The National Geographic channel jumps into the late-night game with a new series hosted by the great science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson.
National Geographic announced that it will adapt Tyson's "StarTalk Radio" podcast into the cable network's first-ever late-night program, also called "Star Talk." The show will premiere in April and starts filming on Jan. 8.
Tyson has found great success presenting science to the masses. He hosted 2014's "Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey," a 13-episode mini-series that won four Emmys and two Critics Choice Awards.
"'Cosmos' allowed us to share the awesome power of the universe with a global audience in ways that we never thought possible," Tyson said during the Television Critics Association panel on Wednesday. "To be able to continue to spread wonder and excitement through 'Star Talk,' which is a true passion project for me, is beyond exciting."
National Geographic and Fox-branded channels helped to distribute the "Cosmos" special to more than 125 countries, the largest global launch ever for a television series, according to the National Geographic Channel (via Variety). At least 135 million people - 45 million in the United States alone - tuned in for some or all of the 13-part special.
"We continue to bolster out programming with series and event specials that are brand definitional, and 'Star Talk' is the perfect opportunity to offer our audience an edgy, late night alternative with the credibility and authenticity that are the hallmarks of our network."
