Cosmos – The Edge of Forever is an awe-inspiring television series that explores the wonders of the universe and our place within it. Originally aired in 1980 on PBS, this series has captured the imaginations of over 700 million viewers worldwide and remains a high-water mark in the history of television miniseries. Carl Sagan, along with his wife and co-writer, Ann Druyan, brilliantly illustrated the underlying science of his same-titled book, bringing the infinite into stunningly clear view and placing the human species within a space-and-time context.
The series is a masterpiece of scientific storytelling, with Sagan lucidly explaining complex topics such as Einstein’s theory of relativity, Darwin’s theory of evolution, and the greenhouse effect in a way that is accessible to viewers of all levels of scientific understanding. With stunning footage that is as fresh and riveting today as it was two decades ago, Cosmos – The Edge of Forever is sure to fire the imaginations of a whole new generation of viewers.
What makes Cosmos – The Edge of Forever so remarkable is not only its scientific accuracy and accessibility, but also the beauty and artistry with which it is presented. The series is an elegant and artistic enterprise that showcases a well-organized, self-correcting way of reasoning and thinking about the universe and time we occupy. It is an ode to the human spirit of inquiry and an affirmation of our capacity for understanding and appreciating the majesty of the universe.
As someone who was inspired by the original airing of Cosmos – The Edge of Forever in 1979, I can attest to the profound impact that this series has had on my own love of science, learning, and freedom of inquiry. After a quarter of a century, it remains as captivating and educational as it was when it first aired, and I am certain that it will continue to inspire generations of viewers to come.
In the intervening years since its original airing, many high-quality science docu-series have been released, but none approach the majesty and depth of Cosmos – The Edge of Forever. It is, in my opinion, the greatest television series ever created, a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and educate viewers for generations to come.