The Best Science Television Show?

That is this week's question from the Seed mothership.

Born and raised in Canada, I have to say that there is one obvious choice: The Nature of Things. Almost every Canadian in my age group has a picture of David Suzuki seared onto some part of their neocortex. Now some folk try to diss Dr. Suzuki ... all I can say is to leave the guy alone. When it comes to popularizing science for the mass market, no one comes close.

P.S. Since I've moved to the US I've basically lived life without TV, and I can't say that I miss it.

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Oh, and Mister Wizard, which was on Nickelodeon back in the day. Remember that tin can that crumpled when he poured the cold water on it? Classic.

For Brits like me who were formed intellectually in the '70s there are two.
"The Ascent of Man" with Jacob Bronowski. The entire history and philosophy of scientific progress in eight one hour episodes.
"Life on Earth" with David Attenborough. The whole expanse of creation, with great pictures, underpinned by solid evolutionary genetics.
The first taught me that science creates the cultures around it. The second showed me that belief in a creator demonstrates a lack of imagination.

Cheers for David Suzuki! I'm not a Canadian (though I played one in Ontario for several years), but have very fond memories of that show.

Then again, if I'm going into Canadian shows I miss, next in line has to be "Prisoners of Gravity".