America’s favorite scientist, Bill Nye, returns with Bill Nye Saves The World, a new Netflix series aimed at reminding adults that science applies to them too. From climate change to Monsanto, Bill Nye tackles the important issues facing human existence. It’s well-produced, high-energy, whip-smart, and even a bit controversial depending on where you stand on certain subjects. In this time where it seems facts are being swallowed up by ignorance, will the show slap sense into people?
From the very opening moments, Nye reminds people that this is not his old Disney show or a kids show. It’s like The Next Generation compared to the original Star Trek. Bill Nye Saves the World is sophisticated but hip; it’s smart but in a much more refined way. The theme song, produced by Tyler the Creator, could be used to hype up a football team before a game, particularly if an important player or coach is named Bill.
For people into alternative facts, this show will be supremely irritating. Too bad.
A rising, windowed wall doubles as a screen where Nye’s correspondents report from around the world. The correspondents are an interesting mix that includes model Karlie Kloss, comedian Joanna Hausmann, and science educator Derek Muller. Other segments include Bill Nye sharing an unfiltered thought in “Bill Needs A Minute.”
Celebrity guests such as Zach Braff, Tim Gunn, and Wil Wheaton appear on panel discussions or in bits used to explain science. In one bit, San Francisco Giants slugger Hunter Pence hits a baseball into Mars as a way to demonstrate panspermia.
Every episode includes a panel discussion with three guests. It’s at this point where Nye dabbles in discussion and debate. It’s never contentious, but in one episode, the head of much-maligned company Monsanto makes a case for GMOs. Anyone who follows Nye knows he’s okay with GMOs. Social media has taken to saying Nye is a shill for Monsanto. However, it misses the bigger argument. It’s not whether GMOs are good or bad, they’ve been around for a lot longer than most people realize, but whether or not Monsanto should force it on people, in secret, and own the rights to future food supplies?
Fans of Bill Nye rejoice, you get more of the exuberant science guy!
Bill Nye Saves the World doesn’t ever become Real Time with Bill Maher. It’s not trying to be. It is seeking to represent the facts, and on that end, it works, even the bit with Monsanto (sorry haters). Seeing it as anything else is looking for a reason to be triggered.
In other segments, Bill challenges the beliefs of alternative medicine. Comedian Joanna Hausmann shares a hilarious visit to a center that heals with sound. Those sounds include screaming at parts of the body experiencing pain or discomfort. Hausmann should be awarded for keeping a straight face.
Fans of Bill Nye rejoice, you get more of the exuberant science guy! The experiments, segments, discussions and everything else flows in a wildly fun way. That is if you’re into facts. For people into alternative facts, this show will be supremely irritating. Too bad. The realities of climate change, overpopulation, and abundant ignorance don’t take feelings into account. All humans should root for Bill Nye Saves the World since we only have one world to save in the first place.
