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The Best Episodes of NOVA Season 53

Every episode of NOVA Season 53 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of NOVA Season 53!

Binge this in 1h 51m•Peaking at 7.0/10

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    NOVA Season 53 Episode 1 - Asteroids: Spark of Life?
    7.0/10(18 votes)

    #1 - Asteroids: Spark of Life?

    S53:E1

    Imagine a time when Earth was a molten, volcanic wasteland, heavily bombarded by colossal asteroids. We’ve long feared these cosmic impacts as destroyers of life, but what if they were the key to our very existence? Explore a revolutionary theory suggesting that these violent collisions provided the essential ingredients – water, minerals, and energy – needed for life to ignite on our planet. Discover how scientists are unearthing evidence from lunar rocks and ancient impact craters, revealing that the very objects known for extinguishing life might have actually sparked it.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. NOVA Season 53 Episode 2 - Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire

    S53:E2

    Uncover the lost secrets of a once-mighty empire. The city of Angkor, the seat of the great Khmer Empire in Southeast Asia for 500 years, was once the biggest city in the world. For centuries, this incredible civilization flourished, building the largest religious monument on Earth, Angkor Wat, and mastering urban engineering in a challenging landscape. But then it was mysteriously abandoned, swallowed by the jungle. Now, cutting-edge technology and new discoveries are finally revealing how this astounding empire rose to global prominence – and what likely led to its devastating collapse. Follow a scientific detective story that is challenging everything we thought we knew about this ancient metropolis.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 53 Ratings Summary

"Asteroids: Spark of Life?" is the best rated episode of "NOVA" season 53. It scored 7/10 based on 18 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/21/2026. This episode is rated 7.0 points higher than the second-best, "Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire".