Universe

First, I thank Professor Brian Cox for this wonderful series. He explains difficult scientific subjects in such a poetic and simple way the almost everyone understands him. I love the way he blends philosophy into his series, mixed with astonishing views, making the series vibrant, interesting and thought provoking. The pauses are like intervals of silence in Yoga meditation, allowing the person to think about, ponder over the material presented and to let the material sink in.

I really do not understand the imbecile whining uttered by some reviewers. The material must have become "dumbed down" to let everyone enjoy and understand the series. Otherwise, It would be a stilted, dull, boring series.

As someone interested in astronomy and philosophy but definitely an amateur, I always enjoy Brian Cox's documentaries for their accessibility, quality and story telling. I found the series extremely informative and engaging. I personally enjoyed the CGI and music - Although it did feel quite indulgent, what could be more worthy of dramatisation than stars, galaxies, black holes and the origins of the universe itself? It feels important to make these concepts tangible and momentous, as they are. The use of Hubble's images through out is totally awe inspiring. Although I'm an environmentalist and I don't necessarily agree with how many locations were used, I thoroughly enjoyed the use of incredible footage from Earth drawing links with the patterns of nature in the cosmos. I would highly recommend for anyone curious about our place in the universe.

Update: This is pretty much the exact same show as PBS' NOVA Universe Revealed, they re-use the same graphics, locations, and storylines. I guess because PBS and BBC have a relationship, they both made the same show but with different hosts???

Given all of the solid folks out there making physics documentaries, he's probably the best host out there...although I learn more from watching prof jim al-khalili or matt o'dowd (pbs spacetime). Brian Cox's work is just far more entertaining than anyone else I watch. This review is only based on the first episode (will update if it changes)...and unfortunately, this is not his best work. It's really short on science. It seems more about having him make feel good statements about why the universe is so wonderful. It felt like they had nothing new to say, so they just filled the show with drivel.

I for one thoroughly enjoyed every episode. For me, you can't go wrong with Brian Cox. He makes it a lot more accessible for the average person (me) to understand about space/the universe and an array of other topics. The explanations Brian provides alongside some really cool animations, left me wanting to watch more and find out more. Would love another series in a couple of years time after the James Webb telescope is launched. Interesting, thought provoking and maybe a touch scary at times.

I'm on episode 3, and I find Universe is gorgeous to watch and fascinating to listen to. It's been accused of "dumbing down", but I don't agree. There's plenty of science and the BBC continue with their great 10 minute "how we did it" explanatory section at the end of the programme. This allows those who want a more human and detailed perspective to find out more about the new discoveries.

The CGI is awesome, music works perfectly. Brian Cox delivers in his usual absorbing style. There is definitely a more philosophical slant to the content, which I really liked.