NOVA
A PBS Original
NOVA kicked off as PBS's flagship science documentary series, inviting curious viewers of all ages to look behind the headlines and understand the science driving today’s news. Rather than just delivering facts, it breaks down how discoveries happen, what they mean, and how technology changes... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: February 01, 2026
About NOVA
NOVA kicked off as PBS's flagship science documentary series, inviting curious viewers of all ages to look behind the headlines and understand the science driving today’s news. Rather than just delivering facts, it breaks down how discoveries happen, what they mean, and how technology changes everyday life. Each episode spotlights the people who do the work, from researchers to engineers, shining a light on the questions, methods, and real world impact behind scientific progress. Its approach blends demonstrations, expert interviews, and field reporting to connect headlines to underlying science. Nova also connects scientific breakthroughs to everyday concerns like health, energy, and the environment, helping viewers assess what headlines really mean today and beyond.
The program began on PBS in 1974 and relies on a rotating team of directors rather than a single creator. This structure lets NOVA tackle a wide range of topics with flexibility, often used by educators in classrooms worldwide today.
Over the years NOVA has earned multiple recognitions, including Primetime Emmy wins and nominations. Its consistent, accessible approach to science reporting has helped set a standard for television documentaries and inspired audiences to explore science beyond the classroom, from kids to learners. Its influence extends to literacy initiatives and discussions.
The show has played a notable role in making science feel relevant to everyday life. By highlighting the people behind discoveries and explaining stakes of headlines, NOVA helped cultivate trust in science and sparked conversations across households and communities, fueling curiosity after the credits roll for teachers, students, and families.
Critics have praised its balance of depth and clarity, with a focus on evidence and curiosity. The series treats science as a human endeavor, emphasizing methods, uncertainty, and the real world implications of research rather than sterile theory, which resonates with casual viewers everywhere and students alike and future researchers.
Details
- Release Date
- March 03, 1974
- Episode Length
- 55m
- Rating
- TV-PG
- User Ratings
- 134 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 53
- Episodes
- 1017
- Network
- PBS
- Status
- Returning Series
- Genres
- Documentary
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- GBH
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Seasons (53 seasons, 1017 episodes)
Season 1
13 episodes - 1974
Season 2
17 episodes - 1974
Season 3
20 episodes - 1976
Season 4
19 episodes - 1977
Season 5
21 episodes - 1978
Season 6
19 episodes - 1979
Season 7
20 episodes - 1980
Season 8
20 episodes - 1981
Season 9
19 episodes - 1982
Season 10
21 episodes - 1983
Season 11
20 episodes - 1984
Season 12
20 episodes - 1985
Season 13
21 episodes - 1986
Season 14
21 episodes - 1987
Season 15
22 episodes - 1988
Season 16
20 episodes - 1989
Season 17
20 episodes - 1990
Season 18
19 episodes - 1991
Season 19
20 episodes - 1992
Season 20
20 episodes - 1993
Season 21
20 episodes - 1994
Season 22
13 episodes - 1995
Season 23
19 episodes - 1995
Season 24
21 episodes - 1996
Season 25
20 episodes - 1997
Season 26
20 episodes - 1998
Season 27
21 episodes - 1999
Season 28
17 episodes - 2000
Season 29
17 episodes - 2001
Season 30
16 episodes - 2002
Season 31
18 episodes - 2003
Season 32
18 episodes - 2004
Season 33
20 episodes - 2005
Season 34
15 episodes - 2006
Season 35
17 episodes - 2007
Season 36
17 episodes - 2008
Season 37
18 episodes - 2009
Season 38
18 episodes - 2010
Season 39
19 episodes - 2011
Season 40
20 episodes - 2012
Season 41
22 episodes - 2013
Season 42
22 episodes - 2014
Season 43
22 episodes - 2015
Season 44
28 episodes - 2016
Season 45
23 episodes - 2018
Season 46
23 episodes - 2019
Season 47
16 episodes - 2020
Season 48
25 episodes - 2021
Season 49
19 episodes - 2022
Season 50
18 episodes - 2023
Season 51
18 episodes - 2024
Season 52
20 episodes - 2025
Season 53
6 episodes - 2026
