The launch of Fox's "Cosmos" TV series reboot on 10 different networks Sunday (March 9) attracted in 8.5 million viewers according to a Neilsen ratings summary, the Los Angeles Times reports today. According to the LA Times' Ryan Faughnder, Fox's "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" pulled in a "solid" audience despite tough competition in its 9 p.m. ET/PT time slot.
Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the new 13-part "Cosmos" is a 21st-century follow-up the landmark 1980 series hosted by the famed astronomer Carl Sagan, who died in 1996. Sagan's series brought the wonder of science and space to the public like never before during its 13-episode run on PBS. The new series aims to capture that same spirit, but include stunning visual effects and new discoveries that are now possible with today's technology. [The New "Cosmos": Complete Coverage]
"Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" debuts on 10 different Fox-affiliated networks Sunday night, including Fox Sports 1 and 2, and was re-aired on the National Geographic Channel Monday night with additional material. Sagan's widow Ann Druyan — who co-wrote the original "Cosmos" series —serves as a writer and executive producer of the new series. Seth MacFarlane (of "Family Guy" fame among other work) also serves as an executive producer, as does Brannon Braga ("Star Trek" TV franchise). Read the full story from the Los Angeles Times.
Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+.