'Cosmos' is back with a new host for a new generation.

[Jim]

My publisher e-mailed this AP wire to me. It may be of interest to some group members.

Friday, March 7, 7:18 p.m. UTC

Los Angeles (AP) - Astronomer Carl Sagan became Mr. Science for a generation after his 1980 series, "Cosmos", took audiences on a groundbreaking TV journey through the universe.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, host of "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey", the 21st-century edition debuting Sunday, has a head start with a Twitter following of 1.7 million that's just edged by the starry likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Cee Lo Green.

Tyson, a go-to expert for news reports on Earth-threatening asteroids and other science developments, said his public profile frees him from comparisons to Sagan. The educator and author with a gift for conveying the wonder of discovery died in 1996 at age 62.

Tyson, 55, brings to the program his distinguished credentials as director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and an author whose works include "Space Chronicles" and "The Pluto Files".

The new version begins its 13-episode run at 9 p.m. EDT Sunday on Fox and other Fox Networks Group channels including National Geographic, FX and Nat Geo Mundo.

Associated Press

[Jen]

The show's website is certainly pretty spacey, but the show does look like it might be interesting. Carl Sagan's widow is executive producing it, which sounds promising.

[Paul]

Jen wrote: "Carl Sagan's widow is executive producing it, which sounds promising."

And co-writer of the original Cosmos, don't forget.

I am pretty stoked by this. I love Sagan, and Tyson.

[[deleted user]]

I'm very stoked too, I started a thread about this in another forum on here a few months back. I'd say Cosmos is one of the two or three most influential books in my life. Looking forward to seeing the updated TV version.

[Jim]

The first episode of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey more than lived up to the media hype and promotional advertisements preceding its debut.

Mr. Tyson was at his usual personable best - explaining complex scientific terms and theories in an entertaining format that could be easily understood, irregardless of formal education or science background.

The graphics and special effects were of the higest quality and technical accuracy.

At the end of the program he paid tribute to Carl Sagan, including sharing the story of how he was Mr. Sagan's guest when Mr. Tyson was only 17. He proudly displayed a signed copy of Mr. Sagan's first book, given to him during that visit.

[MK]

Jim wrote: "At the end of the program he paid tribute to Carl Sagan, including sharing the story of how he was Mr. Sagan's guest when Mr. Tyson was only 17. He proudly displayed a signed copy of Mr. Sagan's first book, given to him during that visit. "

I missed the show, but did see Tyson on Colbert last night. He told the story of Sagan and Tyson's application/visit to Cornell. Amazing story!

Tyson is always personable, I agree. Makes science fun and accessible, too!

[Tomislav]

I missed the first episode because I was traveling at the time, but was able to stream it from Hulu for free. Won't be missing any more...

[B.E.]

I've loved Tyson for a few years now--his personality and the way he explains scientific theories is brilliant. And although I'm too young for the Sagan era, I was pumped for this show, and it's true, it did live up to the hype!

Pretty much every element was spot on. When they introduced the space ship device, I was like, "Oh no..." but even that turned out to be great! I've only seen the first one so far, but I'm hording the next couple for a marathon night.

Perhaps tonight...

[C.J.]

I liked the Saturn moon, Titan, segment the best!

[Anne]

I have really enjoyed this show as well. I can't wait for tomorrow's episode.

[Leigh]

I'm glad the series is being revitalized. Hubby and I plan on buying it when it goes to DVD. So well done.