Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”

With so many movies and TV shows being rebooted these days, one wonders if originality is dwindling in the entertainment industry.

Fox, however, is currently airing a follow-up that definitely warrants its second time in the sun. “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” is a scientific documentary offshoot of the 1980 Emmy-winning series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” which was presented by astronomer, astrophysicist and cosmologist Carl Sagan. The new series premiered March 9, with a new episode airing Sunday, April 20, on Fox.

“Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” got off to a strong start with roughly 8.5 million viewers tuning in for the premiere. No doubt this is largely due to the immense popularity of its predecessor. The original “Cosmos,” which aired on PBS, is widely recognized as a major milestone for science-based television, with its use of cutting-edge special effects and its appeal to all audiences -- not just those with scientific leanings. Seen by more than 500 million people across more than 60 countries, it remains one of the network’s highest-rated programs.

Fox’s version will loosely follow the format of “A Personal Voyage,” with 13 episodes, a similar storytelling approach and certain recognizable elements, such as the “Spaceship of the Imagination” and the “Cosmic Calendar.” It explores the foundation of science, covering such topics as the scope of time, beginning with the Big Bang; natural selection and evolution; astronomy and astrology; the nature of the speed of light, gravity, black holes and more.

Science-based content aside, the series aims to interest just about anyone. As Ann Druyan, Sagan’s widow and a co-creator of both series, explains in an interview with Canada.com: “We weren’t trying to preach to the converted. We wanted to evoke in people, even those people who might be hostile to science, a sense of wonder. ... If you have a beating heart, you will respond to ‘Cosmos.’ ”

While the two series do share certain aspects, “A Spacetime Odyssey” also contains many unique and revamped elements, including spectacular computer-generated graphics and updated information that includes the past 34 years’ scientific discoveries and advancements. “The ambition and scope of ‘A Spacetime Odyssey’ is unlike anything seen before,” writes Alex Strachan for Canada.com, “including the original Cosmos, which Druyan and [host Neil deGrasse] Tyson have vowed not to emulate or repeat.”

As for the man presenting the program, Sagan left behind some very large shoes to fill. His contributions to the world of science are extensive and include more than 600 published scientific papers and more than 20 books penned.

Neil deGrasse Tyson as seen in “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”

Taking up the “Cosmos” torch now is astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson’s own career path has been heavily inspired by Sagan, whom he described in a 2004 interview with Daniel Simon as “very inspirational and a most powerful influence. Dr. Sagan was as great as the universe, an effective mentor.”

Judging by his résumé, Tyson is about as apt a replacement for Sagan as you can find. Currently the director of the Hayden Planetarium and a research associate in astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, Tyson also hosted PBS’s science program “Nova ScienceNOW” and has been a frequent guest on “The Daily Show,” “The Colbert Report” and “Jeopardy!” His interest in astronomy having taken hold when he was nine, he began giving lectures on the subject as young as 15 and was editor-in-chief of his high school’s “Physical Science Journal.”

As a student, Tyson was lucky enough to meet his idol, who in turn took him on a tour of Sagan's workplace as they discussed science -- that conversation affected the younger man in more ways the one. A heavy snow fell as Tyson was heading for the last bus home, and Sagan offered that, should the storm keep the bus from arriving, Tyson was welcome to spend the night at his home. “It was then that I realized,” Tyson recalls in the Canada.com interview, “not only did I know I wanted to become an astronomer, but I now knew the kind of man I wanted to be.” Little did he know back then just how much like his mentor he would turn out to be.

It’s not hard to see how Tyson and Druyan’s names are linked to “A Spacetime Odyssey,” but some might be surprised to see funny man Seth MacFarlane’s name crop up as an executive producer for the series. The man behind “Family Guy,” “American Dad” and “Ted” (2012) was, in fact, instrumental in bringing “A Spacetime Odyssey” to broadcast. Though the series is a notable departure for MacFarlane, it was his passion for the subject matter -- and his financial investment -- that helped make it happen.

“I’m at a point in my career where I have some disposable income, and I’d like to spend it on something worthwhile,” MacFarlane told Tyson, as he recalls in a “Parade” interview. As he said in a 2012 Library of Congress press piece: “The work of Carl Sagan has been a profound influence in my life and the life of every individual who recognizes the importance of humanity's ongoing commitment to the exploration of our universe.” With a secure foothold in the network already, MacFarlane was able to secure the green-lighting of the show when other networks had turned it down, failing to see its broad appeal.

If you haven't yet caught "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," you're definitely missing out. Whether you've seen Sagan's 1980 "Cosmos," the updated series is sure not only to impress, but make you feel just a little bit smarter, too. Tune in Sunday, April 20, for the latest episode on Fox.