam explores how purebred dogs are genetic monsters created by bored Victorians and reveals how domestic cats are overpopulated, lethal killing machines.
18Adam Ruins Immigration
19Adam Ruins HousingAdam gets evicted from his home, and while searching for a new place, he exposes the harsh realities of real estate. Plus, Adam explains why helping the homeless is a lot simpler and more straightforward than you might think.
20Adam Ruins DrugsAdam weeds through the misconceptions of marijuana and exposes the blunt truth about the War on Drugs - that it stemmed from a racist and political agenda. Plus, Adam illustrates why prescription pills are the true gateway drug.
21Adam Ruins PrisonWhen Emily gets tossed in the slammer, her cellmate reveals that corporations make money off prison inmates while the system does nothing to reduce crime. Adam then sheds light on jail rehabilitation and solitary confinement.
22Adam Ruins the Wild WestAdam reveals how prostitution - despite its reputation - actually helped settle the West. He then explains why the "All-American Cowboy" is a myth and that the real western hero wasn't a person; it was air conditioning.
23Adam Ruins the InternetWhile on a magical technological journey, Adam shows that smartphones are not the society-killers you'd think they are, American cable service providers are basically cartels, and most "free" sites are actually very costly.
24Adam Ruins JusticeAfter getting Emily out of prison, Adam and his sister Rhea take on the justice system; shining a spotlight on the infamous McDonalds hot coffee lawsuit and the substantial problems with the jury duty system.
25Adam Ruins ChristmasHo ho...huh?! Adam teaches his sister that the real St. Nick story is a lot creepier than she thought, and modern Santa was created by commercialism only a century ago. Adam also reveals how gift-giving actually hurts the economy.
26Adam Ruins Going GreenAdam meets a young dad on a personal mission to save the world and end climate change...until Adam turns his world upside down. Find out why electric cars and green products don't make the impact you've been promised.