# Any good science shows on TV?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [March 21, 2002, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385 "2002-03-21T19:31:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2002, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385/1 "2002-03-21T19:31:23Z")

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(or **Bill Nye: you, sir, are an idiot** )

I like **Scientific American Frontiers** but there are times when Alan Alda is a bit too serious; same with **National Geographic Explorer**. I liked **Newton’s Apple** but that isn’t on in my area anymore so I’m stuck with the aforementioned **Science Guy** , who irks me when he spreads misinformation. For example, references to Year Zero, as if it existed. Also, I recently saw the episode about birds in which he cited one difference between birds and humans is that birds’ bones are hollow and human bones are solid. Uh, Bill, our bones aren’t _completely_ solid, did you forget about marrow?

What other good science programs are there?

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**Author:** ![Mars\_Horizon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mars_horizon/32/2804_2.png) [@Mars\_Horizon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mars_Horizon)\
**Post date:** [March 21, 2002, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385/2 "2002-03-21T20:09:54Z")

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The **Understanding** series on the Discovery Science Channel is very good, and explores many of the same topics as the Science Guy, but for adults.

Actually, almost anything on the aforementioned DSCI channel is good. William B. Davis (“Cancer Man” from the X Files) does a 3 minute regular spot in cooperation with Skeptical Inquirer magazine, entitled (appropriately enough) **"Skeptical Inquirer"**

[PSA]  
If you don’t get the Discovery Science Channel, call your cable provider!  
[/PSA]

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**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385/3 "2002-03-22T00:17:52Z")

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I assume you know about **NOVA** , the grandaddy of science TV shows.

when it was on, I liked **Popular Mechanics for Kids** , even tho I’m significantly older tha the target demographic.

Likewise **The Magic Schoolbus** , tho my favorite part is at the end when someone would call in and complain about the oversimplifications in the episode.

Brian

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**Author:** ![Eutychus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385/4 "2002-03-22T00:35:37Z")

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I miss **Beakman’s World**.

Especially the guy in the giant rat suit.

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**Author:** ![eponymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e0b2c6/32.png) [@eponymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eponymous)\
**Post date:** [March 22, 2002, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-science-shows-on-tv/99385/5 "2002-03-22T00:44:04Z")

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Not strictly a science program, but CSI (Crime Scene Investigators) is a good show.