Nat Geo Channel To Launch Late Night Talk Show #TCA15

Pasadena, Calif.--National Geographic Channel will develop its first ever late-night series in April hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

The series, StarTalk – based on Tyson’s popular podcast – will feature celebrities, comedians and scientists discussing the latest developments in science, said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Channels during the network's Television Critics Association press tour here Wednesday.

The series will be produced by National Geographic Studios and will be taped in front of a studio audience at the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium, where Tyson serves as director.

Tyson most recently hosted the Fox broadcasting miniseries Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey this past summer.

“After the global success of Cosmos as one of the most watched series in our history, we are thrilled to be partnering with Neil again on Star Talk — his wildly popular podcast that transcends science and crosses over into pop culture — once again satisfying the audience’s passion for adventure and exploration,” Monroe said.

Monroe also announced the network will bring back the long-running nature series Explorer later this year.

The network also announced the summer debut of a new special, Dino Autopsy, and the Fall 2015 premiere of miniseries History Of The World.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.