TV shows and movies are great forms of escapism. When it comes to accuracy, however, they often miss the mark. So, we asked a few NYU professors to share some of their favorite small-screen moments and give us the inside scoop: What’s accurate? What’s way off-base? And what do these portrayals say about the fields they teach? Whether you aspire to become a nurse, a teacher, or a physicist (or you just really like Abbott Elementary), you can learn something new—and maybe find a new series to obsess over.
And because we know you’re wondering, we also asked an NYU law professor what she thought of Legally Blonde. Spoiler: Elle Woods’ courtroom mic-drop moment is legally legit. Find out why here.
What Medical Dramas Get Wrong About Nurses
Hospital dramas might be gripping TV, but they often misrepresent one of the most essential players in real-world health care: nurses. Michele Crespo-Fierro, a clinical associate professor and director of the LEAD Honors Program at NYU Meyers College of Nursing, breaks down what these shows get wrong—and what they get right. Her number one issue with Grey’s Anatomy? “It’s the medical residents and physicians that are at the bedside all the time,” she says. “And that’s not what happens in the real world. It’s the nurses.” And for anyone watсhing General Hospital who thinks becoming a nurse is a career change you can make in a week? Think again.
The Star Trek Scene This Physics Professor Can’t Stand
Associate Professor Jeremy Tinker is an avid Star Trek fan, but he has some notes when it comes to the 1994 film Star Trek Generations. First, in a pivotal scene, a rocket reaches a star’s core faster than the speed of light. “That’s aways been my first real problem with this scene,” says Tinker. “That violates what we call ‘causality.’ It takes about 10 minutes for light to go from the sun to the earth.” Then, the star goes dark almost immediately—another impossibility. To be fair, the movie does manage to accurately depict what would happen if you suddenly stopped fusion at a star’s core. “That is what we call a supernova,” the College of Arts and Science professor exclaims.
Why This Education Professor Loves Abbott Elementary
NYU Professor Natalia Ortiz adores Abbott Elementary. Ortiz is a clinical assistant professor and director of the Office of School and Community Partnerships in the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development’s Department of Teaching and Learning. Here, she explains how her favorite episode depicts new educators focused on building a more inclusive classroom culture. In it, Gregory, a new teacher, struggles with classroom discipline. After seeking help from a veteran teacher, he learns a better way to connect with his students. Finally, Gregory uses a student’s love for a cartoon character to spark his engagement with class. “That shows what we call culturally relevant teaching,” she says. “It’s where teachers are connecting to children’s lived experiences, culture, and then applying it in the classroom.”
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