The Big Brain Theory Pure Genius

Ten of the country's brightest minds compete for the title of the next great American innovator. Monumental challenges and strong personalities lead to ingenious designs and drama.

Contestants face their toughest challenge yet: stop a missile with a missile. When one contestant storms out of the shop, and the opposing team struggles with their design, there is doubt either team can complete their build.

Contestants face a real-world challenge: build a personal shelter to keep a rescue worker safe from extreme wind, water and fire. With just three days to design and build a portable shelter, the pressure is on.

Contestants take on an Olympian challenge: design a robot that can tackle three athletic events. The threat of failure looms when one leader struggles to manage his team's talents.

Contestants must harness the power of a waterfall to build an elevator. While one team works together to get their idea off the ground, the other falls apart when tensions reach an all time high.

A wildcard winner is brought back and the contestants must create an automated machine that can prepare a meal for the masses. With a double elimination facing the losers, both teams feel the pressure to survive.

Four semifinalists face off in a contest to bring a speeding car to a safe stop. The judges must choose between innovation and simplicity, and for two contestants, their road to the finale proves to be a dead end.

Two finalists go head-to-head in a challenge to build a deployable bridge. While one team goes with complexity and creativity, the other goes with simplicity. Only one method will win its team leader the $50,000 grand prize.