Nova (TV series)
Overview
Nova is an American popular science television series produced by WGBH for PBS. Many of the programs in this list were not originally produced for PBS, but were acquired from other sources such as the BBC. All acquired programs are edited for Nova, if only to provide American English narration and additional voice of interpreters for languages not spoken widely enough in the United States. The same episode of Nova may be broadcast in several seasons.
History
Nova was first aired on March 3, 1974, making it the most-watched prime time science series in American television history. It is broadcast on PBS in the United States, and in more than 100 other countries. It has won a variety of major television awards, including the Emmy Awards and the Peabody Awards. Having won 19 Emmy Awards, it is the most awarded series in its genre. Nova often includes interviews with scientists directly involved in the topic at hand, and occasionally footage from the actual moment of a particular discovery. Some episodes have focused on the history of science. Examples of topics covered include the Drake equation, the search for extraterrestrial life, string theory, time travel, nanotechnology, and the work or inventions of various scientists.
Production
The Nova programs are produced by WGBH Boston. The senior executive producer is Paula Apsell, who joined Nova in 1975. Nova is funded by the David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. Nova often includes interviews with scientists doing research in the subject areas covered and occasionally includes footage about the research. Some programs provide in-depth coverage of events, such as Hurricane Katrina, or controversial topics, such as the intelligent design movement. Other episodes have focused on the history of science, technology, and engineering.
Notable Episodes
Over the years, Nova has produced notable episodes that have significantly contributed to the popular understanding of science. Some of these include "The Elegant Universe", "The Fabric of the Cosmos", "The Illusion of Time", and "The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers". Each of these episodes delves into complex scientific concepts and makes them accessible to the general public.
Impact and Reception
Nova has been praised for its ability to simplify complex scientific concepts and make them accessible to the general public. It has been recognized for its educational value, with many schools and universities recommending or requiring their students to watch episodes of the series. The show has also been praised for its high production values, including its use of high-quality graphics and animations to illustrate scientific concepts.