Continuing with its focus to educate and provide stimulus for brain through entertainment, National Geographic Channel (NGC) has launched “Science of Stupid season 2” (SoS-2) this month.
The show features different stunts from daring to stupid including people trying to cycle on a treadmill, attempting backflips and headspins, weightlifting, shooting guns or jumping over cars, trying billiards trick shots, sliding down hand rails among others. While examining the stunt videos with disastrous endings in each episode, explanation is provided in scientific terms as to what factors caused them to fail.
“Science is needed in our day-to-day life and is present in everything we do. The show brings to fore the universal truths of science, and what one should do and not do. Through entertainment we drive home these truths thereby inculcating scientific temper and also explaining how it is required in our everyday life and plays a part,” explains Swati Mohan, Business Head, Fox International Channels, India. An international production of NGC, “Science of Stupid” is localised with Manish Paul, actor and television anchor, hosting its second season too. “I love the channel and the show. I have received a good feedback from the viewers, particularly the children, appreciating the entertainment and information aspect of the show.” The scientific explanation in this programme in Hindi is translation of the original text with local references and context added to make it more relevant and interesting for the viewers.
Showcasing science the series covers some very basic scientific principles like torque, gravity and Newton’s laws applied in everyday life – from jogging on a treadmill to cycling on the street, from how different objects conduct electricity to the science behind weightlifting. When asked if anchoring SoS entailed any special preparation, Manish replies, “Obviously. I read the script thoroughly to get to the core of the science. At times it gave me a feel of doing my school homework and revising science.” Having said that he added, “I learnt several new terms, words and concepts.” Known for his natural flair, innovation and improvisation Manish adds anecdotes and funny stories in the show to make it engaging.
The half-hour show forms a part of NGC’s “Brain Booster @ 9” with Brain Games hosted by Jason Silva following it.
On National Geographic Channel, Monday to Friday, from 9 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.)