But that's not the point of Mythbusters or their potential value to current society. While this is a broad overgeneralization, the average American does not understand that in order to prove or disprove something, it requires more than hearsay - someone actually has to do something and record the results.

While the Mythbusters are not anywhere near the scientific rigor required to publish papers or make astounding discoveries for humanity, they do not aim to. They merely try to figure out if something is possible. In this it is not the content of their 'discoveries' or their methodology that matters. What matters is that they advertise a thought framework for testing your beliefs and assumptions for consistency with reality. This is a kind of science; one which in my opinion is more accessible (and more likely to influence) the average American.

Imagine a show about actual scientific research. It would be mindbogglingly boring to the average American. The Mythbusters meet this in the middle and bridge a gap of sorts, being entertaining but also encouraging a healthy mindset with regards to trying to determine truth.