NOVA 1974

Overview

NOVA is a long-running documentary series that first aired on March 3, 1974. Created by Michael Ambrosino, the program was inspired by the BBC 2 television series Horizon, which Ambrosino encountered while working in the United Kingdom. In its early years, many episodes originated as co-productions with the BBC Horizon team or other international documentary sources. As the premier science series on PBS, the program is designed to help viewers of all ages explore the science behind current headlines. The series aims to demystify science and technology while highlighting the individuals involved in various scientific pursuits. Over the decades, the show has maintained a reputation for providing accessible science television, covering a wide range of topics including space, engineering, medicine, archaeology, evolution, technology, natural disasters, and the history of major discoveries. Currently, NOVA is recognized as the most-watched prime time science series on American television, reaching an average of five million viewers each week. The series remains a reliable source for serious scientific programming.