The popular pan-Arab talent show Stars of Science returns to MBC4 on Saturday with innovators battling it out to create the region's next big invention. Fans of the show, created by the Qatar Foundation, will be in for a few surprises, however, as this sixth season is set to receive a makeover both on the screen and online. Here are some of the changes coming our way.
Tighter format
Previous Stars of Science episodes were epic viewing experiences, with episodes stretching out to nearly two hours. This season, episodes have been slashed down to 48 minutes.
The executive producer Vivianne Zaccour says the show will keep “viewers entertained and hooked in”.
To accommodate the limited screen time, only 12 contestants will compete, instead of the 16 from previous seasons. They will be divided into groups of three and then two before reaching the finals.
To heighten the tension and drama, each episode focuses on a different group as the candidates go through elimination rounds testing the legitimacy of their proposed invention, eangineering capability, design and marketability.
The final, scheduled for broadcast on November 15, will feature the last four contestants presenting their finished prototypes to the judges and a live audience. All four finalists will receive a share of the US$600,000 (Dh2.2m) prize money.
Last year, the Algerian Mohammed Doumir won for his creation, Dr Doumir – Camel Racing Diagnostic Boots that can detect foot injuries in racing camels.
The shoe-like pads are attached to the animal’s hooves and transmit data to a computer application.
Tougher judging
With the judges eliminating contestants based on their performance within their assigned groups – as opposed to eliminating the entire group as in previous seasons – the judges will have to be more focused on their criticism.
“Viewers can also expect strong and healthy debate between the judges throughout the series,” says the renowned Lebanese professor and judge Fouad Mrad.
Chat with the pros online
The Stars of Science website has also had a reboot and now boasts a forum and chat-room features that allow viewers and aspiring inventors to talk with some of the contestants and special guests for up to two hours after each episode is broadcast.
Stars of Science is broadcast weekly on MBC4 on Saturdays at 10pm. It will move to daily episodes on October 5. Visit www.starsofscience.com
sasaeed@thenational.ae
