National Geographic Channel’s first-ever late-night talk show, "StarTalk," with host, prominent astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, is set to premiere next week Monday, April 20, at 11 pm ET/10 pm CT (with encores each Friday at 7 pm ET/6 pm CT).
Ahead of its debut, the network has already announced a second season for the talk-show, obviously implying great confidence that season 1 will be a ratings hit! The news was announced today by National Geographic Channel CEO Courteney Monroe, adding that the second season, like the first, will include 10 hour-long episodes.
Based on Dr. Tyson’s prominent podcast of the same name, the weekly series will infuse pop culture with science, while bringing together comedians and celebrities to delve into a wide range of topics. Each week, in a private interview, Dr. Tyson explores all the ways that science and technology have influenced the life and livelihood of his guests, whatever their background.
After his one-on-one interview, Dr. Tyson invites a comedian co-host and influencers in media, science and pop culture to join him in front of a studio audience in the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City – where he serves as the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium – to further break down the topic. And in each episode, Dr. Tyson calls on his friend Bill Nye the Science Guy to weigh in on the week’s theme; Nye shares his perspective on science, technology and even Star Trek via a pretaped segment.
"Expanding the ‘StarTalk’ radio show and podcast into a television show on National Geographic Channel offers a unique opportunity to show viewers how pervasive science is in our culture and how entertaining science can be," said Dr. Tyson, adding, "Throughout the show we explore current issues with top industry leaders and pair that with comical, but informed, commentary. From politicians and actors to scientists, social activists and more, the impact of science knows no bounds."
Tyson previously hosted the Fox’s single season "Cosmos" reboot.
Here’s a breakdown of each episode of "StarTalk" season 1:
StarTalk: George Takei
Premieres Monday, April 20, at 11 PM ET/PT
This week’s theme is “Star Trek” as Inspiration for the Future. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with actor, author and activist George Takei to discuss how the once-futuristic scenarios in “Star Trek” relate to many of today’s current moral and social issues. Weighing in on this interview are Charles Liu, astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History and the College of Staten Island, and comedian Leighann Lord. Science educator and frequent guest host of StarTalk Bill Nye delves specifically into scenarios pertaining to technology and civil rights.
StarTalk: Christopher Nolan
Premieres Monday, April 27, at 11 PM ET/PT
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews director, screenwriter and producer Christopher Nolan about The Science of Interstellar. Nolan discusses how he translates his love of science to his films. Dr. Janna Levin, professor of Astronomy and Physics at Columbia University, and comedian Eugene Mirman are on hand to add some colorful commentary.
StarTalk: Dan Savage
Premieres Monday, May 4, at 11 PM ET/PT
This week, Dr. Tyson and his guests delve into the science of Modern Love. Activist, author and journalist Dan Savage joins Dr. Tyson to discuss what love means in today’s society. Anthropologist Helen Fisher and comedian Chuck Nice add their insight to the conversation.
StarTalk: Arianna Huffington
Premieres Monday, May 11, at 11 PM ET/PT
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, explore Living in the Information Age. The two discuss how technology influences the rate and ways in which we communicate. Journalist Jeff Jarvis and comedian Chuck Nice add their insight.
StarTalk: Richard Dawkins
Premieres Monday, May 18, at 11 PM ET/PT
StarTalk tackles a burning question: Can Science and Religion Coexist? Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and evolutionary biologist and ethologist Richard Dawkins debate whether science and religion can truly coexist in today’s society. Jesuit clergyman James Martin and comedian Eugene Mirman weigh in.
StarTalk: Jimmy Carter
Premieres Monday, May 25, at 11 PM ET/PT
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and President Jimmy Carter examine the topic of Pulling the Plug on Pestilence. The duo discuss the importance of and progress toward ending fatal epidemic diseases. Mark Siddall, curator of the division of invertebrate zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, and comedian Chuck Nice share their views on this matter.
StarTalk: Chris Hadfield
Premieres Monday, June 1, at 11 PM ET/PT
Social Media-Savvy Astronauts are taking over the cosmos. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian astronaut to walk in space, discuss social media milestones in space, and its usage among today’s astronauts. Former astronaut Dr. Mike Massimo and comedian Eugene Mirman comment on this growing trend.
StarTalk: Biz Stone
Premieres Monday, June 8, at 11 PM ET/PT
Dr. Tyson explores The Impact of Twitter on Society as he sits down with Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter and co-founder/CEO of Super.me. The two discuss how the social media phenomenon has affected the way we communicate in today’s world. Sharing their experience and opinions are Dr. Alondra Nelson, professor of sociology at Columbia University; Clive Thompson, journalist; and Eugene Mirman, comedian.
StarTalk: Charles Bolden/NASA
Premieres Monday, June 15, at 11 PM ET/PT
This week’s theme is NASA’s Vision on Space. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, administrator of NASA, examine NASA’s past, present and future. Astrophysicist Dr. Michael Shara and science educator Bill Nye share their thoughts on the space program.
StarTalk: Norman Lear
Premieres Monday, June 22, at 11 PM ET/PT
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Norman Lear, television writer and producer, discuss TV and the Evolution of American Culture. From “All in the Family” to “The Big Bang Theory,” the diverse television landscape and evolving American culture are explored. Author Saul Austerlitz and comedian Chuck Nice add their insight.
