Why Isn't Anyone Trying to Reboot These Science Shows From Your Childhood?
It seems like everything is getting rebooted these days. From Full House to The Powerpuff Girls and even The Magic School Bus, entertainment will soon look like the '90s again. And we're not mad about it.
But one thing we are upset over is the lack of science shows getting reboot attention. (The Magic School Bus aside, of course.) Don't you remember those quirky educational shows that made seventh grade life science way better? Obviously there was the seminal classic Bill Nye the Science Guy, but there are so many other geek-tastic shows worthy of reboot consideration. If they get the green light, children everywhere will realize it is possible to learn and have a damn good time. Here are seven of our favorites.
Newton's Apple
This PBS show ran from October 1983 to January 1998 and was the most informative program out of this bunch. Filmed in front of a live audience, the show tackled different science topics head on and included lots of fun demonstrations (like the giant heart from this episode). While a little dry at times, this show would be a great reboot especially if an energetic host came on board. (Maybe a Jonas brother? But actually.) We're in desperate need of seeing new "Science of the Rich and Famous" segments, where celebrities appeared to discuss a science principle. Just take a second and picture Britney Spears giving a lesson on rock formations.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers
If The Magic School Bus can get remade, why not this amazing program about five teens whose mission is to save the world from natural disasters and educate us on living greener lifestyles? If this doesn't get youths excited about recycling, we don't know what will.
The Inside Story with Slim Goodbody
If you're an '80s kid, you remember Slim Goodbody as the "Superhero of Health" who always had the answers to your anatomy and wellbeing questions. While we might request he change his name to something less fat-shaming, we do think this type of character is necessary in children's entertainment today. This guy literally made learning about the nervous system fun.
Mr. Wizard's World
Running from 1983 to 1991 on Nickelodeon, this A+ TV show starred host Don Herbert and covered loads of science topics. While Don passed away in 2007, we think his legacy of engaging, informative programming for children should be carried on. The "Ask Mr. Wizard" segment (where viewers would send in questions Don would answer on the spot) was always entertaining. Imagine how cool this could be in 2015 with social media elements. Because, no joke, 7-year-olds have smart phones now.
3-2-1 Contact
All '80s kids secretly wanted to be a part of The Bloodhound Gang. And what's not to love? Airing from 1980 to 1988, 3-2-1 Contact revolved around a group of teens who solved mysteries through their knowledge of science. Remember that one episode where the band KISS helped the kids learn about pyrotechnics? Today, Kim Kardashian could teach a new gang about the art of a good selfie. (That's educational, right?)
Beakman's World
Contrary to popular belief, this was not just a rip-off of Bill Nye the Science Guy. The show's host Paul Zaloom still performs as Beakman regularly, so we're sure he'd be on board with rebooting the show. THE KIDS NEED THIS.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
The king of science shows. Running from 1993 to 1998, Bill Nye the Science Guy wasn't just a TV show. It was an experience. We're sure you vividly remember the feeling you got when your teacher rolled a TV into your classroom. You knew then it was going to be a great day. Informative, high-energy, and hosted by an incredibly likable guy, there will never be another show like this again. Unless, of course, they reboot it. (Hint, hint!)