Bill Nye’s new lab-centric talk show has nice chemistry

This sounds like a winning scientific formula: Start with everyone’s favorite lab-coated guru Bill Nye, add celebrity guests like Donald Faison into the mix to discuss topics such as climate change, video games and even sex, and then explore those subjects from a scientific angle. That’s the setup for “Bill Nye Saves the World,” the Science Guy’s new labcentric talk show that begins streaming on Netflix April 21.

Of course, Nye is no stranger to television. Most notably he hosted the PBS kids’ show “Bill Nye, the Science Guy” from 1993 to 1998. More interesting, though, have been his ventures into other types of programs, from sitcoms to dance competitions. Not surprisingly, he had entertaining viewers down to a science.

THE PRINCIPAL TAKES A HOLIDAY (1998) The wonderful world of science met the wonderful world of the Disney Channel when Nye portrayed a teacher who makes a hovercraft in this made-for-cable movie.

NUMB3RS (2005-08) Nye appeared in three episodes of the mathematically slanted procedural as Bill Waldie, an engineering faculty member whom the crime solvers occasionally turned to for help. A lecture Nye had given on getting kids excited about math inspired the series.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (2007-08) Who would you call if you wanted to use your “Ask the Expert” lifeline? Nye, of course, who popped up in 12 episodes.

STARGATE ATLANTIS (2008) The heat is on when it’s discovered that a possible solution for global warming could be deadly. Nye and Neil de Grasse Tyson were contacted for expert advice.

DANCING WITH THE STARS (2013) Nye had nice chemistry with his pro partner Tyne Stecklein, but he suffered a leg injury the first week of the show. As a result, a robotic-themed dance to “Get Lucky” in week 2 played up Nye’s hand movements more than his dance moves and he was eliminated.

THE BIG BANG THEORY (2013) Jealous that Professor Proton has asked Leonard to help him with a paper, Sheldon (Jim Parsons) searches for a new role and picks Nye. But things don’t go well, and Nye issues a restraining order on his new friend.