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Broadcasters / PBS / Pbs Nova

PBS

Pbs Nova

Format

Science Documentary

Length

60 min

Timeslot

Wednesday 9pm, PBS

Exposé length

4–6 pages

Editorial tone

Wonder-driven, explanatory, visually opulent. NOVA makes complex science accessible without trivializing it. Tone is curious and enthusiastic, never silly. Scientists shown as people, not talking heads. Narrative follows the discovery process — problem, hypothesis, experiment, result. NOVA loves the big question: How did the universe begin? What makes us human? Can we stop climate change? Voiceover guides the story, explaining and contextualizing. Technical terms introduced naturally, never condescendingly explained.

What this format covers

  • ●Physics, astronomy, cosmology — the large and the small
  • ●Biology, evolution, genetics, neuroscience
  • ●Archaeology, paleontology, human history
  • ●Engineering, technology, AI, robotics
  • ●Climate science, geology, natural disasters
  • ●Medicine, epidemiology, health research
  • ●Current scientific breakthroughs and controversies

What this format does NOT want

  • ●Pseudoscience, esotericism, conspiracy theories
  • ●Purely political or sociological topics without a science core
  • ●Entertainment topics, sports, pop culture
  • ●Personal stories without scientific framing
  • ●Pure nature films without explanatory component (not a wildlife format)
  • ●Speculation without research basis
  • ●Commercial tech presentations or product advertising

Visual expectations

High-quality CGI and animation are NOVA's trademark. Complex scientific processes explained visually — molecules, galaxies, geological timescales, body interiors. Real footage in labs, on expeditions, at research sites. Drone shots for landscapes and excavation sites. Time-lapse and slow-motion for natural phenomena. Infographics and data visualization for statistics. Visual language must make the invisibly complex visible. High production quality expected — NOVA is not a low-budget format.

Expected exposé structure

  1. Title (intriguing, thematically clear)
  2. Logline (1–2 sentences: What scientific question is answered?)
  3. Central scientific thesis / question
  4. Synopsis (narrative arc: from puzzle to insight)
  5. Scientific advisors (Which researchers are involved?)
  6. Visual concept (CGI, animation, location description)
  7. Timeliness and relevance (Why now? New research findings?)
  8. Team and production company

Example productions

  • The Planets (2019)
  • Quantum Leap (2024)
  • Arctic Sinkholes (2022)
  • Decoding COVID-19 (2020)
  • Rise of the Mammals (2019)
  • Ancient Maya Metropolis (2023)
  • Secrets of the Sun (2012)
  • The Violence Paradox (2019)
Science format

Editorial notes

NOVA has run since 1974 and is the most-watched science series in the US. Produced by WGBH Boston. Budget per episode runs $500,000–1.5M USD. NOVA produces in-house and in co-production with international partners (BBC, NHK, ZDF/ARTE). The commissioning desk is open to external pitches, but scientific quality must be solid — a science advisor is always involved. NOVA has a strong online presence with short-form content on YouTube (NOVA PBS Official). International co-productions are common, especially for expensive CGI-heavy productions. Topics often planned 12–18 months ahead, but current science stories can be turned around faster.

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