The program starred Paul Zaloom as Beakman, an eccentric scientist who performed comical experiments and demonstrations in response to viewer mail to illustrate various scientific concepts from density to electricity to flatulence.

In a running joke, it was sometimes implied that his character was actually supposed to be a rat, particularly in moments where he would appear to be in pain because someone was standing on his tail, because he was being tickled, something was on his prosthetic nose, etc.

Another occasional cast member is the unseen cameraman "Ray", who is played by prop-master Ron Jancula's hands.

In some of the skits during the show the character Professor I. M. Boring (also played by Paul Zaloom, in a dual role) makes appearances and talks about various science topics in the episodes.

Zaloom also appeared as various "guest scientists" and historic figures, such as Thomas A. Edison, Henry Ford, Robert H. Goddard and Philo T. Farnsworth.

The show addressed this during the second season, by having Lester exclaim to Beakman (as he was explaining the science behind a trick) "AIR PRESSURE!

The show's theme song and incidental music was composed by Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh and Denis M. Hannigan.

The Beakman's World theme is an amalgam of Zydeco and Synthpop, uses an accordion for its main riff and prominently features a wide array of wacky sound effects.

(Mothersbaugh and the show's production designer, Wayne White, had previously worked in the same roles on Pee-wee's Playhouse which also aired on CBS.)

[13] This DVD is a direct transfer of the VHS tape of the same name, and features only experiments and segments taken from The Beakman Challenge.