Wonders of the Solar System

This show legitimately changed my life when I first watched it. I finally understood what the point of physics lessons at school were. But more than that, it set a fire within me to learn more, not just about astronomy but about all science. I became interested in biology, history, culture, psychology all because I'd watched this series. After watching it I realised the enormous gaps in my knowledge about how the world and the universe work. Although I know I will never completely fill those gaps, trying to do so gives my life purpose and brings me no end of pleasure.

Brain Cox is a wonderful science presenter who makes it easy to grasp the basics of very complex ideas. The visuals are gorgeous and the soundtrack is a perfect match for them. I can't thank the BBC enough for creating this series.

Many reviewers I believe are entirely missing the point of this documentary series, people complain about the lack of complexity and detail. It is very clear that Brian has an immense passion for what he is talking about and wishes to share that passion, to show those who had no prior interest in science what it is all about.

If you are looking for an array of fun little facts about the solar system then this isn't for you, I can recommend "The Universe" documentary series for that. If you are already a fan of science and enjoy watching other similar documentaries then chances are you won't learn a great deal, but again that isn't the point.

Brian is trying to show that there is more to science than learning facts and is attempting to illustrate the wonderous side of science. Many it seems are utterly unable to handle anything that isn't loaded with CGI and facts. But for those who can enjoy a humble and passionate series presented by a humble and passionate presenter, I would recommend this series to.

Granted Brian Cox is no Carl Sagan and this series is no 'Cosmos' it can definitely do what it sets out to do which is to inspire those capable of holding a child-like sense of wonder and a passion for deeper thinking.

This series will encourage the curious minds to think deeper about things and won't attempt to overload you by repeatedly shouting interesting space facts at you.

I wrote this review because I wasn't satisfied with what was already written. Other reviewers mentioned many "flaws" with this program which I believe are actually essential strengths which set this documentary apart.

For instance, other reviewers mention the show's "distracting" scene changes. However, if you really listen to what is being said, as opposed to simply looking at where the host is standing, the scene changes are essential to the show's format. The strength of this program is that every astronomical concept is immediately compared to an Earth based equivalent or analogy. This format really clarifies what is being said and provides the viewer a deeper appreciation for the show's content.

In summary, if you are looking for a show which describes the solar system in an intuitive way, as opposed to the history lecture format of many other shows, check it out! Sure the host's voice takes a little time to get used to, but the shows content is worth it.

Brian Cox is the kind of man who can incite excitement in adults, change career paths of the young, and generally engage and include people of all levels of intelligence. His rock star credentials have clearly allowed him to transcend stereotypical geekiness, and purvey complex matters in simplistic formats. Maybe he is a genius? A man who clearly has a highly active brain in both the areas of arts and science. It is just such a guy that the country needs as it seeks to transform itself from a Nation of number crunching Accountants to a re-establishing Nation of scientists, engineers and innovators. He is clearly a reminder of what we once were and what this great Nation once spawned, and more importantly he has answered some of the biggest questions that have shadowed mankind since the creation of time.

This series, describing and explaining some of the extraordinary discoveries made in astronomy and our explorations of the solar system as well as our own world, ranks as one of the most entertaining and informative series of programmes I've seen in a long life of watching too much television.

While some of the images are repeated too often to maintain their initial impact, the visuals are stunning and generally essential to the narrative. The presenter, Brian Cox and most of the other contributors manage to demonstrate and explain the physics, chemistry and biology in ways that are both very rich and elegantly simple. The overall result is the sense of wonder that is promised in the title.

The most impressive feature of the series is the way that the strands are woven together, keeping life at the focus of a journey through awesome reaches of space and time. These are essentially wonders for everyone, not just physics professors. The production's faith in the intelligence of its audience is matched by the deep understanding of the subject that underlies the apparently effortless presentation.

This series is the antidote to the many formulaic, sensationalist and half baked documentaries that are increasingly dominating the schedules.