Mystery Lab is an 8-Episode long documentary series with host Felipe Castanhari and Bruno Miranda, Lilian Regina and Guilherme Briggs playing different roles.

The documentary tackles different fun topics in each episode, and explains various facets of it from different angles. Along with Castanhari, we have Betinho and Dr. Thay, who all work at a research lab. These three, along with the AI Assistant Briggs, try to figure out the inner workings of various concepts, and defunct any and all misinformation that is associated with the topic.

Mystery Lab is a very well-made documentary. The high production quality can be sensed in each and every episode. Along with that, the concepts are explained solely based on scientific proof, and it’s explained so well that even children can understand and benefit from the knowledge. Honestly, it’s a show that everyone can enjoy – considering the amount of knowledge that it gives you. You might be able to answer some questions that have always plagued you.

Along with mere explanations, the host and Dr Thay, along with Briggs, do experiments wherever necessary, so that more complex things are easier to understand. It also makes the process more fun. There’s a lot of dramatization that takes place, with situations put into the show that match the theme of an episode.

The Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle

The first episode of Mystery Lab deals with the Bermuda Triangle – a place of great speculation. Many aeroplanes and ships have disappeared in this region, and thus has given it the reputation of being haunted, or a hotseat for alien invasion. However, Castanhari, along with his friends, defunct some of these notions, and provide scientific explanations such as the Earth’s magnetic field, tornadoes, waterspouts, rogue waves, blue holes, trenches and methane hydrate.

The 20 Million Deaths Caused by the Great Plague

Episode 2 talks about the Great Plague of England that lasted from 1665 to 1666. Castanhari and Dr Thay discuss the science behind the bubonic plague and how it spread rapidly from one part of England to another, and even other parts of the world. They even talk about the mechanics behind the attire that doctors during that time wore, something that has kind of become synonymous with death.

Learning How to Time Travel

One of the most interesting episodes of Mystery Lab, as the name suggests, it talks about how, and if, time travel is possible. Castanhari describes various ways in which it is technically possible to travel to the future, sites pop-culture references, and also talks about scientists who discovered that there’s more to the universe than what we’re privy to. There’s a very interesting discussion about how space and time exist and in universe, and how it manipulates everything that we see.

From Wolf to Dog

The cutest episode here, solely because there are a lot of dogs. We meet Betinho’s pup which triggers the discussion about how dogs evolved from wolves and the history of the friendship that we share with our canine companions. It’s interesting to learn exactly why, and how, ferocious creatures like wolves decided to  share space with humans, and how that has benefited both the species.

Zombie Apocalypse. What if it was real?

Castanhari decides to defunct why zombies cannot be real, but also tells us how the concept is available in plentiful in nature. He takes us step-by-step as to why it is technically impossible for human beings to become zombies. But as someone who’s ready for the (imminent) zombie apocalypse, I’d like to live in my bubble!

The Great Extinction

The crew investigates whether, like dinosaurs, it is possible for humans to be wiped off from the face of the earth. It’s scary to know how close the planet has come, several times, to mass extinction. However, the scariest fact is probably that these possibilities are still very real.

The Path to Artificial Superintelligence

Can AI take over human beings and cause the species to die? This episode of Mystery Lab delves into that topic. AI has definitely helped humans to achieve a lot of things, and in a very short time, that people probably 50 years ago wouldn’t believe to be possible. And it’s only growing. But does it pose a threat to us? You’ll have to watch this episode to find out.

Global Warming. A Big Conspiracy?

The last episode acknowledges the elephant in the room. Is global warming real? And if yes, then how big of a threat is it? Castanhari and Dr Thay discuss the various threats that global warming poses, how human beings have been slowly destroying our planet, and what we can do to stop it.

Summing up: Mystery Lab

This entertaining documentary series is equal parts fun and informative. With the help of fun characters, dramatizations and visualisations, you’ll be able to understand various topics that have probably made you question them. It will especially be enjoyable to younger audiences. If you’re interested to gain some knowledge and have some innocent fun, Mystery Lab is for you.

Mystery Lab is streaming on Netflix.

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