Episode 1
What Are UFOs?
54m
Can science reveal the secrets of mysterious objects seen in our skies?
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TV series
NOVA
1974TV-PG53 seasons7.0 / 10
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
NOVA is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Hoopla in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Synopsis
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.
Season 52 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Extreme Airport Engineering
54m
Follow the race to build a world-class airport on the site of one of America’s busiest flying hubs.
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Episode 3
Dino Birds
54m10.0 / 10
Fossils reveal how birds survived the killer asteroid and became today’s only living dinosaurs.
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Episode 4
Egypt's Tombs of Amun
54m5.5 / 10
A long-lost ancient cemetery opens the door to a unique period in Egyptian history.
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Episode 5
Pompeii's Secret Underworld
54m6.0 / 10
Archaeologists uncover new truths about Pompeii, a wealthy Roman playground with dark secrets.
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Episode 6
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
54m10.0 / 10
Follow the investigation into the deadly container ship collision that closed the Port of Baltimore.
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Episode 7
Revolutionary War Weapons
54m9.0 / 10
Explore key military technologies in the American colonies’ fight for freedom.
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Episode 8
Secrets of the Forest
54m
Follow scientists in a quest to understand how complex forest ecosystems can help cool our planet.
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Episode 9
Critical Condition: Health In Black America
1h 37m5.5 / 10
Black Americans are nearly twice as likely to suffer from chronic diseases than Whites. Why? From false beliefs that permeate modern medicine to life experiences that can damage human cells, uncover the underlying causes of racial health disparities.
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Episode 10
Ultimate Crash Test: Countdown
53m
What really happens in a multi-vehicle pileup? A first-of-its-kind experiment aims to stage a high speed crash to gain new insights on car safety. But how can they create and study a complex collision without putting any lives in danger?
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Episode 11
Ultimate Crash Test: Impact
53m
Car safety experts just pulled off a first-of-its-kind remote controlled multi-vehicle pile up. Now investigators are put to the test as they analyze the data and look for insights into driver behavior and vehicle design.
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Episode 12
Human: Origins
54m5.5 / 10
Where did humans come from, and what makes us unique? Discover the remarkable origins of Homo sapiens, and the crucial moments of innovation, communication, and ritual that set us on our path.
Episode credits
Directed by Naomi AustinGuest stars Ella Al-Shamahi, Abdelouahed Ben-Nce, Sheila Coulson
Episode 13
Human: Journeys
53m5.5 / 10
Follow Homo Sapiens as they venture across the world, farther than any other human species. See how they invented new tools to thrive in challenging environments - and meet the mysterious hobbit-like humans they may have encountered along the way.
Episode credits
Directed by Ben WilsonWritten by Ben WilsonGuest stars Ella Al-Shamahi, Thomas Sutikna, Oshan Wedage
Episode 14
Human: Neanderthal Encounters
53m10.0 / 10
For 400,000 years, Neanderthals thrived across frigid, Ice Age Europe. What happened when Homo sapiens arrived, and how did these encounters change our species – including our DNA – in ways still with us today?
Episode credits
Directed by Naomi AustinGuest stars Ella Al-Shamahi, Silvia Constantin, Marco de la Rasilla, Ludovic Slimak
Episode 15
Human: Into the Americas
53m
Follow ancient humans' perilous journey into the Americas, where a frigid Ice Age landscape, mammoths, and other fearsome beasts tested their resilience.
Episode credits
Directed by Naomi Austin, Andrew ThompsonGuest stars Ella Al-Shamahi, Duncan McLaren, Duncan McLaren
Episode 16
Human: Building Empires
54m
Discover how Homo sapiens transformed from nomads to empire builders. Witness the innovations – from animal domestication to writing – that revolutionized ancient life and shaped our modern world.
Episode credits
Directed by James TovellGuest stars Ella Al-Shamahi, Pierre Tallet, Ian Hodder
Episode 17
Ancient Desert Death Trap
53m
Archaeologists investigate dozens of strange Stone Age megastructures in the Arabian desert. They're so big that their true form is visible only from the air, yet these giant structures were built by a mysterious people 9000 years ago.
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Episode 18
Superfloods
53m5.5 / 10
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene dumped 14 inches of rain on North Carolina, triggering flash floods and killing more than 100 people. Why are these floods on the rise around the world-even in places thousands of feet above sea level?
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Episode 19
Operation Space Station: High-Risk Build
54m5.5 / 10
From ammonia leaks to Space Shuttle disasters to a spacewalk gone terribly wrong, astronauts and Mission Control insiders relive the most terrifying moments during construction of the International Space Station.
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Episode 20
Operation Space Station: Science and Survival
54m5.5 / 10finale
Witness life-or-death decisions 250 miles above Earth, as astronauts and Mission Control work together to survive moments of high danger on board humanity's remarkable orbiting laboratory, the International Space Station.
Where to watch NOVAEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
More about NOVA
Cast
Corey JohnsonNarrator
Jay O. SandersSelf - Narrator (voice)
Demetri GoritsasNarrator
Richard SmithHost
Lance LewmanNarrator (voice)
Ted MarcouxNarrator
Peter ThomasNarrator
Brian GreeneHostProduction details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 1,025
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
GBHUnited States
Themes
candiddramaticfactualinspirationalinstructivenature
