Watch Cosmos
- TV-PG
- 1980
- 3 Seasons
-
9.3 (42,063)
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage is an educational television series that was first broadcast in 1980 on PBS. It is a thirteen-part documentary series hosted by the renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, Carl Sagan, in collaboration with writer and producer Ann Druyan. The series covers a wide range of topics within the disciplines of astronomy, physics, cosmology, and anthropology. The series is positively regarded as an epic achievement, not only in terms of its scientific information but also as a work of art. It spans over 5 billion years of cosmic history and takes the viewer through a journey that begins with the origin of the universe and ends with the rise of human civilization. Cosmos is an engaging and visually stunning series that contextualizes scientific theories and concepts within the wider historical, social, and philosophical contexts. The series is structured around a central theme: "the cosmic calendar." This is a metaphor that Sagan uses to represent the scale of time over which major events have taken place in the history of the universe. The series is divided into different periods of the cosmic calendar, starting with the Big Bang and ending with the present day. Each episode of Cosmos covers various scientific topics such as the formation of stars, the evolution of life on Earth, the origin of the Solar System, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The series uses a combination of live-action footage, animation, and visual effects to convey these concepts. Additionally, Cosmos features interviews with leading scientists, including renowned physicist Richard Feynman, who provided insights into the scientific concept discussed in each episode. The series explores the fundamental questions of existence, inquiry, and self-discovery that reflect the human hunger for meaning and purpose. Sagan's deep, philosophical approach frames the scientific perspective as a vital component to understanding the mysteries and greatness of the universe. As such, Cosmos is widely seen as an attempt to democratize scientific knowledge and provoke a renewed appreciation for the grandeur and complexity of the natural world. One of the most notable aspects of Cosmos is its emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry. The series presents the idea that scientific inquiry is not limited to physics, chemistry or biology but rather it encompasses all fields of study. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines and challenges traditional notions that scientific discoveries are purely the outcome of isolated, specialized studies. At its core, Cosmos is a celebration of scientific curiosity and human ingenuity. Sagan's engaging and accessible narration is an essential component of this success, and he delivers his message with a rare combination of concision, humor and insight. His passion for science, reverence for the natural world, and commitment to understanding the mysteries of the Universe have inspired generations of science enthusiasts. Cosmos has become a cultural touchstone, an iconic work that continues to serve as an inspiration for science educators and enthusiasts worldwide. The series has since spawned a sequel, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, which was hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2014. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest science documentaries ever produced and is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in science, history or human nature.
