The NOVA team spends countless hours watching NOVA documentaries, editing them, fact-checking them, writing about them, promoting them…..you get it. We know NOVA really, really well. So to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we looked around and asked, what are our favorite NOVA documentaries?

New Eye on the Universe: “It really stirs up a sense of awe not just in the vastness of the universe but also for the scientists and researchers that are moving the needle on new discoveries in space.”

-Krystnell Storr, Science and Equity Editor

Augmented: “As someone who loves climbing and movies about outdoor adventures and feats of human endurance, this episode was a fascinating combination of scientific ingenuity and human perseverance. It was totally compelling to me.”

-Tara Ramsey, Outreach Project Manager

Ultimate Space Telescope: “It’s so dramatic watching the story of how they made this incredible telescope, and the fact that there were 344 single points of failure blows my mind! I didn’t stop talking about that show for months.”

-Nadia Rawls, Senior Director, Digital Media and Audience Development

Hunt for the Oldest DNA: “Eske is an awesome narrator and his story is really inspiring and the episode’s animation is so cool! I told all of my friends to check out the episode and they loved it.”

-Dominic Floreno, Digital Production Assistant

The Planets: “Not only are the visuals breathtakingly beautiful, but the science is so fascinating. It’s amazing how much we know about our celestial neighbors!”

-Ana Aceves, Digital Producer

When Whales Could Walk: “I studied marine biology in college and whales are my favorite animals. It’s amazing to see their ancestors and how modern whales came to be.”

-Marissa Papapietro, Audience Development Manager

Star Chasers of Senegal: “As someone who loves history, delving into the ancient past of scientific wonder was mind-blowing. And as someone with African heritage, I was beaming with joy and pride learning about modern African STEM innovation!”

-Cynthia Betubiza, Social Media Manager

Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial: “I loved how the science teachers in Pennsylvania were the heroes of the story, as they stood up to cultural forces insisting that they allow unscientific ideas into their classrooms. What a dramatic and engaging way to make the case for evolution, and how it’s the foundation for the biological sciences.”

-David Condon, Senior Development Producer

Poisoned Water: “Great blend of relevant news story, science, social justice, and impact personal stories.”

-Ralph Bouquet, Director of Education and Outreach

The Origami Revolution: “‘The Origami Revolution’ is a favorite because it pushes back on what does or doesn’t count as science. The coolest science exists all around us, and not in a bubble separate from art or nature!”

–Hannah Gotwals, Rights Manager

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Stay tuned for more videos, articles, and films celebrating NOVA’s 50th Anniversary! #NOVA50