NOVA backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of NOVA Season 26

Every episode of NOVA Season 26 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of NOVA Season 26!

Binge this in 18h 20m•Peaking at 8.5/10

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons53

All1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    NOVA Season 26 Episode 4 - Special Effects: Titanic and Beyond
    8.5/10(9 votes)

    S26:E4

    NOVA goes behind the scenes in Hollywood, where the art of illusion meets the science of perception.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. NOVA Season 26 Episode 5 - Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius
    8.5/10(9 votes)

    S26:E5

    The shattered remnants of the Roman city of Pompeii bear witness to the risk that the people of Naples still face today.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. NOVA Season 26 Episode 10 - The Perfect Pearl
    8.4/10(33 votes)

    S26:E10

    The pearl—the only gem produced by a living animal—has long carried a certain allure. Yet the best mollusk for making this gem—the pearl oyster—doesn't always produce a pearl, and even then, the pearls are rarely perfectly round. It wasn't until the late nineteenth century, when a Japanese scientist discovered a technique to incite oysters to produce these gems, that an industry was formed. Inducing an oyster to create a pearl is only half the battle—the oyster then needs a nutrient-rich, open environment in which to grow. This NOVA program looks at the science of pearl farming, follows efforts of oyster farmers trying to cope with growing problems of pollution and overcrowding, and considers the shifting sands of dominance within the pearl industry.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. NOVA Season 26 Episode 2 - Chasing El Nino
    8.0/10(9 votes)

    S26:E2

    A massive planet-sized machine controls our weather day-to-day, and our climate season-to-season. It takes an event of staggering proportions to disrupt a machine this large and powerful, a juggernaut with more energy than a million nuclear bombs. Signs now indicate that such an event is underway - El Niño. More than a series of storms stunning the California coastline, El Niño is second only to the seasons in its effect on global weather. In a P-3 off the coast, a team plunges into a storm front to explore its cause and effects. In a boat off the Galapagos, an array of buoys are checked for temperature and current data. On a mountan in Peru, signs of the devastation of past El Niños are revealed. As scientists push to extremes to explore this phenomenon, they understand for the first time the extent to which all the world's weather is connected, and just how delicate is the balance.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. NOVA Season 26 Episode 6 - Ice Mummies: Frozen in Heaven (1)
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    S26:E6

    This is the bizarre and fascinating story of the remains of Inca culture, frozen for posterity high in the mountains of the Andes. Evidence has emerged of sacrifice to the mountain gods, whose existence dominated the civilization over 500 years ago. The film traces the frozen bodies of children uncovered by archaeologists in South America, and follows an archaeological expedition to a high-altitude sacred site in search of ritual remains and another body. How did they come to be there? Why did they go to their deaths willingly? What was the religious framework that dictated their sacrifice to fierce gods?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. NOVA Season 26 Episode 7 - Ice Mummies: Siberian Ice Maiden (2)
    8.0/10(8 votes)

    S26:E7

    The Siberian Ice Maiden, discovered in the Pastures of Heaven, on the high Steppes, is believed to have been a shamaness of the lost Pazyryk culture. She had been mummified and then frozen by freak climatic conditions around 2400 years ago, along with six decorated horses and a symbolic meal for her last journey. Her body was covered with vivid blue tattoos of mythical animal figures. Together with the newly discovered body of a man, nicknamed "Conan," her body has now been restored, and is providing new clues to the role and power of women in the nomadic peoples of ancient Siberia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of NOVA

    READ
  7. NOVA Season 26 Episode 15 - Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Car Crash (2)
    7.9/10(19 votes)

    S26:E15

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. NOVA Season 26 Episode 14 - Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Fire (1)
    7.8/10(9 votes)

    S26:E14

    The past five years have seen remarkable progress in both treatment and basic understanding of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. In laboratories and clinics across the country and around the world, scientists and doctors have pooled their expertise to keep people infected with HIV alive and disease-free longer than was imaginable at the start of the epidemic. And now, through what may well be an unprecedented cross-fertilization process among molecular biologists, immunologists, geneticists, and practicing physicians, a series of discoveries about HIV-infected patients who have successfully fought off AIDS for as long as 20 years are being closely analyzed for clues to the ultimate goal in this fierce scientific battle—a vaccine. NOVA tells the story of this ongoing battle through the experiences of patients like Robert Massie, a "long-term non-progressor." Massie, a 43-year old environmental activist and Episcopalian minister was infected by a blood transfusion in 1978 and after an acute period of illness, somehow his immune system has kept the HIV virus at bay without drugs. Surviving AIDS reveals the scientific community engaged in an enormous and ongoing struggle, with discoveries traveling from labs to patients and back. And NOVA brings together the most promising research with compelling human stories of the patients and doctors who are devoting themselves to unraveling one of the most complicated mysteries in scientific history.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. NOVA Season 26 Episode 11 - The Beast of Loch Ness
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    S26:E11

    Is it just a fairy tale, or could a primeval beast lurk in the deep, dark waters of a Scottish lake? Since it was first reported more than 60 years ago, hundreds claim to have witnessed the Loch Ness Monster, while one scientist after another has brought the latest technology to the loch to probe the phenomenon. Twenty-five years after their first, groundbreaking expedition to Loch Ness, NOVA joins two American scientists as they return to Scotland for one last go at Nessie. During a three-week expedition, they use state-of-the-art sonar and sensitive underwater cameras in an attempt to track down and identify the elusive beast. Biologists study the ecosystem of the loch to determine if it could support a large animal. Geologists study its history, looking for clues about what kind of creature might have colonized it, and when. NOVA examines the photographic evidence in the case. And eyewitnesses vividly recount their sightings. Could this legendary creature be real, perhaps a relic from the time of dinosaurs? Or is it a shared illusion—a product of myth, mirage and wishful thinking?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. NOVA Season 26 Episode 12 - Submarines, Secrets, and Spies
    7.5/10(11 votes)

    S26:E12

    At the height of the Cold War, US subs gathered secrets that neither spies nor satellites could expose. Until recently, almost nobody knew the hidden history of their tragedies and triumphs. As the US strove for supremacy in the Cold War, it pushed submarine technology to its limits. Breakthroughs led to unparalleled triumphs of espionage. And, missteps cost hundreds their lives. With recently declassified film, NOVA lifts the veil on tragic and mysterious submarine accidents and their high-risk spy missions that helped win the Cold War. Along with celebrated oceanographer and explorer, Robert Ballard (discoverer of the Titanic), NOVA goes in search of clues to two tragedies of the Cold War, the wrecks of the nuclear submarines Thresher and Scorpion. Recently declassified footage gives a unique glimpse of the wrecks and a chance to investigate the catastrophic accidents that overtook these subs and their crew.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. NOVA Season 26 Episode 13 - Everest: The Mystery of Mallory and Irvin
    7.4/10(16 votes)

    S26:E13

    When George Mallory was asked why he was willing to risk his life to climb Mount Everest in 1924 he simply replied "Because it's there." In Nova Video Library: Everest - The Mystery of Mallory and Irvine you are invited to unravel some of the mystery surrounding the success of Mallory and his climbing partner Andrew Irvine, who set off to climb Everest on June 8, 1924. Did they make it to the top of the summit before their eventual demise? If they did, their success would predate Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay by 30 years. This award-winning film takes a compelling look at their brave attempt and includes insightful interviews with the last two living members of Mallory's climbing team.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. NOVA Season 26 Episode 1 - Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude
    7.1/10(19 votes)

    S26:E1

    In 1714, following a maritime disaster, British Parliament offers £20,000 for the first reliable method of determining longitude on a ship at sea. It's known that longitude can be found by comparing a ship's local time to the time at the port of origin. The challenge is finding a clock—a chronometer—that can keep time at sea, where temperature changes, humidity, gravity and a ship's movement affect accuracy. NOVA chronicles the seventeenth-century journey to determine longitude.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. NOVA Season 26 Episode 16 - Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Plane Crash (3)
    7.0/10(10 votes)

    S26:E16

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. NOVA Season 26 Episode 3 - Terror In Space
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E3

    Experience the harrowing and life-threatening problems aboard the aging Mir space station through the eyes of the Russian and American astronauts who lived through them. Feel the heat from the fire that erupted on board. See the collision between Mir and another space craft. Endure the power outages and the computer failures that have jeopardized lives. Hear the debate over whether NASA should continue to risk its astronauts by sending them to Mir in preparation for the launch later this year of the most ambitious space project yet—the International Space Station.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. NOVA Season 26 Episode 8 - Ice Mummies: Return of the Iceman (3)
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E8

    Cutting-edge science and archaeology are reconstructing the life and culture of The Iceman—the 5000-year-old frozen corpse found buried in the ice of the Alps. By analyzing every inch of the Iceman's body and the tools and equipment found with it, scientists are piecing together the most complete picture yet of the late Stone Age in this part of Europe. X-ray, CAT scan, and microscopic analysis of this spectacular find is revealing where the iceman lived, what he ate, and how he may have died; nuclear physics reveals that the Iceman's hair was contaminated with arsenic and copper, suggesting he was involved in copper production centuries before it was known to exist in the region.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. NOVA Season 26 Episode 9 - Leopards of the Night with David Attenborough
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E9

    Night stalkers by nature, leopards are observed both by night and day, using state-of-the-art camera equipment, to reveal never before seen hunting behavior. Filmed in the Luangua Valley in Zambia, Leopard reveals the challenges and dangers faced daily by these beautiful animals. Shadowed by hungry hyenas in pursuit of leftovers, and stalked by lumbering crocodiles hoping to tackle a lone leopard on a kill, how can they hope to challenge such beasts?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. NOVA Season 26 Episode 17 - Escape! Because Accidents Happen: Abandon Ship (4)
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E17

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. NOVA Season 26 Episode 18 - Battle Alert in the Gulf
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E18

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. NOVA Season 26 Episode 19 - Volcanoes of the Deep
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E19

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. NOVA Season 26 Episode 20 - Surviving AIDS
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    S26:E20

    The past five years have seen remarkable progress in both treatment and basic understanding of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. In laboratories and clinics across the country and around the world, scientists and doctors have pooled their expertise to keep people infected with HIV alive and disease-free longer than was imaginable at the start of the epidemic. And now, through what may well be an unprecedented cross-fertilization process among molecular biologists, immunologists, geneticists, and practicing physicians, a series of discoveries about HIV-infected patients who have successfully fought off AIDS for as long as 20 years are being closely analyzed for clues to the ultimate goal in this fierce scientific battle—a vaccine. NOVA tells the story of this ongoing battle through the experiences of patients.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 26 Ratings Summary

"Special Effects: Titanic and Beyond" is the best rated episode of "NOVA" season 26. It scored 8.5/10 based on 9 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/3/1998. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius".