The Unofficial Science of Home Alone

James Acaster and Guz Khan investigate the booby traps from the film Home Alone. Also features Alex Brooker, James Tyson, Zoe Laughlin, Daniel Stern and Troy Brown

Comedians James Acaster, Guz Khan, and Alex Brooker share a lifelong fascination with the beloved 1990 comedy classic, “Home Alone.” For them, the holiday season is incomplete without witnessing young Kevin McAllister, brilliantly played by Macauley Culkin, orchestrating a perilous scheme to thwart the bumbling burglars known as “The Wet Bandits.”

Yet, lurking amidst their admiration for this cinematic gem is a burning question that plagues all devoted “Home Alone” enthusiasts: Could Harry and Marv realistically survive the intricate traps set by Kevin? It’s finally time to unravel this mystery!

Guz and James will step into the shoes of the Wet Bandits, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, with the guidance of an engineer. Together, they will construct their own renditions of the iconic booby traps from the film, including the infamous ‘Blowtorch to the Head’ and ‘Swinging Paint Can.’ Through rigorous experimentation, they’ll assess the real-world damage these traps might inflict, explore the scientific principles behind surviving such scenarios, and ultimately apply their newfound knowledge to reenact these stunts, chasing their own Kevin McAllister.

Meanwhile, die-hard fan Alex Brooker embarks on an exhilarating journey across the Atlantic to immerse himself in the “Home Alone” experience. He’ll meet with cast members and stunt professionals involved in the film, visit iconic filming locations, and delve deeper into the mechanics behind the traps and stunts that Guz and James will attempt. As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to say, “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!”

The show and its playful pranks were captured at Elmstree Studio in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, within a meticulously crafted set by Totom Construction. Portions of the original Home Alone setting were recreated, ensuring an authentic replication of the film and its mischievous antics.