If you grew up watching two guys in berets and high-visibility vests blow up cement trucks, you probably have a "where were you when" memory for the end of Mythbusters. It wasn't just a show; it was the reason a whole generation of us suddenly cared about the physics of a "water heater rocket" or whether you could actually sail a boat made of duct tape. But since the original run wrapped and the dust from the final explosion settled, the team has scattered in some pretty wild directions.
Honestly, it’s a mix of inspiring second acts and some truly heartbreaking losses.
The big question everyone asks is usually about the "divorce." Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman were the faces of the franchise for over a decade, but they weren't exactly best friends. They’ve been open about the fact that they don't really hang out. In fact, Jamie hasn't really been in the public eye much at all lately. While Adam became a sort of "Godfather of the Maker Movement," Jamie retreated back into the quiet world of high-end engineering.
What Happened to the Mythbusters Cast: The Original Duo
Let's talk about Adam Savage first. If you go on YouTube, you’ve probably seen his channel, Tested. It’s huge. He’s basically turned his post-show life into a celebration of prop-making, cosplay, and sheer curiosity. He spends his days in "The Cave"—his personal workshop in San Francisco—building everything from perfect replicas of Blade Runner blasters to screen-accurate spacesuits. He also hosted Mythbusters Jr. for a bit, trying to pass the torch to a younger crew of builders.
Adam is the one who stayed "famous." He's always at conventions, always talking to fans, and always building something.
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Jamie Hyneman is a different story.
Jamie was always the more "no-nonsense" half of the pair. After the show ended, he leaned hard into academia and research. He actually moved over to Finland for a significant stretch. As of early 2026, he’s wrapping up a five-year appointment as a Professor of Practice at LUT University in Lappeenranta. He isn't just a figurehead there, either; he’s been working on real-world prototypes, including firefighting robots and new types of specialized equipment.
He still owns M5 Industries, but the shop isn't doing Hollywood special effects anymore. It’s a research and development hub now. Jamie’s vibe has always been "I'd rather be working than talking," and his current life reflects that. He's doing the science without the cameras.
The Build Team: Success and Tragedy
For many fans, the "Build Team" of Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, and Grant Imahara was the heart of the show. Their departure in 2014 was a massive shock to the system. It basically came down to budget cuts and contract negotiations that went south. They did eventually reunite for the White Rabbit Project on Netflix, which felt like a spiritual successor, but it only lasted one season.
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Kari Byron
Kari has stayed very busy in the "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) space. She co-founded EXPLR Media, which focuses on educational content for kids. She’s also hosted several series like Crash Test World. Honestly, she’s become one of the leading voices for getting girls into science, which is a pretty cool legacy to have.
Tory Belleci
Tory is still the daredevil. He’s appeared in things like Jackass Forever and hosted The Explosion Show. He also teamed up with Richard Hammond (of Top Gear fame) for a survival show called The Great Escapists. He basically gets paid to travel and build things that might eventually catch fire. It’s exactly what you’d expect him to be doing.
The Loss of Grant Imahara
We have to talk about the tragedy that hit the community in July 2020. Grant Imahara passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm at just 49 years old. It was a massive blow. Grant wasn't just a TV host; he was a legitimate genius in the world of robotics. He was one of the few people trusted to operate R2-D2 for the Star Wars prequels.
His legacy lives on through the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation, which helps provide access and mentorship to students in underserved communities. If you see a high-tech robot at a competition today, there’s a good chance the kid who built it was inspired by Grant.
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The Others Who Kept the Myth Alive
There are a few names people often forget until they see a rerun.
Scottie Chapman, the "Mistress of Metal" from the early seasons, took a total 180. She actually left the industry to become a dental hygienist. It sounds like a joke, but it's true. She wanted a stable life away from the cameras and she’s been living that for years now.
Then there was Jessi Combs, who filled in for Kari during her maternity leave. Jessi was a legendary racer and fabricator. Sadly, she passed away in 2019 while attempting to break a land speed record in a jet-powered car in the Alvord Desert. She was posthumously awarded the record, clocking in at over 522 mph. She died doing exactly what she loved, but it was a heavy loss for the maker community.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to keep up with what the surviving cast is doing in 2026, here’s the best way to do it:
- Watch Adam Savage’s "Tested" on YouTube: This is the most consistent way to see the "Mythbusters" spirit in action. He uploads several times a week.
- Follow Kari Byron on Socials: She’s very active in the education space and often shares behind-the-scenes memories of the old days.
- Support the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation: If you want to honor the show’s legacy, this is the most impactful way to do it.
- Check out LUT University’s Research: If you’re a real nerd, look up the projects Jamie Hyneman has been involved with in Finland—it’s some high-level engineering.
The show might be over, but the "don't just take their word for it, test it yourself" mentality is still very much alive. Whether it's through a YouTube video or a university lab in Finland, the cast is still out there breaking things to see how they work.