Bill Nye the Science Guy is about to educate and inform a lot more people the fun way again. Netflix is giving him a brand new talk show series set for Spring 2017.
Bill Nye the Science Guy was a half-hour science program that aired on PBS and other networks from 1993-1998. It was a successor to things like Watch Mr. Wizard, Mr. Wizard's World, and Beakman's World. The show was great for a lot of reasons, the most important of course being that it got people engaged with learning science. The second, for me at least, was that it was hosted by a “geek” who was “cool.” That might sound funny but as a kid who hid her geekiness, it was nice to see someone not just getting attention for theirs but paid for it.
IndieWire reported this morning that the new series with Nye will be a talk show format and called Bill Nye Saves the World. They also had an official synopsis from Netflix: “Each episode will tackle a topic from a scientific point of view, dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders, or titans of industry.” They also note he'll produce demonstrations and talk to guests in an “unfiltered style.”
Official production credits: “Bill Nye Saves the World” is produced for Netflix by Bunim/Murray Productions. Michael Naidus (“The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”) serves as showrunner and executive producer, while Gil Goldschein and Julie Pizzi serve as executive producers for Bunim/Murray. Mike Drucker serves as head comedy writer, while astronomer Phil Plait will be head science writer.
In 2017, we're doing a talk show with @BillNye. It's an experiment. pic.twitter.com/gE4bOIhV6a
– Netflix US (@netflix) August 31, 2016
“Since the start of the Science Guy show, I”ve been on a mission to change the world by getting people everywhere excited about the fundamental ideas in science,” said Nye. “Today, I”m excited to be working with Netflix on a new show, where we”ll discuss the complex scientific issues facing us today, with episodes on vaccinations, genetically modified foods, and climate change. With the right science and good writing, we”ll do our best to enlighten and entertain our audience. And, perhaps we”ll change the world a little.”
I doubt the new show will hold a candle to the classic '90s fun but sounds like there's a lot of potential here. Let's take a quick, nostalgic look back at the old series opening.