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NOVA

NOVA

1974Returning SeriesNext: Feb 25 9pm ET53 Seasons1017 Episodes7.0TMDB
PBS

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 18 Episodes

Browse every episode and jump into details.

Episode 1: Return to Mt. St. Helens

Jan 8, 1991 · 55m

NOVA returns to Mount St. Helens a decade after its cataclysmic eruption to learn how nature is recovering from the disaster.

Episode 2: ConFusion in a Jar

Apr 30, 1991 · 55m

An experiment that could mean limitless supplies of energy sets the scientific world on its head. NOVA covers the cold fusion controversy.

Episode 3: The Hunt for China's Dinosaurs (1)

Feb 5, 1991 · 55m

NOVA covers the most elaborate expedition ever undertaken in the search for dinosaurs—to China's Gobi desert. Paleontologists brave sandstorms, heat and worse to find their fossils.

Episode 4: Case of the Flying Dinosaur

Feb 12, 1991 · 55m

Are dinosaurs still among us? NOVA looks at the contentious question of whether present-day birds are dinosaurs. Over the years, new fossil discoveries keep amending the answer.

Episode 5: T. rex Exposed

Feb 19, 1991 · 55m

Tyrannosaurus rex, the terrifying kind of the dinos, recently turned up in a nearly complete skeleton in Montana. NOVA follows the dig to extract the bones and looks at the science and lore of dinosaurs in general.

Episode 6: The Russian Right Stuff: The Invisible Spaceman

Feb 26, 1991 · 55m

In the first program of a three-part miniseries on the Soviet space program, NOVA profiles the mysterious genius behind the world's first satellite, the first man to orbit the earth and other early Russian triumphs in space.

Episode 8: The Russian Right Stuff: The Mission

Feb 28, 1991 · 55m

In an unprecedented insider's look, NOVA covers the training, flight and recovery of a cosmonaut crew that visits the Soviet space station Mir. Unexpected emergencies show that space travel is still far from routine.

Episode 9: Swimming With Whales

Mar 5, 1991 · 55m

Gregory Peck narrates a scientific voyage around Vancouver Island in search of whales. Humpbacks, Killers, Grays and other whale species make their appearance in spectacular, never-before-seen footage both above and below the waves.

Episode 11: Sex, Lies and Toupee Tape

Oct 1, 1991 · 55m

NOVA covers the causes and attempted cures of baldness. Some men take pride in their bald heads; others will go to great lengths to cover up. Alan "Douglas Brackman" Rachins of NBC's LA Law hosts.

Episode 12: So You Want to Be a Doctor?

Oct 9, 1991 · 55m

In a two-hour special, NOVA follows seven aspiring doctors through four years of medical school. The first examination, the anatomy lab, the first death, the first baby-it's all part of becoming a doctor. Neil Patrick Harris, star of ABC's Doogie Howser, MD hosts. (Follow-up to the program 1521 "Can We Make a Better Doctor?")

Episode 13: Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Oct 15, 1991 · 55m

Forty years after they were discovered, the Dead Sea Scrolls have yet to be published in their entirety. NOVA looks at the laborious-some say scandalous-process of compiling and releasing this religious treasure.

Episode 14: Suicide Mission to Chernobyl

Oct 22, 1991 · 55m

NOVA accompanies Soviet scientists on a deadly mission inside the sarcophagus-the massive structure that entombs the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. Will there be another deadly explosion?

Episode 15: Taller Than Everest?

Nov 5, 1991 · 55m

The tallest mountain in the world? Think again—cartographers had to when satellite date revealed a peak called "K2" might be the real champ. Which is the world's tallest mountain?

Episode 16: Fastest Planes in the Sky

Nov 12, 1991 · 55m

The fastest machines in the sky are going to be slow stuff when the latest speed demons on the drawing board take to the air. NOVA looks at the intoxicating lure to fly even faster.

Episode 17: Avoiding the Surgeon's Knife

Dec 3, 1991 · 55m

NOVA follows the efforts of four participants in a celebrated California study to unblock arteries without using drugs or surgery before their heart disease becomes fatal. A studio segment featuring experts with varying medical views will air as part of the 60-minute program. ABC News Medical Correspondent George Strait moderates.

Episode 18: Skyscraper! A NOVA Special

Dec 10, 1991 · 55m

This 80-minute NOVA pledge special chronicles the building of the Worldwide Plaza, 47-story office tower in midtown Manhattan, from a hole in the ground to a 770-foot skyscraper.

Episode 19: The Fine Art of Faking It

Dec 17, 1991 · 55m

The spectacular eclipse of 1991 passed over major observatories on the island of Hawaii. NOVA was there for 6 1/2 minutes of frenetic research that revealed new secrets about our sun.

Season 18 FAQ

Quick answers about this season's release timeline and episode lineup.

When did NOVA Season 18 premiere?

NOVA Season 18 premiered on January 8, 1991.

How many episodes are in NOVA Season 18?

NOVA Season 18 has 19 episodes.

What is the first episode of NOVA Season 18?

The season opens with Season 18 Episode 1, "Return to Mt. St. Helens". It aired on January 8, 1991.

Go to Season 18 Episode 1

Where to Watch

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