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Nova

Nova

1974–Ongoing20 seasons1037 episodes~60 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Nova?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Nova streaming on PBS Documentaries via Prime Video and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Nova?

Nova earns 3 badges, led by Top 5% of shows and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception

Reception

Is Nova worth watching?

Nova's Midcredits score is the 95th percentile of all shows, from 3.7K ratings across 2 sources. 91% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

95th percentile

Better received than 95% of shows

92nd percentile among Documentary92nd percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)90th
Approval (how many liked it)95th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

81 /100

90th percentile of all shows

84th percentile among Documentary83rd percentile among 1970s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

91% liked it

95th percentile of all shows

92nd percentile among Documentary93rd percentile among 1970s
91% rated it 7–109% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

78th percentile

3.5K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Documentary67th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 8% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • makes complex science accessible without dumbing down
  • broad variety of scientific fields keeps content fresh
  • strong production values: cinematography, music, calming narration

Detractors panned

  • narrator sounds condescending, talks down to adults
  • uneven episode quality, some feel slow or flat

What stands out

Atmosphere75

calming, thoughtful, captures sense of wonder

Plot and story70

explains topics clearly with research and varied evidence

DialogueDivisive65

avoids jargon, simple explanations; but current narrator feels patronizing

Emotional impact65

inspiring and exciting when focused on discovery

Originality60

standard documentary format but wide-ranging topics

Pacing55

relaxing rhythm; some episodes slow or classroom-like

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 17 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Episodes

53 seasons

Season 53 · 2026 · 17 episodes

  • S53E1

    Asteroids: Spark of Life?

    Jan 21, 202654 min
  • S53E2

    Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire

    Jan 28, 202654 min
  • S53E3

    Can Dogs Talk?

    Feb 4, 202654 min
  • S53E4

    Mammal Origins

    Feb 11, 202654 min
  • S53E5

    Stone Age Temple Mystery

    Feb 25, 202654 min
  • S53E6

    Return to the Moon

    Apr 15, 202654 min

Watch experience

What is Nova like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, serious and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeHopefulThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Awestruck · 3% of shows: Wonder at something vast or marvelous.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Anthology episodes · 6% of showsOne continuous story
ToneThe series presents scientific subjects with earnest curiosity and accessible clarity, maintaining a respectful and sincere tone throughout.
The rideThe series maintains a steady, thoughtful pace with occasional moments of wonder or alarm; the emotional register is consistent across each episode.
StructureEach episode follows a conventional documentary structure with introduction, exploration, and conclusion.
Episode formatEach episode is a self-contained documentary on a different scientific topic, with no continuing story or recurring characters beyond the narrator.
Season formatSeasons are numbered sequentially with the same format and narrator(s) continuing; episodes are independent but the series overall maintains a consistent identity.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe series inspires optimism about scientific discovery and leaves viewers feeling informed and satisfied.
How it ends · evidence
Cyclical ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 40% of shows: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypeA documentary anthology covering diverse scientific topics; no single narrative archetype applies across episodes.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfTruthIdeas
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5% (this title): Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% (this title) · Hope 4% · Nature 3% (this title) · Art 2% · Technology 1% (this title)

Ideas

Truth · 6% of showsNature · 3% of showsTechnology · 1% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe series explores scientific realities—what is known and discoverable—through deep dives into the natural world and human innovation.
StanceThe series presents science as a collective human endeavor, neutrally documenting discoveries and phenomena without a single protagonist.

The world

ContemporaryWildernessInstitutionalUrbanRuralRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingScience laboratories, field sites, and natural environments worldwide
MusicThe score varies per episode but typically blends orchestral and electronic elements to underscore the subject matter without dominating.

Content guide

Is Nova okay for kids?

TV-PG

Nova is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (11/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • ItalyT
  • PhilippinesG
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (15 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Nova have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Nova?

Cast

Mercer Boffey
as Narrator
Will Lyman
as Narrator
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Neil Ross
as Narrator
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Peter Thomas
as Narrator
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Don Wescott
as Narrator
Tony Kahn
as Narrator
Ted O'Brien
as Narrator
Jeannette Robinson
as Narrator
Edward Herrmann
as Narrator
Brian Greene
as Narrator
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

More like this

What are shows like Nova?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Nova include Natural World (1983), Welcome to Earth (2021) and Nature (1982).

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