Age of The Nerd
Unless you’re old as hell or still in school, it’s likely you grew up in the era that Bill Nye the Science Guy ruled school classrooms across the country. Whether it was a rainy day, your teacher had a wicked hangover, or there was a substitute teacher, when that TV was rolled in front of the class you knew that you were about to learn some s**t about science. Don’t even get me started about that theme song, it’s been stuck in my head since I started writing this article… and it’s unlikely to vacate anytime soon.
Well guess what? Ole Bill is coming out with a new show next year on Netflix! Bill Nye Saves the World (an amazing title by the way), according to Vanity Fair, will feature one topic per episode, “…dispelling myths, and refuting anti-scientific claims that may be espoused by politicians, religious leaders or titans of industry.” This not only sounds awesome, but much more adult-oriented than the 90’s show we’re all used to. This is definitely right up Netflix’s alley and something that a network like ABC or PBS wouldn’t be able to achieve (or just wouldn’t even try to do). Bill Nye is no stranger to schooling TV news hosts about science and I’m hoping we get much more of that in his new series.
Bill commented about the show, saying,
“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. 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.”
Even if Bill Nye can’t completely change the world, it’s a great idea to expose a new generation to the idea that science can be fun and cool. I’m sure the show won’t be as wild and quirky as the 90’s show was, but it’s Bill Nye, so there’s no doubt that it’ll be funny as well as informative. Spring 2017 seems like so far away, but we can get through it together, I promise.
Bill! Bill! Bill! Bill!
