Dirty Jobs
Overview
Mike Rowe, the relatable host, dives into the world of unconventional and often unpleasant jobs in Dirty Jobs. Each episode showcases him tackling a variety of dirty and demanding tasks, providing viewers with a raw and humorous glimpse into the lives of those who work in challenging conditions. From sewage treatment to animal wrangling, Rowe embraces the grit and grime of these unique professions, celebrating the hard work and dedication of everyday heroes. The show balances entertainment with education, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of those in tough trades.
Episodes
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1
Chinatown Garbage Collector
The episode follows a garbage collector who also works as a recycling separator, showcasing the importance of waste management. Meanwhile, a shark cat...
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2
Sewer Inspector
A sewer inspector assesses the underground systems, while a member of the disaster cleanup team tackles the challenging tasks in a basement sewer. Mea...
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3
Pig Farmer
A pig farmer takes on the unusual task of cleaning chewing gum off the sidewalks of New York City, tackling the sticky mess that plagues the streets. ...
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4
Chick Sexer
Baby chicken sexer, beer brewer, oyster harvester
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5
Vexcon
Exterminator, crab fisherman, blacksmith/farrier
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6
Sludge Cleaner
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of surfboard shaping alongside Matt Barker. He learns the intricate process of crafting a surfboard from Styrofo...
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7
Hot Tar Roofer
Mike kicks off his journey in Pasadena, California, where he learns the challenging intricacies of repairing a roof, taking it one step at a time. Aft...
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8
Ostrich Farmer
Mike travels to a coffee farm in Hawaii, where he discovers the intricate journey of coffee production, starting from bean harvesting to the roasting ...
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9
Cheese Maker
Mike takes a trip to the San Francisco Zoo, where he experiences the daily responsibilities of a zookeeper by feeding the animals and cleaning up afte...
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1
Avian Vomitologist
Title: Avian Vomitologist Plot: Mike embarks on a journey starting in Colorado, where he lends a hand at a marble quarry. Next, he heads to Californi...
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2
Turkey Farmer
A turkey farmer and a potato farmer team up to tackle the challenges of managing a local waste water sewage plant. As they navigate the complexities o...
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3
Alligator Farmer
In Fremont, California, a sugarcane mill operates amidst the bustling community, where a dedicated firefighter balances the demands of his job with th...
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4
Mushroom Farmer
Title: Fungi Cultivator Plot: A dedicated fungi cultivator juggles his unique profession with an unexpected side job as a storm drain maintenance wor...
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5
Plumber
Plumber, drilling mud, Rough necker (oil drilling)
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6
Termite Controller
A concrete spreader, a termite killer, and a concrete truck washer all work in their respective fields, tackling challenges in construction and pest c...
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7
Casino Food Recycler
In the dazzling atmosphere of Las Vegas, Mike heads to the Lance Burton Theater to tidy up the enclosures for Lance's show doves and geese. After that...
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8
Parade Float Dismantler
Mike's journey begins in Pennsylvania, where he visits a coal processing facility to discover the process of creating coke, a carbonized form of coal ...
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9
Garbage Pit Technician
Mike kicks off his adventure in Las Vegas, where he works at a vintage printing press creating lithographs of himself for the official Dirty Jobs post...
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10
Skull Cleaner
Mike begins his journey in Sacramento, California, where he lends a hand in fixing railroad tracks. Next, he travels to Louisiana to discover the art ...
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11
Geoduck Farmer
Mike begins his journey in California, where he assists in demolishing a dam to allow endangered trout to spawn. Next, he travels to Pennsylvania to w...
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12
Fuel Tank Cleaner
Mike travels to a classic steel town in Pennsylvania to take a job at Wertz Candies, a candy shop that's been around for 75 years, where he creates a ...
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13
Coal Miner
Mike lends a hand to a family in New Jersey as they take apart and repurpose materials from century-old structures on a historic college campus. After...
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14
Hoof Cleaner
Mike Rowe starts his adventure at a rock quarry in Washington, where he discovers the process of transforming large rocks into gravel, even taking par...
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15
Alpaca Shearer
Mike teams up with the crew at Taylor Shellfish Farms once more to assist in harvesting mussels. His journey then takes him to Hawaii, where he dives ...
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16
Monkey Caretaker
Title: Monkey Caretaker Plot: Mike Rowe embarks on an adventure to South Africa, where he finds himself in a unique challenge—caring for monkeys be...
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17
Snake Researcher
Mike Rowe dives into the world of water snakes, takes on the grueling roles of dedicated bait and lobster fishermen in Maine, and goes through viewer ...
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18
Penguin Keeper
Title: Penguin Keeper Plot: Mike, familiar with concrete from his time in Dallas, travels to California to discover the intricate technique of concre...
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19
Bell Maker
Mike Rowe eagerly rolls up his sleeves to dive into the messy work of crafting enormous bells at the McShane Bell Foundry. He also joins the US Army C...
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20
Mosquito Control Officer
Mike lends a hand to the people of New Orleans as they work to restore, rebuild, and rejuvenate their city following the devastation brought by Hurric...
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1
Bug Breeder
Mike starts his adventure in California by clearing away trees and stumps. Next, he gets a bit messy while working with some fainting goats in Tenness...
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2
Poo Pot Maker
Title: The Manure Pot Project Plot: Mike embarks on a journey to northern California to tally the number of deceased salmon. While sorting through hi...
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3
Mule Logger
Mike teams up with a skilled cooper, which is simply a fancy term for someone who crafts barrels. In addition, he collaborates with a group of mule lo...
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4
Well Digger
Mike starts working as a groundskeeper for the Bowie BaySox at Prince George's Stadium in Maryland. After that, he teams up with a former Navy SEAL to...
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5
Cave Digger
Mike assists in excavating tunnels that serve as subterranean wine storage. Subsequently, he takes on a role behind the scenes at Southwest Airlines, ...
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6
Salt Miner
Mike ventures into the depths of Hutchinson, Kansas, to explore the world of rock salt mining. This episode also highlights the behind-the-scenes acti...
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7
Wine Maker
Title: Vintner's Journey Plot: Mike embarks on an adventure to Napa Valley to master the art of winemaking. After honing his skills among the vineyar...
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8
Steam Ship Cleaner
Title: Steam Ship Restoration Plot: Mike travels to San Diego to master the challenging art of hydroseeding. Afterward, he shares a fan's letter and ...
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9
Billboard Installer
Title: Billboard Installer Plot: Mike embarks on a journey to Texas to join a firm specializing in outdoor advertisements. Excited for the new oppo...
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10
Snake Wrangler
Reptile handler
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11
Leather Tanner
Mike travels to Georgia to discover the art of crafting decorative jugs. After that, he heads to upstate New York to team up with Richard Meyer and hi...
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12
Bridge Painter
Mike Rowe and the Dirty Jobs team head to Michigan to collaborate with the Mackinac Bridge Authority on one of the largest suspension bridges in the w...
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13
Vomit Island Workers
Mike Rowe dives into the wild and gritty environment of Vomit Island, a location that remains largely unexplored and is certainly uninviting. His task...
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14
Alligator Egg Collector
Title: Alligator Egg Collector Plot: Mike Rowe dives headfirst into the muddy waters of Louisiana, on a mission to collect a staggering 90,000 alliga...
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15
Special Effects Artist
Mike uncovers the intriguing secrets lurking within the gritty realm of special effects. Venturing into this bizarre industry, he undergoes an incredi...
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16
Reef Ball Maker
Mike dives into the gritty work of building an artificial underwater reef, getting his hands dirty for a good cause. This challenging task plays a cru...
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17
Exotic Animal Keeper
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty work at a recycling facility in San Francisco, where dump truck drivers must scrub out the filthy backs of their truck...
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18
Spray Insulation Technician
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of airport runway painters, getting his hands dirty alongside them. He then explores the unappealing task of ins...
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19
Dirty Innovators
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1
Big Animal Vet
Title: Big Animal Vet Plot: In this episode, Mike Rowe dives into the messy world of a renowned barbecue restaurant, teaming up with a large animal v...
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2
Steel Mill Worker
In St. Louis, Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of a river barge demolition crew, getting his hands dirty as he helps dismantle the massive vessel...
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3
Cave Biologist
Mike Rowe teams up with a cave biologist to explore the fascinating world of subterranean creatures before embarking on an adventurous journey across ...
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4
Buoy Cleaner
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty work of shingle production in Oregon before hopping aboard a Coast Guard vessel to scrub down some grimy buoys.
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5
Cranberry Farmer
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of handcrafted brick-making in South Carolina. Following that, he embraces the challenges of cranberry farming i...
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6
Mud Mineral Excavator
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of Death Valley, California, as he gears up for a gem and mineral exhibition. After that, he lends a hand in res...
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7
Dirty Jobs of the Big Apple
Mike Rowe dives into the gritty world of New York City's toughest jobs. He begins by scaling a towering skyscraper to construct a water tower before s...
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8
Floating Fish Factory
Title: Fish Factory at Sea Plot: Mike embarks on an exciting journey to Alaska, where he boards a fish processing vessel. As he navigates the unique ...
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9
Dairy Cow Midwife
Title: Dairy Cow Midwife Plot: On an Indiana dairy farm, Mike discovers the art of milking a cow and the technique of using a blow torch for udder sa...
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10
Aerial Tram Greaser
Title: Aerial Tram Greaser Plot: Mike visits the location of a new neighborhood in California, discovering that managing erosion involves more comple...
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11
Turkey Inseminator
The episode explores various topics, starting with tips on enhancing home energy efficiency through better insulation. It then shifts to a fascinating...
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12
Ice Salvage Crew
In Alaska, Mike gets down and dirty as he takes part in an environmental cleanup, tackling an oil spill to help preserve the natural surroundings. Aft...
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13
Wind Farm Technician
Title: Wind Farm Technician Plot: Mike travels to a wind farm in Oklahoma, discovering that embracing eco-friendly practices often requires tackling ...
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14
Animal Barber
Mike begins his journey at Terressentials, where he explores their organic hair care products crafted from natural mud. After that, he heads back to M...
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15
Brown Before Green
Title: Brown Before Green Plot: Mike reflects on various Dirty Jobs that contribute to environmental restoration. He explores geothermal drilling, ...
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16
Tar Rigger
Mike joins the tar rigging team aboard the Star of India, the oldest operational merchant ship globally, located in San Diego. Afterward, he reflects ...
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17
Dirty Chip Maker
Mike visits the Dirty Potato Chips factory, where he discovers the process of making potato chips and the effort required to maintain the cleanliness ...
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18
Sheep Castrator
Mike gets to work cutting down a massive concrete wall at an auto dealership to clear space for a new wash bay. After that, he visits a sheep farm whe...
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19
Leech Trapper
Mike joins forces with the guys from Bartos Bait & Fish to gather leeches, which they'll sell as bait for fishing. After that, he heads to the Green T...
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20
Dirty Presidents
Mike explores the less glamorous jobs that former presidents held before their time in office. This special episode of Dirty Jobs promises to give us ...
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21
Mannequin Factory
Mike lends a hand in dismantling several homes at the Windsorland Mobile Home Park to clear space for an upcoming shopping center. After that, he visi...
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22
Egg Farm
Title: Egg Farm Plot: Mike heads to a chicken farm to explore the journey of eggs from the coop to the grocery aisle. While there, he discovers that ...
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23
Vellum Maker
Mike heads to Yakama, Washington, to gather hops, the essential component for brewing beer. Following his time there, he makes his way to the Hudson V...
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24
Maggot Farmer
In Arizona, Mike takes on the task of relocating a massive cactus. Afterward, he heads to Idaho, where he engages in the unusual job of cultivating ma...
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25
Gourd Maker
Title: Gourd Artisan Plot: Mike Rowe takes on the task of clearing debris from a lake in Connecticut, ensuring its beauty is restored. After his clea...
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26
Brown Before Green 2
Mike reflects on a few of his previous colleagues who exemplify what it means to be champions of the environmental movement.
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1
Bologna Maker
Mike travels to Pennsylvania to dive into the art of bologna-making, experimenting with different techniques. Afterward, he journeys to Alaska, where ...
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2
Abandoned Mine Plugger
Mike heads to Ohio to assess the Common Tern population, but soon finds himself in Northern California, where he takes on the task of sealing up an ab...
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3
Animal Rendering
Mike embarks on a journey to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles to explore the significant research happening at Pit 91. Afterward, he heads north, w...
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4
Goose Down Plucker
Mike travels to Meridian, California, to discover the ins and outs of walnut harvesting. After that, he makes his way to Tulelake, where he immerses h...
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5
Diaper Cleaner
Title: Diaper Cleaner Plot: Mike travels to Queen Creek, Arizona, where he engages in the process of pressing olives to create oil. Following this, h...
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6
Spider Pharm
Mike travels to Payette, Idaho, where he discovers the art of crafting premium bird food. After that, he makes his way to Yarnell, Arizona, where he g...
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7
Locomotive Builder
Title: Train Maker Plot: Mike travels to MotivePower in Boise, Idaho, where he takes on the challenge of constructing and refurbishing locomotives fo...
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8
200 Jobs Look-Back
Mike reflects on his past employment experiences, the challenging colleagues he's dealt with, and his continuous run-ins with grime and excrement. The...
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9
Mike's Day Off
Mike decides to take a day off for a physical exam, which means Executive Producers Eddie Barbini and Craig Piligian step in to run the show. They div...
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10
Sled Dog Breeder
Martin Buser takes viewers on an adventure as he breeds and trains Alaskan Huskies for sled dog racing. The episode revisits some of the grittier jobs...
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11
Mattress Recycler
Mike discovers the fate of discarded mattresses once they’re tossed away.
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12
High-Rise Window Washer
A window washer working on a high-rise gets a unique request from a viewer's letter: to clean the brine tank at Shark Reef in Mandalay Bay. This unusu...
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13
Toilet Crusher
In this episode, a researcher studying alligator snapping turtles encounters unexpected challenges when a malfunctioning toilet wreaks havoc in the la...
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14
Camel Rancher
Mike is employed at the nation’s sole dairy that specializes in Dromedary camels.
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15
Tofu Maker
Before setting off for Hawaii to pursue his tofu-making venture, Mike takes the time to recycle old computers.
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16
Glass Maker
Mike travels to Jonesboro, Arkansas, to conduct research on dung beetles. After completing his studies there, he makes his way to Williamstown, West V...
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17
Rocky Reach Dam
Mike travels to Wenatchee, Washington, to assist with the upkeep of a hydroelectric dam. While there, he investigates a fish bypass system, where he c...
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18
Safety Third
Title: Safety Third Plot: Mike takes a trip down memory lane, recalling his earlier, riskier jobs and the lessons he learned about safety. Through ...
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19
Reindeer Farm
Mike travels to Kentucky to take on the challenge of shrink-wrapping a houseboat. Afterward, he makes his way to Palmer, Alaska, where he spends a day...
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20
Marble Maker
Mike travels to Hawaii to master the art of crafting dirt shirts at The Original Dirt Shirt Company. After soaking up the sun and skills there, he mak...
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21
Fireworks Technician
Mike takes on a role as a specialized fireworks technician in Addison, Pennsylvania. Later, he lends his expertise to investigate a cow with a peculia...
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22
Worm Grunter
Mike travels to Florida to dig for clams at the Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve. After that, he plans to try his hand at worm-grunting in the Apalac...
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23
Maple Syrup Maker
Mike journeys to San Francisco to dive into the chaotic world of paint bulking. After that, he makes his way to Wagner's Sugar Camp in Pennsylvania, w...
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1
Animal Control Specialist
Mike travels to Southern California to work as an animal control specialist, tackling issues with skunks and various other pests.
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2
Cricket Farmer
Mike starts his journey at a cricket farm in Augusta, Georgia, where he learns the ins and outs of farming these insects. Eventually, he takes a leap ...
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3
Chicken Busters
Mike sets off on an adventure through the streets of Miami, determined to track down some wild chickens.
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4
Soo Locks Technician
Title: Soo Locks Engineer Plot: Mike travels to Michigan to become a part of the dedicated maintenance team at the Soo Locks. As he integrates with...
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5
Concrete Finisher
In Moss Landing, California, Mike works on crafting concrete countertops and fire pits. While he’s busy with his projects, he reflects on his most f...
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6
Bone Black
Mike heads to a bone black facility in Michigan, where he explores the fascinating process behind the product. Afterward, he shares stories about his ...
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7
Tight Spaces 2
Mike reflects on his past experiences working in cramped environments. He recalls the time he had to scrub the interior of a buoy, his escapade explor...
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8
Crew Unemployment
As a break approaches, Mike works to find job opportunities for the "Dirty Jobs" team while contemplating the impact they've made.
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9
The Dirty Truth
In this unique episode, Mike reflects on lessons from past experiences as he shares valuable job-seeking advice he's gathered throughout his career. W...
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10
Exotic Nanny
Title: Wild Caregiver Plot: Mike takes a trip to a Texas ranch renowned for its unique collection of exotic creatures, including sloths, lemurs, came...
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11
Wetland Warrior
Title: Wetland Warrior Plot: In Texas, Mike finds himself on the run, attempting to outwit a pack of bloodhounds while masquerading as a fugitive. Me...
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12
Sea Lamprey Exterminator
Title: Sea Lamprey Eliminator Plot: Mike joins forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combat the invasive sea lamprey species, which poses...
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13
Animal Relocator
Mike explores a traditional corn mill located in De Kalb, Mississippi. Additionally, he lends a hand in moving a couple of exotic deer in Wills Point,...
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14
Lightning Rod Installer
Mike discovers the process of installing a lightning rod on a house in Lucedale, Mississippi.
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15
Woolen Mill Operator
Title: Woolen Mill Operator Plot: Mike discovers the art of transforming fleece into yarn while spending a day at the spa, where he also tries his ha...
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16
Pinsetter Mechanic
Mike heads to a bowling alley in Fremont, California, where a fan suggests he shine the spotlight on his cameraman.
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17
Bug Detective
Mike takes a trip to a forensic entomology lab, where he assists in examining pig carcasses to look for maggots and various other insects.
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18
Horse Tester
Title: Equine Evaluator Plot: Mike travels to Kentucky to delve into the nutritional needs of racehorses. His task includes gathering essential data ...
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19
Custom Meat Processor
Mike teams up with a falconer to help scare off birds. Afterward, he takes on the task of butchering a cow, starting from the hoof and working all the...
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20
Dirty Holidays
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21
Dirty Conversation
Title: Unfiltered Chats Plot: Mike Rowe delves into exclusive, unseen clips showcasing a variety of bizarre and offbeat dialogues he’s had with a...
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22
Date Palm Pollinator
Mike takes the time to respond to letters from viewers while also getting involved in pollinating date palm trees in Palm Springs.
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1
Asphalt Paver
In Nebraska, Mike Rowe tries his hand at road paving. Later, when responding to a question from his mailbag about his favorite animal, he reminisces a...
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2
Rum Distiller
Title: Rum Distiller Plot: Mike embarks on a visit to a local distillery, immersing himself in the art of transforming molasses into rum. He naviga...
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3
Hair Fairy
Title: Lice Liberation Plot: Mike travels to Wyoming to set up a sturdy metal power pole. Following this task, he heads to San Francisco, where he di...
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4
Dirty Infrastructure
Mike examines the state of America's infrastructure and pays tribute to the dedicated workers who play a crucial role in maintaining it.
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5
Scrapple Maker
Mike discovers the art of preparing a pig delicacy called scrapple and subsequently takes on the role of an assistant to a shoe doctor.
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6
Blueberry Connoisseur
Mike heads to the Jelly Belly Candy Company to create a jelly bean inspired by the taste of his own grimy work boots. After that, he makes his way to ...
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7
Sponge Diver
Title: Sponge Diver Plot: Mike travels to Tarpon Springs, Florida, to assist in gathering sponges from the ocean depths. Following this adventure, he...
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8
Cedar Log Peeler
Mike is on a fish processing boat in the Bering Sea, where he’s busy clearing out the fish grinder. After finishing that task, he makes his way to t...
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9
Termite Researcher
Mike catches up with devoted fans Marilyn and Carolyn Maedel as they explore previously unreleased footage from a crawfish factory in Louisiana. Follo...
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10
Dirty DNA
Title: Family Ties Plot: Mike returns to his roots, exploring various family-related professions. He checks in with his parents while reconnecting wi...
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1
Fish Squeezer
Mike makes his way to New Mexico to take on a role as a Fish Squeezer with the Department of Game and Fish. Following that, he journeys to Virginia, w...
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2
Fossil Hunter
Mike heads to a secluded region close to Moab, Utah, to embrace his role as a paleontologist.
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3
Doomsday Seed Banker
Mike lends a hand to the Millennium Seed Bank Project at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where the initiative focuses on safeguarding seeds that could be ...
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4
Water Softener Technician
Title: Water Softener Technician Plot: Mike embarks on a new career as a water softener technician in Minnesota, while simultaneously holding a job...
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5
Barber's Assistant
Mike, employed at a barber shop in Mobile, Alabama, takes a trip to California where he takes on a job as a landfill operator.
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6
Mardi Gras Bladder Banger
Teaming up with the Knights of Revelry, an ancient secret society that's been around for 137 years, Mike Rowe prepares cow bladders designed to ward o...
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7
Medical Waste Disposal Expert
Mike Rowe enjoys an unexpectedly peaceful and amusing day at Medical Waste Transport, Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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8
Dirty Little Bits
Title: Unsavory Chats Plot: Mike reflects on the peculiar and offbeat dialogues he's experienced with his unfiltered colleagues. Featuring an impress...
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9
Tower Top Hand
In North Dakota, a towering radio communications structure stands tall as Mike takes a trip to a Hollywood soundstage. This visit serves as a celebrat...
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10
Onion Processor
At Gills Onions, Mike Rowe chops, slices, and samples onions before he cleans out the juicing machine and some components of the reactor. After that, ...
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11
Dirty Conversations 2
Dirty Jobs doesn’t offer do-overs, and this special reveals the genuine moments that unfold when real cameras capture real people speaking candidly....
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1
Lost in Aboriginal Land
Title: Stranded in Indigenous Territory Plot: Mike Rowe embarks on an expedition with Aboriginal communities along Australia’s northern coast, a gr...
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2
Deadly Snake Wrangler
In Australia, Mike Rowe partners with the local company "Snakes Away" to safely catch a venomous Eastern brown snake while avoiding bites. Later, he j...
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3
Journey to Croc Country
Mike sets off on an adventure along the Adelaide River to catch one of Australia's most dangerous inhabitants: the crocodile. After successfully wrang...
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4
Outback Treasure Hunter
Title: Opal Quest in the Outback Plot: Mike and his team venture into the heart of the Australian Outback, hoping to uncover riches alongside a band ...
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1
Rodbuster / Galvanizer
Mike works alongside a group of rodbusters to install rebar, and later, he goes on to galvanize the steel.
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2
Jellyballer / Epoxy Installer
Mike Rowe teams up with a family of fishermen in Georgia, diving into the unique world of harvesting cannonball jellyfish, a practice known as Jellyba...
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3
Tugboat Fitter / Water Tower
Mike heads to a shipbuilding town in Coden, Alabama, to delve into the intricacies of constructing a tugboat. Later, he tackles a challenging ascent t...
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4
Rock Sucker / Mountain Carver
Mike is seen sucking rocks from an industrial rooftop with a giant vacuum. After that, he heads to the Black Hills to create the world's largest monum...
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5
Escalator Maintainer / Scorpion Sweeper
Title: Escalator Specialist / Scorpion Collector Plot: Mike Rowe squeezes into an escalator at a hockey arena to scrub away a unique type of grime fr...
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6
Combat Surgeon / Iguana Hunter
Mike Rowe undergoes rigorous training to become a trauma surgeon, immersing himself in hyper-realistic scenarios and utilizing advanced equipment to p...
