Bill Nye is Back
May 23, 2017
People around the world are either jumping with joy or rolling their eyes. Bill Nye, popularly known as the “Science Guy,” is making his return to the small screen. This time around, he takes his scientific enthusiasm to Netflix with the release of his new show, “Bill Nye Saves the World,” which released on April 21.
Many West Essex students grew up on Bill Nye’s ’90s show, “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Bill Nye was recognized for his animated and passionate character, giving meaning to each science topic he taught per episode. Some examples would be the science of air pressure, cells and the earth’s crust. All throughout elementary school, teachers played the informative and fun show for their students.
When “Bill Nye the Science Guy” was on screen, one couldn’t help but marvel at all of the show’s quirky special effects and creative science experiments. Bill Nye’s exuberant personality was translated into moving text and colorful sound and light manipulations. And for the handful of future scientists and even people who found the show annoying, no one can deny the catchiness of the show’s theme song, which features an electric guitar in the background to chants of “Bill! Bill!” and auto-tuned voices of “science rules.” Many West Essex students confirmed the hype of the theme song.
“In sixth grade in science class my teacher always put it on and everyone jumped out of their seats, me included,” sophomore Kate Zincone said.
“Every time I hear it, I have to sing along,” senior Moustafa Ibrahim said.
This time around, Bill Nye isn’t just spewing interesting facts in his new Netflix series; he is saving the world from climate change deniers. While still performing science experiments, he is doing so in front of a studio audience, talk-show style, coining phrases like “It’s not magic; it’s science!” Switching from a kid-friendly tone to a more serious one, Bill Nye now hopes to quell myths, silence anti-scientific claims and help persuade the world that the environment should be considered as one of our nation’s and the world’s top priorities.
Scientist Bill Nye advocates for science to have an influential part in policy making and government today.
Some science teachers at West Essex have an appreciation for Bill Nye’s work and the messages he is imparting on people.
“I stand with Bill Nye when it comes to science,” earth and environmental science teacher and STEM Club advisor Ms. Wall said. “Somebody needs to speak to this generation that is in denial of what’s happening in the world.”
“He has a timeless way of making science appealing to all different age groups,” biology teacher Mrs. Careri said.
The show features celebrity correspondents such as supermodel Karlie Kloss and comedians Joanna Hausmann and Nazeem Hussain, plus many special guests including musician Steve Aoki.
Even though most of the West Essex student body are hearing about “Save the World” for the first time, there is still a fond memory planted in people’s minds of the celebrity scientist. When mentioning Bill Nye’s return to television, students cannot help but express their gratitude about Bill Nye.
“I’m very excited because I just finished watching “The Office” for the sixth time and I need a new show,” Zincone said.
“He has always been there for me,” sophomore Chris Duthie said.
For many, the resurrection of Bill Nye the Science Guy compares to a reunion with an old friend. Whether you care about his return or not, Bill Nye is arguably the guy that taught every elementary kid science.
Take a listen to Bill Nye Saves the World’s new theme song here.
