Damn! National Geographic launched the channel's first talk show on Wednesday and I missed the first episode. It's called StarTalk and I was keen on seeing it because it's sounds different from the usual - specifically it doesn't sound as if it's trying to promote anything or anyone.
I'm growing very wary of how much promotion's happening on the talk show circuit - so many of them focus on people who've just released new books, movies, shows etc - stuff they're trying to sell to us. Most annoying is how you see one person on one talk show and then they do the rounds - it happens
way too much on shows like Ellen and Graham Norton.
From the sounds of it StarTalk's about unique topics and guests instead of promos. Of course one has to see it to confirm but it sounds like it.
More about it...
Press Release
National Geographic Channel premiered its first-ever talk show StarTalk
on Wednesday (22 April) where show host and prominent astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson sits down with world-renowned cultural luminaries across science, entertainment and politics, like Christopher Nolan, George Takei and Richard
Dawkins.
The show premiered on the National Geographic Channel, DStv channel 181 on Wednesday, 22 April at 21:55 CAT. The hour-long, weekly series infuses 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 to further break down the topic.
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 pre-taped 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.
“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.”
Premiere episodes include:
George Takei
Premiered Wednesday, 22 April at 21:55 CAT
This week’s theme was “Star Trek” as Inspiration for the Future. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson sat 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 were astrophysicist Charles Liu and comedian Leighann Lord. Science educator and frequent guest host of StarTalk Bill Nye delved specifically into scenarios pertaining to technology and civil rights.
Christopher Nolan
Premieres Wednesday, 29 April at 21:55 CAT
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. Cosmologist Dr. Janna Levin and comedian Eugene Mirman are on hand to add colourful commentary.
Dan Savage
Premieres Wednesday, 6 May at 21:55 CAT
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.
Arianna Huffington
Premieres Wednesday, 13 May at 21:55 CAT
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.
Richard Dawkins
Premieres Wednesday, 20 May at 21:55 CAT
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.
Jimmy Carter
Premieres Wednesday, 27 May at 21:55 CAT
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and US 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. Museum curator Mark Siddall and comedian Chuck Nice share their views on this matter.
Chris Hadfield
Premieres Wednesday, 3 June at 21:55 CAT
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.
Biz Stone
Premieres Wednesday, 10 June at 21:55 CAT
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 sociology professor Dr. Alondra Nelson, journalist Clive Thompson, and comedian Eugene Mirman.
Charles Bolden/NASA
Premieres Wednesday, 17 June at 21:55 CAT
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.
Norman Lear
Premieres Wednesday, 24 June at 21:55 CAT
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.
About Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Host Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, lecturer, author and director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. Tyson is also that rare scientist who connects with all audiences.
His many television appearances have established him as a trusted and charismatic authority on science. With more than 3.3 million Twitter followers and more than 2.6 million followers on Facebook, his social media following is a powerful complement to his passion for science.
As the host of COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey, Tyson brought his take on Carl Sagan’s classic to television in a 13-part series in 2014.