Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane has been tapped to replace Carl Sagan as the host a new series of Cosmos.
The series, Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey, has been given a 13 episode order and will debut in primetime in 2013.
The new documentary series comes from MacFarlane, along with Sagan’s widow, writer/producer Ann Druyan, and astrophysicist Steven Soter. And they’ve nabbed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to host, with the National Geographic Channel co-producing.
“Never more than at this moment in the modern era have we needed a profound reminder of the colossally important and exciting role that science, space exploration and the human quest for knowledge must continue to play in our development as a species,” said MacFarlane. “We should be vigorously exploring the solar system by now, and who better to inspire us to get there than Ann Druyan, Steven Soter, Neil deGrasse Tyson and, of course, Carl Sagan?”
According to the producers, Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey will explore “how human beings began to comprehend the laws of nature and find our place in space and time. It will take viewers to other worlds and travel across the universe for a vision of the cosmos on the grandest scale. The most profound scientific concepts will be presented with stunning clarity, uniting skepticism and wonder, and weaving rigorous science with the emotional and spiritual into a transcendent experience.”
Actually Seth MacFarlane is the producer. He is NOT replacing Sagan. He has been a passionate fan of Sagan's Cosmos and says he's not qualified to host but he will produce with Ann Druyan.
Neil Degrasse Tyson is the host actually, come on site, fire the fact checker.
Oh Thank God. I was really starting to sweat that idea. I just couldn't fathom Cosmos getting "The Family Guy" Treatment. I know he's done straight stuff before and he's pretty good at it also but the fear and stigma is always there.
I knew Carl and I have met and talked with Ann Druyan several times at different Planetary Society functions, Carl is our cofounder!!!. You can rest assured that Ann will not allow anything sub-standard to be made especially COSMOS. This show was a major player in all areas of ratings and critics and she is well aware of the impact of this show. We actually tried to launch our own light sail that was supported and filmed by Ann's company as well. This will be fully suppported by all of my fellow members. Neil Degrasse Tyson is our Board of Directors. Neil Armstorng, Robert PIcardo and even Elon Musk are all on board. Please check out the website @ http://www.planetary.org The worlds largest private membership space advocacy group- Open to all