Will Kari Byron Return To 'MythBusters’? Discovery Responds To Fan Petition

Discovery is hoping to bring new viewers to “MythBusters,” but they might be alienating their longtime fans in the process. As previously reported, Kari Byron, Tory Belleci and Grant Imahara will be leaving the show as Discovery attempts to refresh the program. However, fans are resistant to the change. They were shocked by the announcement and immediately started petitions and campaigns to bring back the trio.

After the announcement of the hosts departure, Discovery released a statement on the matter: “Kari, Tory and Grant have been an incredibly important part of ‘MythBusters’ for over a decade. From explosions to car crashes to even more explosions, this trio has helped shape ‘MythBusters’ into the Emmy-nominated series it is today. Everyone at Discovery wants to thank them for their tireless work busting almost 1000 myths, and we wish them all the best on their future endeavors.”

However, that wasn’t enough for many fans. Petitions have been started online to bring back the cast members. Fans of Kari are particularly passionate about her return to the show. One petition has over 35,000 signatures and claims that losing Kari, the only female cast member, could be detrimental for young girls who want to pursue science related careers.

“This is a huge step backward for Discovery,” petition creator Julie Rodriguez wrote. “As the main female 'MythBuster,' Kari inspired a generation of girls and showed them that they, too, had a place in the traditionally male-dominated world of science … We already know that women and minorities often feel unwelcome in the sciences and discouraged from pursuing STEM studies and careers. Why is Discovery reinforcing these damaging stereotypes?”

Discovery responded to the loud fan reaction with another short statement. However, Kari will not be returning to the show. The good news is that the network doesn't want to completely lose her.

“We are all big fans of Kari — as well as Tory and Grant — and are looking for other projects where we can work with them,” Discovery’s statement said.

Would you be interested in seeing Kari on another Discovery show besides Mythbusters? Sound off in the comments section below.