‘Nova’ Retells the Story of Birth

Already this year there have been remakes of “Planet of the Apes,” “Thirteen Ghosts” and “Car Wash,” and coming soon are new versions of “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Rollerball” and the TV movie “Brian’s Song.”

But who ever heard of remaking a documentary?

That’s what “Nova” did with tonight’s installment, “Life’s Greatest Miracle” (8 p.m., KCET), an hourlong report on the human reproductive process, from conception to birth. It’s an update of the PBS series’ acclaimed program from 1983, “The Miracle of Life.”

Why bother? After all, the machinations of baby-making haven’t changed. But our understanding of the biology has improved, and so has the technology by which to show it. Footage of the microscopic sperm and egg morphing into a developing fetus is extraordinary. It was shot by Lennart Nilsson, who also photographed the first program.

As incredible as his visuals were in the original, however, the accompanying narration was as dry as a medical film. The new script, written by Julia Cort and read by John Lithgow, is a big improvement--not only informative but also appropriately dramatic and humorous when it needs to be.

And, like Vin Scully, they know when to stop talking, too. The last few minutes unfold without narration as we watch an actual birth.

It’s an event repeated 365,000 times a day around the world, we’re told. In that context, “miracle” may be the wrong word to describe it, especially with the reminders we’re given here from the animal world that procreation is genetically mandated.

But seen individually, especially after being party to the complex series of events that made it possible, we’ll settle for calling a human birth awesome.

Surf Report

SPECIALS

“Jennifer Lopez in Concert” (8 p.m NBC) presents the singer’s hit singles and hip-hop moves recorded in front of a sellout crowd at Roberto Clemente Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Fashion Victim: The Killing of Gianni Versace” (8:30 p.m. Cinemax) explores the colorful career and shocking murder of the fashion industry icon.

SERIES

A real-life international incident is fictionalized as a U.S. spy plane is forced to make an emergency landing in the People’s Republic of China on the military drama “JAG” (8 p.m. CBS).

Veronica Hamel (“Hill Street Blues”) begins a guest stint as a judge on the Kim Delaney legal drama “Philly” (10 p.m. ABC).

SPORTS

In hometown NBA action, the Clippers host the Lakers at Staples Center (7:30 p.m. KCAL).

MOVIES

A young boy (Gavin Fink) tries to hide a wayward reindeer from his mother in the holiday-themed “Prancer Returns” (8 p.m. USA). With John Corbett, Stacy Adams and Jack Palance.