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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 7h 12m•Peaking at 10.0/10

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?
    5.5/10(2 votes)

    #1 - Asteroids: Spark of Life?

    S53:E1

    What if asteroids, long feared as destroyers of life, were key to our existence? Explore a revolutionary theory that these violent collisions provided the essential ingredients – water, minerals, and energy – needed to jumpstart life on Earth.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. NOVA Season 53 Episode 2 - Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire
    5.5/10(2 votes)

    #2 - Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire

    S53:E2

    Deep in the Cambodian jungle lie the ruins of Angkor, a marvel of urban engineering and seat of the once-mighty Khmer Empire. New discoveries are revealing how this ancient metropolis was built – and what likely led to its devastating collapse.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. NOVA Season 53 Episode 3 - Can Dogs Talk?
    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Can Dogs Talk?

    S53:E3

    Can dogs understand what we say—and talk back? Witness amazing moments from a major experiment, as thousands of dogs use speech buttons. Pet owners are convinced, but are our furry friends really communicating their thoughts and desires with us?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. NOVA Season 53 Episode 4 - Mammal Origins
    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Mammal Origins

    S53:E4

    The surprising story of mammal evolution begins long before the age of dinosaurs. Witness how some of our prehistoric mammal relatives survived global catastrophes, defying extinction and evolving into the vast array of mammals we know today – including us.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. NOVA Season 53 Episode 5 - Stone Age Temple Mystery
    3.5/10(2 votes)

    #5 - Stone Age Temple Mystery

    S53:E5

    Surprising evidence at the world's oldest temple overturns our understanding of human history. The latest excavations at the 12,000 year-old Göbekli Tepe in Turkey are making archaeologists rethink the roots of civilization.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. NOVA Season 53 Episode 6 - Return to the Moon
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #6 - Return to the Moon

    S53:E6

    A half-century after Apollo, the Artemis missions aim to bring astronauts back to the Moon and establish a lunar space station. Follow the Artemis II engineers and crew on the perilous 10-day journey to orbit the Moon.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. NOVA Season 53 Episode 7 - Rain Bombs
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - Rain Bombs

    S53:E7

    An invisible force is causing chaos around the globe. Follow scientists racing to understand the catastrophic "rain bombs" that are sinking ships and downing planes. Can they learn to predict these devastating weather events and save lives?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. NOVA Season 53 Episode 8 - Athens: Birth of Democracy
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - Athens: Birth of Democracy

    S53:E8

    Follow archaeological investigations into the dramatic origins of democracy in Greece 2,500 years ago. Mass graves and ancient ruins where tyrants were murdered shine new light on the birth of a revolutionary form of government.

    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 5.5/10 based on 2 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/21/2026. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire".