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Smart and Addictive: Five science TV shows you won’t get enough of
Smart and Addictive: Five science TV shows you won’t get enough of
Science is well beyond the laboratories and textbooks — it's an open book in itself, full of secrets of the universe, and it continues to expand even today. And if you do want to check out these shows, they are available on YouTube and various OTT platforms.
Hosted by television actor Shakti Arora, and veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who plays the role of Uncle H20, the show essentially involves giving insights on various scientific concepts through practical experiments and real-life applications — whether it's explaining inertia, or scientific techniques in everyday cooking. It's all done in front of a live audience of young children, and as a plus point, it can help you, as students, figure out your ideas for your up-and-coming science projects!
Although the setting is something like a classroom, Shakti Arora and Uncle H20 bring much-needed energy and enthusiasm to turn it into the perfect hangout spot.
Rakesh Bedi — being the seasoned comic actor he is — nails the role of the light-hearted and ever humorous Uncle H20. And his personality will have you laughing and engaged throughout the course of any episode you watch. But he is more than just comic relief to the show, he sometimes tends to ask the questions on the audience's behalf — questions which even we may have on our minds.
The show is available on Zee5, AppleTV+, and YouTube.
Representative image. | Photo Credit: Google AI
Speaking of projects, our next recommendation is a unique blend of DIY and science. And no, don't let the name fool you, the concepts are literally very engaging stuff, like making a kaleidoscope, or your very own DIY air cooler.
There's three seasons to this show. Season 1 is hosted by Shaurya Rastogi, Season 2 by Prateek Upreti and Vikram Tej, and Season 3 features all three of the hosts. The crux of this show is making DIY projects with any kind of junk around the house — like a lamp out of PVC pipes, bristlebots from an old brush (or toothbrush for a small bristlebot), or a hydroponic set with old plastic bottles. All this happens while they are explaining certain scientific concepts relating to the projects. All in all, this show is a 3-in-1 package of recycling, creativity, and science!
It is available on Zee5 and YouTube.
Representative image. | Photo Credit: Google AI
Okay, now let's go international with ‘Emily's Wonder Lab'. This is an American edutainment TV series starring child artists like Mason Wells, Sky Alexis, Zaela Rae, Kennedi Butler and Makenzie Lee-Foster, and is hosted by Emily Calandrelli, an American science communicator and engineer. If you're interested, Calandrelli also has a show called ‘Xploration Outer Space', where she takes viewers through outer space. This show has nine seasons and can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
The show explains a variety of topics like oobleck, solar cookers, tornadoes and slime. It premiered on August 25, 2020, and ended on July 13, 2021, finishing after only one season. Nevertheless, the episodes are still available on Netflix.
Why do we forget stuff? What is the Butterfly Effect? What was the story of the Apollo 11 moon landing? All these questions get a kid-friendly explanation from Dr. Binocs.
Dr. Binocs (representative image) | Photo Credit: Google AI
Broadcast on YouTube via the Peekaboo Kidz channel, this channel will keep your eyes glued with its super cute and childlike animation, and their mascot, Dr. Binocs, who will not just explain scientific topics, but also superstitions like that of Friday the 13th, the life and legacy of the world-class sprinter Usain Bolt, and the history behind greeting cards. Learning doesn't have to limit itself to science. And no, even if you're above 11 years old or so, you're never too young for this channel!
Bill Nye. | Photo Credit: ED SCHIPUL
And now, one of the OG shows that defined edutainment on television: Bill Nye the Science Guy! Hosted by William Sanford “Bill” Nye — an American science communicator and former mechanical engineer — this show cemented his image as a science educator in pop culture.
Nye's character is a very energetic scientist with a blue lab coat and a cute, yet strapping bowtie. He is known to explain everyday science concepts with fast-paced action and a great sense of humour. The explanations often feature parodies of TV commercials, shows and even movies.
He also visits many places related to the episode's theme, and shows interviews of people talking about their work and other contributions to the theme of the episode. He has had a lot of guest appearances from icons like actor Samuel L. Jackson and actress Drew Barrymore, rock band Soundgarden, saxophonist Kenny G, painter Bob Ross, and the Cirque du Soleil, a Canadian entertainment company and contemporary circus. Full episodes are available on YouTube for you all to check out.
During its run, the show won 19 out of the 23 Emmys it was nominated for, including “Outstanding Educational Program on a Commercial Broadcast Station”, “Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series”, and “Outstanding Writing in a Children's Series”.
All these shows remind us of how curiosity fuels innovation, and every small question can lead to a big-time innovation. Whether you're a budding scientist or just love a good mystery, these programs prove that learning can be every bit as thrilling as your favourite blockbuster.
Published - November 07, 2025 03:40 pm IST
speaking of science / television / science (general) / science and technology / entertainment (general)
Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: science ,OTT,TV shows ,DIY
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