'Bill Nye: Science Guy' set for theatrical release, broadcast on PBS

June 14 (UPI) -- PBS says it has acquired the North American distribution rights for Bill Nye: Science Guy, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in March.

Nye, 61, is a beloved author and television personality dedicated to teaching young people about science. His show Bill Nye the Science Guy initially ran on PBS 1993-98. He can now be seen in the Netflix series Bill Nye Saves the World.

PBS Distribution will release the authorized documentary Bill Nye: Science Guy in U.S. theaters later this year, following screenings at AFI Docs in Washington, D.C., and the Los Angeles Film Festival. Bill Nye: Science Guy will debut on television in 2018 via the PBS documentary series POV.

"We are over the moon to add Bill Nye: Science Guy to our theatrical slate and to be partnering with POV to bring Bill back to PBS," Erin Owens, PBS Distribution's head of theatrical programming, said in a statement Wednesday. "The filmmakers have given us a revealing portrait of an icon whose work and personality are seared indelibly into the minds of so many Americans. We can't wait to bring this film to audiences across the country, and we know they'll leave the theater further inspired by Bill Nye and his lifelong quest to making science a national priority."

"Many of us grew up with Bill Nye the Science Guy. He loved science, and he inspired a whole generation of kids to share that passion through his PBS show," added POV executive director/executive producer Justine Nagan. "Now, as Bill Nye has focused on his role as a champion for climate science, we hope his story and this film will spark dialogue across ideological lines. We are thrilled to bring this outstanding independent film on Bill's life and work to public media audiences."