On Blending Comedy and Science Fiction in The End is Nye

We sat down with host/EP/writer Bill Nye and EP Erica Huggins of Peacock’s The End is Nye about using comedy as a way to start the conversation around disasters and creating a format that had spectacle but remained scientifically accurate. They talk about embracing technology and science as a way to create interest and optimism about our future. Bill emphasized using comedic timing as a way to create engagement, to balance the fear of the disaster with the wit and levity of Bill’s humor. They reference the Twilight Zone and the show’s sci-fi genre roots, with Bill talking about how they came to creating the framing device of the show: The Disaster Institute.

Bill also specifically credits the editors with creating the rhythm and pacing of the show to make sure the jokes and emotions were landing. Erica mentioned that they were very intentional about scripting each moment and balancing the budget to see how many visual effect shots they could build in the show. It was important for Bill to use real science and consult real engineers, experts, and scientists to inform the science fiction of the show.

Watch the full conversation below.

Q&A on the Peacock series The End is Nye with host/executive producer/writer Bill Nye and executive producer Erica Huggins. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.

Explore the myths and realities of both natural and unnatural threats, from viruses to volcanoes, asteroids to authoritarianism, and climate change to chemical warfare.