Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Carl Sagan covers a wide range of scientific subjects, including the origin of life and a perspective of our place in the universe.

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980) is an American public television science documentary series created by Carl Sagan and broadcast on PBS. Across thirteen hour-long episodes, astronomer Carl Sagan serves as the warm, unhurried host, guiding viewers through the origin of life, the structure of the solar system, the history of astronomy, and the evolution of humanity's understanding of the universe. Rather than a single narrative engine, the series is built from distinct episodes, each exploring a scientific subject and returning to the question of our place among the stars. Sagan's personal voice carries the emotional weight, mixing awe, curiosity, and a gentle urgency about nuclear war and the greenhouse effect. Dramatized segments featuring actors playing astronomers such as Johannes Kepler, played by Jaromír Hanzlík, and Tycho Brahe, played by Josef Vinklář, bring historical discoveries to life. The tone is wondrous, reflective, and hopeful, with a studio-bound, classic educational look. Fans of Planet Earth, The Ascent of Man, and A Brief History of Time will find resonance in its blend of spectacle and scientific reflection.

Audiences regard the series as an acclaimed, accessible and awe-inspiring tour of science, with Carl Sagan's warm and lucid presentation as its centerpiece.

• Planet Eartheducational science documentary, host-led exploration of the cosmos, awe and wonder tone
• The Ascent of Manscience documentary series hosted by a charismatic scientist, accessible explanations of cosmic and evolutionary ideas
• Brief History of Timehost-led science documentary on the universe, humanity's place in the cosmos, reflective and wondrous tone

Created by

Carl Sagan

Release Date

1980-09-28

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

9.3 / 10 (465)

What is Cosmos: A Personal Voyage about?

Carl Sagan guides viewers through the origins of life, the solar system, and humanity's place in the universe.

What is Cosmos: A Personal Voyage like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Cosmos: A Personal Voyage violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.

What did critics think of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage?

Audiences regard the series as an acclaimed, accessible and awe-inspiring tour of science, with Carl Sagan's warm and lucid presentation as its centerpiece.

Which shows are like Cosmos: A Personal Voyage?

Shows with a similar feel include Planet Earth, The Ascent of Man, and Brief History of Time.

How long is Cosmos: A Personal Voyage?

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage: 1 season, 13 episodes.

Is Cosmos: A Personal Voyage still running?

No, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage has ended.