Science | September 2026
Published on
Ages of Ice
The hour-long series is a high-stakes journey into the planet's frozen wilderness, revealing the extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and rapidly changing ecosystems of Earth's polar regions.
“AGES OF ICE combines breathtaking filmmaking with powerful scientific discovery, offering viewers an extraordinary look at Earth's frozen frontiers,” said Diana El Osta, Sr. Director, Multiplatform Programming & Development, PBS. “The series reflects PBS's commitment to bringing audiences stories that inspire curiosity and deepen our understanding of the natural world."
Ages of Ice #101
The Frozen Heart
Wednesday, 9/16/2026 @ 9:00 PM
Venture into our planet's most extreme ice fields alongside scientists uncovering the history of our climate. From scaling jagged peaks to descending deep into the ice sheet, track how the polar world is transforming.
Ages of Ice #102
Polar Seas
Wednesday, 9/23/2026 @ 9:00 PM
The polar seas are one of Earth's great superpowers, helping regulate our entire planet. But as they warm and sea ice disappears, explore why their health is inseparable from our survival.
Ages of Ice #103
The Incubator of Life
Wednesday, 9/30/2026 @ 9:00 PM
Journey beneath the ice to discover hidden worlds where life flourishes against the odds. As scientists explore glaciers, oceans and frozen frontiers, they uncover remarkable clues that may one day help us find life beyond Earth.
NOVA
NOVA brings you stories from the frontlines of science and engineering, answering the big questions of today and tomorrow, from how our ancestors lived, to whether parallel universes exist, to how technology will transform our lives. Visit the official website to watch full-length documentaries, or explore our world through short-form video, on our digital publication NOVA Next.
NOVA # 5309
The Battle to Breathe
Wednesday, 9/16/2026 @ 8:00 PM
Once a death sentence, cystic fibrosis now faces an apparent miracle cure. Follow the decades-long scientific quest, fueled by desperate parents, that led to this breakthrough with potential implications for the future of personalized medicine.
NOVA # 5310
Knowledge Keepers
Wednesday, 9/23/2026 @ 8:00 PM
For millennia, Indigenous peoples in North America have practiced a unique form of science. From navigating the featureless Arctic to building energy-efficient homes in the desert, see how cultural traditions have led to remarkable innovations.
NOVA # 5311
Stone Age Masterpiece
Wednesday, 9/30/2026 @ 8:00 PM
Hidden in the gorges of Southern France lies one of the most stunning decorated caves ever discovered: Chauvet, "the Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic art." For thousands of years, this geological wonder was visited only by animals. But around 37,000 years ago people arrived and some covered its walls with drawings of exceptional beauty. Since its re-discovery in 1994, only a few scientists have been granted access to study it. Now, NOVA's cameras are there as scientists return to the cave searching for new clues about the people who came here--and what moved them to leave such haunting images.