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Julius Sumner Miller's 'Why Is It So?' Episodes Now Free Online

digital · 2026-06-19

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has uploaded full episodes of Julius Sumner Miller's classic science show 'Why Is It So?' to YouTube. Miller, a Massachusetts-born physicist who taught at El Camino College in Torrance, California, hosted the program from 1959 on KNXT in Los Angeles before it found a home on ABC in Australia. Seven black-and-white broadcasts from the early 1960s to early 1970s are now available. Miller also appeared on Disney's 'Mickey Mouse Club', 'Great Moments in Science', and Steve Allen's late-night talk show. Known for his rigorous teaching style, he insisted on academic honesty and intellectual rigor. The episodes remain valuable for education and entertainment.

Key facts

  • ABC uploaded full episodes of 'Why Is It So?' to YouTube.
  • Julius Sumner Miller was a physicist and television host.
  • He was born in Massachusetts to immigrants from Latvia and Lithuania.
  • He studied physics at Boston University.
  • He taught at El Camino College in Torrance, California from 1952.
  • 'Why Is It So?' launched on KNXT in Los Angeles in 1959.
  • Miller appeared on Disney's 'Mickey Mouse Club' and other shows.
  • Seven broadcasts from the 1960s-70s are available online.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
  • El Camino College
  • Boston University
  • University of Sydney
  • KNXT
  • Disney
  • Los Angeles Times

Locations

  • Massachusetts
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Torrance
  • California
  • Los Angeles
  • Australia
  • Sydney

Sources