Ep 6. Science or Sci-Fi?

In season 6 episode 6 of America: Facts vs. Fiction titled "Science or Sci-Fi?", the show takes a closer look at the ways science and fiction have intersected throughout American history. The episode examines some of the most iconic stories from American popular culture, from the science fiction novels of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to the futuristic visions of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek.

The episode explores the ways in which these stories have influenced American attitudes towards science and technology, both positively and negatively. While the show acknowledges that many science fiction stories have inspired real-life innovations, it also argues that these stories have sometimes presented a distorted or unrealistic view of science and its potential.

One of the key themes of the episode is the idea that science and technology have often been used for both good and evil purposes. The show explores some of the most notorious examples of scientific experimentation gone wrong, from the Tuskegee syphilis study to the CIA's mind-control experiments. At the same time, the episode also highlights some of the most positive achievements of science, from the Apollo moon landing to the creation of life-saving medical treatments.

Throughout the episode, America: Facts vs. Fiction uses a mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic recreations to bring the stories to life. The show also draws on a wide range of sources, from scholarly articles and scientific journals to popular films and novels.

At its heart, "Science or Sci-Fi?" is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which our beliefs about science and technology are shaped by the stories we tell about them. The episode asks viewers to consider how our attitudes towards science might be different if we were exposed to different stories. By examining the relationship between fiction and fact, America: Facts vs. Fiction provides a fresh perspective on some of the most important issues facing American society today.