Top 10 Entertaining Science TV Series

When you hear the word 'science,' what comes to mind? Lab coats? Eccentric researchers with wild hair? Beakers and bubbling chemicals? Many TV series aim to make science synonymous with enjoyment. However, what one person finds entertaining, another might not. While science enthusiasts crave detailed and thought-provoking content, the average viewer seeks entertainment, engagement, and a touch of excitement [source: Bearzi]. They crave science that makes them say, 'Wow!'

Science shows often take a playful approach, using humor, storytelling, real-life connections, and trending topics to captivate audiences. But be cautious: some programs may present misleading or inaccurate science. For example, a UK series, 'The Experiments,' claimed to scientifically prove that an average person could be hypnotized into becoming an assassin [source: Stokes]. Not only is this scientifically flawed, but it also fails to deliver the genuine enjoyment found in the following programs.

10: "NOVA"

If an hour of science programming doesn’t sound entertaining, you’ve likely never watched PBS’s "NOVA." While the topics are often weighty, they’re undeniably captivating. This series doesn’t just focus on accuracy; it also prioritizes engaging storytelling, seamless pacing, sharp editing, and compelling scripts. The result? "NOVA" is the most-watched science program on television and PBS’s top-rated documentary series, drawing 6 million weekly viewers in the U.S. who tune in to both learn and be entertained.

The show explores a wide range of historical and scientific subjects. One episode might delve into the evolution of biplanes into World War I aircraft, while another examines medieval sword making, ancient Greek computing devices, or Egyptian chariots. Biology enthusiasts can witness the impact of reintroducing predators into ecosystems, while fans of physical science can dive into the periodic table to uncover the most lethal, abundant, and scarce elements. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by a substance that lasts mere milliseconds?

9: "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage"

To truly appreciate science, listen to someone who’s passionate about it. In the 1980 PBS series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage," Cornell professor Carl Sagan shared his boundless curiosity and excitement for the universe. Though the series spanned just 13 episodes, it explored a vast array of topics. From whale songs and messages on the Voyager spacecraft to nuclear weapons, black holes, spacetime travel, natural patterns, and the Rosetta Stone, Sagan’s enthusiasm made even the most complex subjects accessible and thrilling.

"Cosmos" has been reimagined for the modern era. Ann Druyan, Sagan's widow and a contributor to the original series, collaborated with Seth MacFarlane (creator of "Family Guy") to bring a fresh iteration to life. Hosted by renowned astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson, "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" debuted in 2014. While Sagan is no longer with us, his presence remains through audio clips from the original series, seamlessly woven into the new episodes.

8: "Brainiac: Science Abuse"

For those seeking a mix of science and spectacle, look no further than this British series with its iconic logo: a skull and crossbones sporting lab goggles. The title, "Brainiac: Science Abuse," hints at the show's blend of humor and high-risk experiments. Airing on Sky 1 for six seasons until 2008, Brainiac captivated audiences with its outrageous and often perilous stunts. From testing if a ringing cell phone could ignite a gas station to seeing if pool balls could detonate a trailer, the show delivered a unique brand of chaotic entertainment.

Although "Brainiac" no longer pushes the boundaries of science and danger, it inspired two spin-offs: "Brainiac: History Abuse" and "Brainiac's Test Tube Baby." Additionally, a live tour brought the show's signature blend of science and mischief directly to fans across Great Britain.

7: "My Cat from Hell"

While the title of this Animal Planet series might evoke images of a horror flick, it’s actually a deep dive into animal behavior science. The show tackles cases of unruly house pets, diagnosing the root of their issues and offering solutions. Through behavior modification strategies, even the most aggressive felines are tamed. Follow-up episodes often revisit past troublemakers to track their improvement.

Since its debut in 2011, the series has featured an array of mischievous cats, from one that devours shoes, towels, and bedspreads to another with a penchant for fried chicken, chips, and doughnuts. One particularly feisty tabby found solace in opera music, while another reacted aggressively whenever its owner laughed or cried. It’s all amusing—until it’s your cat causing the chaos.

6: "Mythbusters"

When faced with bizarre phenomena or unanswered questions, who do you turn to? "Mythbusters!" Since 2003, this Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel series has tackled scientific and technological mysteries with gusto. Hosts Jamie and Adam, along with their dynamic team, conduct high-energy experiments to uncover the truth behind real-world queries.

Can you outsmart a lie detector test? The show concluded it’s possible, but far from simple. What about the five-second rule for dropped food? Forget it—bacteria latch on instantly. And should you cool your car by rolling down windows or using the AC? While experts favor air conditioning, the Mythbusters discovered better gas mileage with windows down. So, now who do you trust?

5: "Punkin' Chunkin'"

As autumn arrives, so does the thrill of pumpkins soaring through the sky. The Science Channel’s eccentric show, "Punkin' Chunkin'," explores just how far these gourds can fly. Since 2011, the series has documented an annual Thanksgiving-week competition where teams apply scientific principles to build devices like air cannons, trebuchets, catapults, and centrifugal machines, all aiming to launch pumpkins the farthest.

While most seasons focus on the Delaware-based contest at Dover International Speedway, the 2014 edition expanded to include everyday objects—like cars, TVs, and pianos—being flung into a cornfield. The ultimate challenge? Beating the Guinness World Record of 5,545.43 feet (1,690.25 meters), set in Moab, Utah, in 2010. Ready to start chunkin’?

4: "What Is That?"

What is that? A cave? A Martian landscape? A water park attraction? Actually, it’s a video of your digestive system. In the Science Channel’s 2013 series "What Is That?," each half-hour episode features nine close-up, unconventional views of natural objects and substances. Viewers are challenged to guess what they’re seeing, with periodic clues to aid them. If the digestive system seems unrecognizable, hints like "Can have butterflies" and "Hydrochloric acid on walls" might help crack the mystery.

The show often highlights biological elements, such as the inside of a whale’s belly or a human heart. It also ventures into the external world, offering glimpses of sewer systems or a pizza baking in an oven. But how close is too close when it comes to exploring the inner workings of your stomach?

3: "Outrageous Acts of Science"

Science can be as entertaining as it is enlightening, especially when people do wildly reckless things. That’s the premise of "Outrageous Acts of Science," which debuted on the Science Channel in summer 2014. The series compiles online videos of individuals performing astonishing, risky, clever, or downright absurd feats. Once their safety is confirmed, the show’s experts break down the science behind these jaw-dropping acts.

The series features a mix of fascinating and bizarre videos. Witness ping-pong balls floating in zero gravity or an octopus expertly blending into its surroundings. But what about the cyclist pedaling on a treadmill? And why do those goats collapse when startled? While no harm comes to animals or people, viewers might find themselves laughing uncontrollably.

2: "Science of Stupid"

The title "Science of Stupid" says it all. Launched on the National Geographic Channel in 2014, the show delves into real scientific concepts like torque, gravity, and Newton's laws. However, the "stupid" part comes from internet clips of people attempting scientifically ill-advised stunts. The series then breaks down why these attempts either failed or, surprisingly, worked.

Tune in to see blindfolded bungee jumps, malfunctioning jet packs, daredevils leaping off roofs, water slides turning into chaos, and tree-cutting escapades that nearly end in disaster. Why do people do such reckless things? Perhaps ignorance plays a role. Time magazine reports that 25% of Americans don’t know Earth orbits the sun, and in the EU, that number rises to 36%. Clearly, there’s no shortage of stupidity to explore.

1: "Duck Quacks Don't Echo"

A University of Salford researcher in Greater Manchester debunked the myth that duck quacks don’t echo [source: CNN]. Despite this, a 2014 National Geographic series embraced the phrase as its title. This humorous science show explores strange, unbelievable, or peculiar claims. Each episode features three hosts conducting experiments on various topics, with staff scientists ensuring a methodical approach.

For example, do redheads truly have a higher pain tolerance than brunettes or blondes? Can vacuum cleaners be used to scale a wall? Cognitive science is put to the test to determine if talking to an attractive woman lowers a man’s IQ. And who hasn’t pondered whether a banana can be turned into a musical instrument? Would it be classified as wind or percussion?