The first season â a biopic of Albert Einstein â is currently airing on the National Geographic Channel.
But Howard, who directed the series, seems to be chasing more than just a good story.
In the eyes of Howard and Gigi Pritzker, a billionaire who produced the show, it's also about promoting science and, by extension, the future of America.
"Look at what Silicon Valley has meant to our economy and our ongoing influence around the world.
... What we don't want to do is cede that position to other countries, other nations, other cultures," Howard said.
Howard wouldn't tell Business Insider who the show plans to dramatize next, but said the shortlist isn't limited just to scientists.
The show's first episode aired on April 25, and the second debuts Tuesday on NatGeo at 9 p.m. EDT. »