It is not unusual for the show to explain topics as arcane as RNA interference using cartoons, or a solution to a two-thousand-year-old math problem related in song.

The show's humor turns on cultural references aimed at viewers from a broad spectrum of age groups.

These gags are intentionally subtle and meant to be difficult to recognize, presumably as a challenge to the viewer's observational skills.

[3] In addition to the host, several correspondents report on many of the individual stories including Peter Standring, Chad Cohen, Ziya Tong, Carla Wohl, Rebecca Skloot, and David Duncan.

NOVΛ scienceNOW has received generally positive reviews from television critics and parents of young children.