Star Talk (National Geographic 2015-2018) Neil deGrasse Tyson world-renowned astrophysicist and polarizing figure hosts Star Talk “where science & pop culture collide.” Tyson a likable individual who can build rapport with everyone he encounters discusses complex topics such as; popular science, space travel, global climate change, future life, the unknown, and the search for the extraterrestrial. A Harvard graduate not only is he knowledgeable, his fandom and zest are refreshing and engaging. Throughout the program, the viewers are able to learn about new theories and imagine greater possibilities. This episode critique discusses the format of the show, its genre, its socio-cultural components, the production style, and it’s place in the …show more content…
It can also be considered as a comedy, because they invite a guest for comedic relief, and the guests keep the conversation light. The discussion matter is not constrained by reality, so this could also be observed as fantasy television or science fiction. The most influential genre is educational television. Audiences are accustomed to contemporary material, which they can discern for themselves. In the current media landscape of reality TV and news sensationalism, Star talk provides a refreshing glimpse into an intelligent universe. Tyson’s catchphrase “keep looking up” embodies the nature of the program of adult education. Star Talk bodes well with socio-cultural components by combining pop culture, with for some, the occasionally mundane scientific information. The program makes the topics more approachable for the inexperienced viewer. The casting brings familiar faces to the subject matter making it more relatable to the average person without a degree in science. The production of Star Talk can be viewed as re-work and recycle where according to Rose (2003) “producers and programmers embrace concepts that deliberately cross “traditional” boundaries and fuse the widest assemblage of …show more content…
Matt Zoller Seitz television critic and acclaimed author explains the transition (Seitz 2016) “that so many of the most fascinating half-hour shows feature racially mixed and gender-balanced casts – in contrast to male-driven, often violence-filled dramas. Seitz explains the metamorphosis in the media landscape is allowing increased creativity by the showrunners to use (Seitz 2016) “every tool in an overstuffed creative kit, unleashing a rainbow spectrum of comedic approaches and focusing the spotlight on women, people of color, gay, bisexual, and transgendered characters, and they’ve given writers and directors the freedom to confound loyal viewers who know to expect the unexpected.” Star Talk relies on its loyal viewership to stay relevant in the current fragmented TV landscape The diversity in television can be linked to the modern distribution of the medium. Gone are the days where shows have to be a mainstream to get picked up or renewed. With the advent of media apps like Netflix, and Hulu and the consumption via TV sets, computers, smartphones, and tablets. TV consumption is more readily available, and showrunners can cater more effectively to their target audiences, as opposed to creating mainstream