G4 on Wednesday is launching its new series “Human Wrecking Balls,” featuring the Pumphrey Brothers, who combine strength and science to crush, demolish and destroy whatever is put in their path.
Craig and Paul Pumphrey are big. Their combined weight is 550 pounds. They’re tough, with Craig a decorated police officer and world-champion mixed martial artist and Paul, who was told he’d never walk again after a construction bolt shattered his skull, bouncing back from the injury to become the World Creative Breaking Champion having crashed through six feet of ice. And they add smarts by working with a team of experts in science and engineering before taking on a destructive challenge.
For the series, they crunch some interesting assignments, including ones called “Trashing Hotel California,” “Automotive Annihilation” and “Aviation Devastation,” in which a hotel room, an American car and a small passenger plane, respectively, try to stand up to their skills.
Then there’s the “Three Little Pigs” show, in which they must tear down three houses built of different materials with their bare hands.
Fans of creative breaking and mixed martial arts can find exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage and more information at www.G4tv.com/wrecking.
“Human Wrecking Balls” was developed by BASE Productions with John Brenkus, Mickey Stern and Rob Dorfmann, who will serve as executive producers. Jason King is the producer and director of the series.
That show is not to be confused with “Wreckreation Nation,” a 13-part series coming to Discovery in January.
In “Wreckreation Nation,” host Dave Mordal of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” takes a look at the way Americans waste time, focusing on the dangerous, the ingenious and the peculiar.
Many of these preoccupations are local in nature, bolstered by unique competitions. For example, Mr. Mordal has taken part in an Iowa/Illinois tug-of-war across the Mississippi River; raced a 25 mph lawn mower in Delaware, Ohio; sparred with barbarians, Romans, elves and samurai in Somerset, Pa.; paddled a boat made of cardboard in Heber Springs, Ark.; set off fireworks with self-described pyro enthusiasts in Gillette, Wyo.; and attended alligator wrestling school in Mosca, Colo.
The network is encouraging viewers who know of other pastimes and pursuits that might be interesting enough for the show to let them know at http://dsc.stage.discovery.com/tv/wreckreation-nation/submit.html. Mr. Mordal and crew may be just crazy enough to take on the challenge.
“Wreckreation Nation” is produced for Discovery Channel by True Entertainment. Rob Fox, Glenda Hersh, Jo Honig and Steven Weinstock are executive producers. For Discovery Channel, Gena McCarthy is executive producer.