You probably know Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly or as the voice of Margo in Despicable Me. But lately, she’s been doing something way different. Since 2019, she’s been the face of Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove, a show that manages to make science actually feel... cool?
Honestly, most educational TV feels like a lecture you didn't sign up for. This isn't that. It’s fast-paced, kinda quirky, and focuses entirely on women who are basically bosses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Whether it’s an oceanographer tagging sharks or a roboticist teaching a bot how to dance, the energy is more "look at this awesome thing" and less "here is a fact for the test."
What is Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove all about?
The show airs Saturday mornings on CBS as part of their "Dream Team" block. It’s produced by Hearst Media Production Group (formerly Litton Entertainment) and Lyda Hill Philanthropies. The whole vibe is centered around the IF/THEN initiative. Their motto? "If she can see it, then she can be it."
That’s a big deal.
The show features real-world professionals, not actors playing scientists. You’ve got people like Dr. Brain (neuroscientist Dr. Crystal Dilworth) breaking down how our minds work, or wildlife biologists like Danni Washington exploring the deep sea. They even have a segment called the "STEM Loft" where Miranda herself walks us through DIY experiments or weird science trivia.
Why Miranda Cosgrove?
She isn't just a teleprompter reader here. Cosgrove is an executive producer on the series alongside Academy Award winner Geena Davis. Having a massive star like Miranda involved matters because it brings in a younger audience who might usually skip a "science show." She has this approachable, genuinely curious energy that makes the heavy tech stuff feel accessible.
👉 See also: Orange Is the New Black How Many Seasons Is There? What Most People Get Wrong
The Science of the "Fun" Factor
One of the reasons this show sticks is the variety. One minute you're watching a chemical engineer at NASA (like Annie Meier) explain how they turn astronaut trash into fuel, and the next you’re seeing how math applies to professional soccer or makeup chemistry.
It hits on topics like:
- Zoology: How desert cats survive extreme heat.
- Forensics: The STEM behind solving crimes using fingerprints.
- Climate Change: Real talk about what’s happening to our oceans without being a total downer.
- Bioengineering: Using chemistry to test how much Vitamin C is actually in your juice.
The episodes are short—usually around 20 minutes—and they move. They use TikTok-style editing and social media influencers to keep things from getting stale. They know their audience.
What People Get Wrong About the Show
A lot of people think it’s just for little kids. It’s really not. While the target is girls aged 10 to 15, the science is legit. In 2020, the show was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Educational or Informational Series. It also bagged a Gracie Award and a Parents’ Choice Award.
It doesn't just show "success." It shows the process. Failure. Messing up a titration in the lab or having a robot malfunction. That’s the "unstoppable" part—it's about the grit it takes to be a pioneer in fields that haven't always been welcoming to women.
Behind the Scenes and Big Backing
The show is a massive collaboration. Lyda Hill Philanthropies put serious money behind this to change the culture. Statistics show that around age 11, many girls start losing interest in STEM. Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove is a direct attempt to stop that slide.
They also partner with big names like NASA, Boeing, and Apple to ensure the tech they're showing is the real deal. In 2024, the show was even renewed for more seasons, meaning it’ll be on the air through the 2025-2026 season. It’s officially the #1 STEM show on TV for a reason.
How to actually get into it
If you're looking for something that isn't mind-numbing for your weekend morning, or you want to show a younger sister/daughter that being a "math person" is a legitimate career path, this is the move.
🔗 Read more: The Cast of The Incredible Mr. Limpet: Why This Weird 1964 Gem Still Works
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch it on CBS: Check your local Saturday morning listings for the CBS WKND block.
- Stream on Pluto TV or Paramount+: If you missed the live airing, it’s usually available on demand.
- Try a "STEM Loft" experiment: Look up their official website or TikTok. They have "at-home" versions of the experiments shown on the show, like making "liquid lava" or testing pH levels with cabbage juice.
- Follow the IF/THEN Ambassadors: Many of the women featured on the show have their own social media pages where they share daily life in the lab or the field. It’s a great way to see the "non-TV" side of science.
This show proves that you don't need to be a boring guy in a lab coat to change the world. Sometimes, all you need is a mission and a little curiosity.