From 1993 to 1998, Bill Nye, the Science Guy taught the principles of science and the joys of intellectual curiosity to millions of Americans. In 2017, he’s back, with Bill Nye Saves the World, a combination talk show and science class, where he will explore such topics as climate change, GMOs, alternative medicine, modern technology, video games, and sex. CNet reported that the new show will premiere April 21, 2017, on Netflix.

Bill Nye Saves the World will combine Nye’s sense of humor with his scientific curiosity. Underlying the show is a more serious theme: his conviction that scientific illiteracy is a danger that must be fought. According to Wired, the new show will “seek to debunk anti-scientific claims and myths.” It will also discuss the influence of science on politics and pop culture, and it’s described as a science variety show.

Bill Nye

The first thirteen episode series will have a variety of guests and correspondents, from scientists to science fiction actors to comedians to journalists. Nye’s principal assistants will be science YouTuber Derek Muller, aeronautical engineer Emily Calandrelli, comedian Nazeem Hussain, writer Joanna Hausmann, and fashion model Karlie Kloss. Wil Wheaton, Rachel Bloom, Steve Aoki, Tim Gunn, and Zach Braff are among the promised guests.

Netflix originally announced the thirteen episode show back in August 2016. The trailer officially debuted Wednesday, February 8, 2017, in New York.

Bill Nye said, “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… 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.”

Some people may say Bill Nye Saves the World is a grandiose title. Other people say the world seems to be in need of heroes at the moment, especially heroes who believe in the power of science and education. Bill Nye is such a hero. Although his formal scientific education ended with a BS in mechanical engineering from Cornell University, he has never stopped learning or teaching about science. At last count, Nye had six honorary doctorates from universities in the United States and Canada. He is also the CEO of The Planetary Society, and appears regularly on Planetary Radio on Sundays here on SCIFI.radio.

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Susan Macdonald

Susan Macdonald

Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress ”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions,  Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.