The National Geographic as a Cultural Fixture (Part 3)

[George Thomas Wilson]

The National Geographic as a Cultural Fixture (Part 3)

V. Television (cont.):

*

In a season 1 episode of "Homicide: Life on the Street" which aired in 1993 there is this query:

"You read that in National Geographic or National Enquirer?"

*

In season 2, episode 6 of the adventure series "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" entitled "Princeton, February 1916" which aired March 20, 1993, Indiana Jones reads up on Hiram Brigham's discoveries in National Geographic and in 1916 mentioned as much to Edward Stratemeyer, while helping the author overcome his writer's block during the typing of the newest Tom Swift book.

This episode was rebroadcast on October 17, 1999 as part six of a two-episode "movie" series.  The "movie" was entitled "Spring Break Adventure".

*

In season 8, episode 12 of the sit-com "Married with Children" entitled "A Little Off the Top" which aired December 12, 1993 there is this bit of channel surfing:

"Tonight our special report, thong bikinis in Rio." [Click]

"Thong bikinis of Hawaii." [Click]

"Thong bikinis of the Caribbean."

"It's sweeps month."

"Gotta be something on that's dull and boring." [Click]

"Tonight on National Geographic, stalking the wily prairie dog."

"That's better."

"But first, thong bikinis of the Serengeti."

"Good one."

*

In season 4, episode 16 of "Law & Order" entitled "Big Bang" which aired March 2, 1994 there is this scene:

"If Weiss didn't know they were separated maybe we're wrong about this case from the beginning.  But then we found this in your apartment.  Last year's Hudson Polytech faculty directory."

"Facinating, Ben.  You find any old phone books?  Back issues of National Geographic?"

"It lists Prof. Manning's old address.  The one he shared with his wife before he moved.  Substitute carrier didn't know either.  I've been to the foundation.  We know what Manning did to you.  So you killed his wife by mistake."

*

In season 2, episode 2 of the sit-com "The Nanny" entitled "The Playwright" which aired September 19, 1994 there is this:

"Fran, I'm very proud of you for going through with this."

"It's never too late to be wrong."

"Why aren't you under a blanket with a flashlight reading National Geographic like a normal kid?"

"Oh, Maxwell please.  I'm begging you."

*

In season 6, episode 4 of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" entitled "Bourgie Sings the Blues" which aired October 9, 1995 there is this exchange:

"Hey, look here.  National Geographic, huh?"

"Special issue, The Ladies of the Sudan, you know what I'm saying, huh?"

*

On the sitcom "Grace Under Fire" (1993-1998) there id a recurring cameo of a set of National Geographic magazines on a bookshelf behind the sofa in the living room.  Sometimes they are standing and leaning on the left side of a lower shelf; at other times they are stacked with some books on top.  In one episode there is even a loose issue on the coffee table in front of the sofa.  the image chosen is from season 3, episode 19 entitled "Pregnant Pause" which aired February 28, 1996:

*

In Part 6 of the HBO mini-series "From the Earth to the Moon" entitled "Mare Tranquilitatis" which aired April 19, 1998 Michael Collins (played by Cary Elwes) is being interviewed when he's asked about the mission patch he designed for the Apollo 11 flight.  He says this:

"I - I cheated a bit by copying the eagle from a National Geographic."

The interviewer responds:

"Well we're not going to hold that against you."

*

In season 3, episode 5 of "Everybody Loves Raymond" entitled "The Visit" which aired October 19, 1998 there is this reaction to a phone call.

"Uh - He says It's the Great White Hunter."

"Oh!  That Warren."

"Hi, dear.  How's Zimbabwe?  Zimbabwe?  He says he's on safari."

"That's a lot of crap, safari.  That's just an excuse to see topless native broads."

"Are they really topless?"

"No, they just pop them out to get into National Geographic."

*

In season 1, episode 8 of the Sit-Com "The King of Queens" entitled "Educating Doug" which aired November 2, 1998 there is a map on the wall of a rec room.  It is the April 1939 National Geographic supplement map, "The Reaches of New York City".

*

On season 1, episode 21 of the Sit-Com "That 70's Show" entitled "Water Tower" which aired June 14, 1999 Their is this exchange between Erik and his sister:

Laurie: "What is with you?  You've been extra loser-y lately."

Erik: "I saw mom and dad having sex."

(Laurie is shocked and tries to comfort him, hugs him. Song: "Psycho".)

Laurie: "Oh. oh, you poor think!  It's alright, it's okay!  Baby's fine!"

Erik "Oh, Laurie!  It was horrible and I can't get the image out of my mind!  I mean it was mom and dad, but they were... they were like a pair of wildebeasts on a National Geographic special.

(Cut to a fake National Geographic special.  You can see a plant shaking in the Foreman's living room as the announcer talks.)

Another "That 70's Show" reference is in season 3, episode 14 entitled "Radio Daze" which aired February 6, 2001 there is this dialog:

"This is your garage, man.  Then I see what you mean.  It's a mess."

"National Geographic is a beautiful magazine.  There is volcanoes, and a gazelle, and naked..."

"Leo, man, there's a car here."

Still another "That 70's Show" reference is in season 5, episode 25 entitled "Celebration Day (a.k.a. Graduation)" which aired May 14, 2003.  It's high school graduation day and Fez is being deported.

"Come on Fez.  It's not like we're never going to see you again."

"I'm sure in a couple months you'll be , like on the cover of National Geographic."

"Yeah, those bastards are always so intrusive."

*

There is another reference to National Geographic in season 6, episode 16 of "The Simpsons" entitled "Bart vs. Australia" which aired February 19, 1995.

While making collect calls to the Southern Hemisphere to confirm the Coriolis effect on toilets, Bart's dialing sound like the theme to the National Geographic specials.

*

In season 1, episode 9 of the cartoon "Pinky and the Brain" entitled "Snowball" which aired January 20, 1996 there is this line:

"And it's listed in any back issue of National Geographic."

*

In season 3, episode 22 of the sci-fi series "The X-Files" entitled "Quagmire" which aired May 3, 1996 there is this interrogation:

"According to the sheriff's report, you were the last person to see Dr. Bailey alive."

"That's what they tell me."

"I understand you argued over an endangered species petition."

"Bailey was the worst kind of hypocrite.  The closest he came to communing with nature was subscribing to National Geographic."

"You sound bitter, Dr. Faraday."

"Off course I'm bitter."

*

On season 3, episode 3 of "JAG" entitled "The Good of the Service" which aired October 7, 1997 there is this:

"Why are you here?"

"We're on a photographic tour of your country."

"Yeah, kind of a National Geographic thing."

"Rebel outlaws are in the area.  We can't guarantee your safety."

"We understand.  Thank you Lieutenant."

In season 8, episode 21 of "JAG" entitled "Meltdown" which aired April 29, 2003 this order is given and followed:

"Run a list of all research vessels leased in the last year.  Ninety tons are more."

"Woods Hole, National Geographic.  Institute of Advanced Oceanography leased the Deep Blue Explorer, Panama registry."

*

In season 2, episode 7 of the prison series "Oz" entitled "Animal Farm" which aired August 24, 1998 there is this scene:

"Somebody's got Adebisi under a spell."

"Too bad it's not us."

"Those National Geographic specials, they're popular here at Oz.  All those wild beasts attacking each other, ferocious lions running down to the watering hole, brutalizing antelopes and gazelles."

"How come there's never a program where the animals get along, where they help each other?"

*

In the open scene of season 5 episode 7 of the sit-com "Friends" entitle "The One Where Ross Moves In" which aired November 12, 1998 Chandler (played by Matthew Perry) and Joey (played by Matt LeBlanc) are at the coffee house, Central Perk.  Joey is looking at a National Geographic and giggling:

Chandler: "Are you looking at naked tribe's women?"

Joey: "No, look." (Shows the magazine.)

Chandler: "That's a pig."

Joey: I Know, but look at the knobs on her."

(Ross (played by David Schwimmer) enters and his hair's a mess.)

Chandler: 'Hey!"

(Joey quickly hides the magazine under the couch.)

*

Near the beginning of the Pilot for the HBO mobster series "The Sopranos" which aired January 10, 1999 Tony is at the park with the children.  He says this about some ducklings:

"Hey, kids, come here!  They're trying to fly!  Come here.  The babies... they're trying to fly."

"National Geographic, dad."

"Super."

Another Sopranos reference is in season 3 episode 7 entitled "Second Opinion" which aired April 8, 2001.  In it there's this:

"You took these yourself?"

"That's a Samoan village I lived in for a month."

"You could send these into National Geographic."

*

In season 3, episode 20 of the series "The Pretender" entitled "Qalluplluit" which aired May 22, 1999 there this part of a conversation in an airplane:

"Wow!  Sydney, look at those clouds.  It's an arctic front."

"I've never seen anything like that before.  Miss Parker, take a look."

"I'll catch it in National Geographic.  How much longer?"

In season 4, episode 4 of the series "The Pretender" entitled "Risque Business" which aired November 6, 1999 there is this scene:

"I told Jarod he was welcome in the crew quarters but he said he wanted to be here, near the animals."

"Careful where you walk.  He let's some of them run free."

"Let's see if he's left anything else beside the stench."

"Oh, look at these.  Wild Kingdom, National Geographic."

"Hey, here's that crocodile guy."

*

"In season 4, episode 9 of "The Practice" entitled "Bay of Pigs" which aired November 28, 1999 there are these lines:

"Objection.  The witness works at the National Geographic.  She has no..."

"The National Geographic has done two studies to determine the geographic literacy of young Americans."

*

On Season 4, Episode 13 of the TV series "Ally McBeal" entitled "Reach Out and Touch" there is the following courtroom exchange.  A minister is testifying about having a woman expose her breasts to him.

"...just tell us after Mrs. Hooper unveiled her breast to you."

"I licked it."

"Why did you do that?"

"As I said, I have urges, Like any man.  But unlike any man, I never had access.  Truthfully, the only breasts I'd ever seen were in National Geographic.  And they were the saggy variety."

"But this one was alive."

"And right before my eyes."

"Okay, you're planning a wedding, the bride's breast falls in front of you.  And you lick it?  What type of minister are you?"

"I'm not comfortable."

"You keep saying you're not comfortable.  I have a lawyer who can't find comfort.  A nipple-licking minister talking about saggy breasts in National Geographic, your Honor, this is wack."

*

In season 1, episode 6 of the HBO series "Six Feet Under" entitled "Life's Too Short" which aired July 29, 2001 Nate (played by Peter Krause) and Billy (played by Jeremy Sisto) are having a discussion:

Billy: "A man should know the history of his chosen profession if he expects to be anything more than an amateur."

Nate: "So I'm an amateur?"

Billy: "I'd prefer the term 'dilettante'".

Nate: "And what are you, Billy?  Running around with your camera, taking pictures of other peoples lives.  You really think knowing a bunch of arcane National Geographic shit is gonna help me cope with a 6-year old who shot himself in the head?!"

*

In season 2, episode 16 of "West Wing" entitled "Somebody's Going to Emergency, Somebody's Going to Jail" which aired February 28, 2001, Leo McGarry is played by John Spencer; Sam Seaborn is played by Rob Lowe. Leo Joins Sam in the hall, and they walk.

Sam: "Yeah?"

Leo: "When did you find out?"

Sam: "Tuesday."

Leo: "You slept here the last three nights?"

Sam: "No."

Leo: "Seriously, man, go home."

Sam: "No, I'm going to check the final OPA list.  In fact, I'll be checking twice... see who's been naughty, see who's been nice."

Leo: "Sam."

Sam: "Life goes on, Leo.  Certainly the Federal Government does, so...  Thanks, but let's drop it, okay?"

Leo: "Yeah."

Sam: "They're expecting trouble at the National Geographic Society?"

Leo: "I have no explanation."

Sam: "Well, those little postcards they stick in the subscription magazines drive me out of my mind, so maybe..."

Leo: "Yeah."

Sam: "I'll see you later."

*

In season 5, episode 11 of the sci-fi "Stargate SG1" entitled "Desperate Measures" which aired September 7, 2001 there is this exchange: 

"A friend of mine disappeared from around here on Saturday morning.  A woman, about five nineish, blonde."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Why not?"

"I'm just a crazy old guy with a shopping cart full of cans."

"I'm just a cynical air force guy with a closet full of National Geographic."

"Can I have them?"

*

In season 1, episode 1 of the Canadian series "An American in Canada" which aired January 18, 2002 there is this line:

"What page of National Geographic did he pop off of?"

*

Near the beginning of season 5, episode 18 of the series "Dawson's Creek" entitled "Cigarette Burns" which aired April 10, 2002 there is this exchange:

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Well would it be a problem if I were to, say, ask her out?  Where on earth did you learn how to do that?  National Geographic."

*

There is a cameo in season 1, episode 8 of the CBS crime drama "Without a Trace" entitled "Big Little Man" which aired November 14, 2002.  While the team searches for an inner-city youth, there is a "yellow" shelf on a bookcase in a hallway at his foster home.

*

On season 1, episode 23 of the sit-com "8 Simple Rules" entitled "Career Woman" which aired March 28, 2003 there is this dialog:

"Hi, honey, did I interrupt the monkey talk?"

"How does Mom know?"

"Honey, I clean your room.  I found your National Geographics."

*

In season 2, episode 27 of the sit-com "According to Jim" entitled "Vegas Baby: Part 1" which aired May 20, 2003 there is this:

"Oh, hey, Jimmy, I'll be with you in a second.  Why don't you just grab a National Geographic?  The one on the bottom native girls in it."

"You know what?  I don't even care about naked women right now.  That ought to tell you how mad I am."

*

In season 2, episode 13 of the series "Dead Zone" entitled "The Storm" which aired June 6, 2003 there is this scene:

"For me, on that day, there was no doubt in my mind.  It was a gift from God.  It was a gift from God.  They're ice cold.  Some of them are frozen.  Absolutely the most startling thing I've ever seen."

"No miracle here, Reverend.  I read about raining fish in National Geographic.  Apparently all you need is a waterspout in a thunderstorm, it sucks the fish up into the clouds then dumps them miles away."

*

At the beginning of season 1, episode 6 of "The Chappelle Show" which aired in 2003 there are these lines:

"It's National Geographic's 'Third-World Girls Gone Wild'."

"... without National Geographic's 'Third-World Girls Gone Wild'."

*

In episode 3 of the 2003 miniseries "Angels in America" entitled "Millennium Approaches: The Messenger" which aired December 7, 2003 there is this scene:

"Respect the delicate ecology of your delusions."

"You mean like no Eskimo in Antarctica?"

"Correcto.  Ice and snow, no Eskimo.  Even hallucinations have laws."

"Then who's that."

"An Eskimo.  An Antarctic Eskimo.  Fisher of the polar deep."

"I'm gonna like this place.  It's my own National Geographic special."

*

In season 9, episode 1 of "Agatha Christie's Poirot" entitled "Five Little Pigs" which aired December 14, 2003 there is this:

"The Chagar Bazar digging was simply extraordinary."

"Did my account of it in the National Geographic?"

"Sadly no.  I have not yet..."

"Fairly definitively, if I say so myself"

*

In season 1, epidode 9 of the series "Wonderfalls" entitled "Safety Canary" which aired November 17, 2004 there is this scene:

[Sobbing] "Lauren and Humphrey are smart birds.  Maybe they'll come back."

"They're Hyacinth Macaws, not homing pigeons."

"Hyacinth Macaws?  There was a huge spread on them in the December National Geographic.  They're endangered."

"Uh, yeah."

*

In the season 1, episode 12 of "Boston Legal" entitled "From Whence We Came" which aired January 16, 2005 there is this horrible pickup line:

"What about senior partner?  There would be nothing wrong with me lusting, say, after you, would there?"

"Go subscribe to National Geographic."

"Make a list of all the places you'll never visit.  Add to that list, Schmidt."

In season 4, episode 9 of "Boston Legal" entitled "No Brains Left Behind" which aired December 11, 2007 there is this courtroom scene about an actual National Geographic study:

"A fifth of Americans can't find the United States on a map?  Is that true?"

"Objection.  The witness works at the National Geographic.  She has no..."

"The National Geographic has done two studies to determine the geographic literacy of young Americans.  Isn't that right?"

"Yes."

"Could you give us the results, please?

"I sobbed, big heaving sobs, where your shoulders go up and down."

"Uh, the results of the test not your reaction to it."

"Half couldn't locate New York State on a U.S. map."

"Even after Katrina, one-third couldn't show you Louisiana."

"The Pacific Ocean?  Goose egg from 29%.  The Pacific Ocean, for God sake."

"And where's Japan?  England?  Head-scratcher for 69%."

"Did you survey the geographic literacy of young adults in other countries?"

"Second to last.  We beat Mexico."

*

In the season 2, episode 16 of "The O.C." entitled "The Blaze of Glory" which aired March 17, 2005 there is this:

"Carter Buckley.  Now what's he done before?"

"Oh, a bunch of stuff.  A magazine called Ugly American, National Geographic, GQ, and he self-published a magazine called Revolution."

*

In the season 2, episode 20 of "NCIS" entitled "Red Cell" which aired April 3, 2005 has this scene:

"Come on, let's get dressed.  You don't want to keep Gibbs waiting."

"You said 0900.  It's only 7:30!"

"We thought we'd observe you in your natural environment.  Kind of like watching National Geographic.  We watch as McGee moves slowly from the watering hole trailed by hyenas."

In season 5, episode 7 of "NCIS" entitled "Requem" which aired November 6, 2007 there is this exchange:

"You suggest I don't read?"

"I think she's suggesting you only look at pictures, Tony."

"A picture paints a thousand words McGee, and, in your case, most are the names of female body parts."

"I'll have you know that since 1981, I've been a loyal subscriber to National Geographic Magazine."

"That's some serious picture-gazing right there."

*

In season 5, episode 20 of the series "Gilmore Girls" entitled "How Many Kropogs to Cape Cod" which aired May 3, 2005 there is this scene:

"Well goodbye Grandma and Grandpa.  Thanks again."

"Goodnight you two.  Drive safe!"

"More coffee, Lorelai?"

"No.  Thank you.  What?"

"Um, nothing.  Just on those National Geographic shows, people are so sweaty after mating rituals.  But you two are powder dry."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

*

In season 2, episode 6 of "New Tricks" entitled "Eyes Down for a Full House" which aired June 13, 2005 there is this dialog:

"Digging up a dead dog."

"There's a legitimate reason for that search, sir."

"What, he was the brains behind Brinks, Mat? - You don't know it's Bomber Boyo."

"No but we can find out."

"How?  Get his next of kin to identify him?"

"All racing dogs are registered with the NGRC."

"The National Geographic Research Commission?

"No, with the National Greyhound Racing Club, they got a serial number tattooed behind their ears."

*

I found four references to National Geographic in the cartoon series "Family Guy".

In season 4, episode 6 entitled "Petarded" which aired June 19, 2005 the Griffins are playing Trivial Pursuit with the neighbors and Lois is asking him pre-school questions.  Peter is asked to name the color of a fire truck.  After much deliberation, he answers correctly.  "Good thing I just watched that National Geographic special on fire trucks." he says.

In season 7, episode 5 entitled "The Man with Two Brains" which aired November 9, 2008 there is this diary entry:

"Dear Diary.  Today at school I saw a picture in National Geographic of a woman with nipples that cover most of her breasts, too.  And suddenly I didn't feel so alone."

"You know what it sounds like to me?  Sounds like the woman on that picture was pretty beautiful."

Toward the end of season 10, episode 2 entitled "Seahorse Seashell Party" which aired October 2, 2011 a cutaway gag involving a confrontation between an African American woman and an Italian American man parodies the National Geographic documentaries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKmSEFhrJ-8

In season 11, episode 17 entitled "BigFat" which aired April 14, 2013  there is this phone call:

"Hi, I don't know who to complain to about this, but I'm still getting XXVIII's mail."

"No, he's not here any more, This is XXIV."

"Yeah, no, I don't need Newsweek."

"No I don't need National Geographic."

"Oh yeah, no, yeah, we'll hang on to Boys Life."

*

In season 1, episode 1 of "Afterlife" entitled "More Than Meets the Eye" which aired August 16, 2005 there is this scene:

"You guys head off.  Are you okay, Babe?"

"Just leave me alone, will you?"

"I'm sure it's on the top shelf with the National Geographic."

"Robert, for God's sake."

*

In season 4, episode 6 of the series "Everwood" entitled "Free Fall" which aired November 3, 2005 there is this:

"I booked again for the two of us, Harold.  I know the territory of Masai."

"What?"

"Yes, it was always my dream since little when I read my first National Geographic.  I was deeply impressed."

*

In season 1, episode 5 of the series "Bones" entitled "A Boy in a Bush" which aired November 8, 2005 there is this mention:

"Margaret responded to an anthropological imperative.  She saw an orphan and reacted."

"This is not a National Geographic study, OK?  This is the suburbs.

Another "Bones" reference is at the beginning of season 3, episode 9 entitled "The Santa in the Slush" which aired November 27, 2007.  In it there is this dialog:

"I'm going on a trip."

"To New York?"

"Peru.  National Geographic found a step pyramid at an ancient ceremonial site known as El Brujo.  Part of a very mysterious culture called the Moche."

A third reference in "Bones" is in season 7, episode 5 entitled "The Twist in the Twister" which aired December 8, 2011.

"The victim designed these recording probes.  He'd set them out in the path of a tornado.  And then gather them up after to download the data."

"It's genius."

"Dude, this thing is aerodynamically designed not to get blown away."

"Technology someone might want to steal."

"This guy deserves his own Nat Geo special."

And a fourth reference from "Bones" is in season 8, episode 20 entitled "The Blood from the Stones" which aired March 25, 2013.

"And peregrine falcons are quite rare, so that must be a clue."

"Solving the case is our business, Mr. Jursic."

"Uh, no, he's-he's actually, uh, correct.  They're not on the endangered species list anymore, but they are still being tracked.  I did a little film for Nat Geo called 'Birds, Our Flighty Friends'.  The only local pair of peregrine falcons are nesting here underneath the Benjamin Banneker, um, M-Memorial Bridge in Washington D.C."

*

In Season 3, Episode 15 of the sitcom "Two and a Half Men" entitled "My Tongue Is Meat" which aired on CBS on February 24, 2006 there is a cameo by the Nov/Dec 2005 National Geographic Traveler.

*

In season 1 episode 2 of the comedy "Ugly Betty" entitled "The Box and the Bunny" which aired October 5, 2006 there is this comeback:

"Would you buy a magazine if I was on the cover?"

"Yeah, National Geographic."

*

On season 2, episode 6 of "Ghost Whisperer" entitled "The Woman of His Dreams" which aired October 27, 2006 there is this search:

"So you'll have to go to the newsstand, get some magazines, and look for her picture."

"I'll talk to you later."

"Come back soon."

"Bye."

"There you are."

"Do you have Smithsonian?"

"Uh, yeah, it's over there behind National Geographic."

*

In season 1, episode 7 of "Torchwood" entitled "Greeks Bearing Gifts" which aired November 26, 2006 there are these bits of conversations from a crowded shopping street:

"Could bandage my hand, say I shut it in the car door, That'll explain why the signatures don't match."

"Give me an hour before Lisa gets back to dress up.  I've got to be careful.  She's started to notice her tights are getting baggy at the crotch."

"All bug eyed and giggly, and I sat there with my boobs like something out of the National Geographic."

"Six cigarettes today, and all of them post-coital glorious."

"No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die."

"Some people should actually be prohibited from wearing a thong."

*

In season 1, episode 12 of the comedy "Men in Trees" entitled "The Darkest Day" which aired January 11, 2007 there is this banter:

"You're a photographer?"

"Absolutely.  Want to see my work?  Anyone got their passport on 'em?"

" You should talk to Lynn."

"Lynn?  Jack's Lynn?

"Yeah"

"Sure that'd be fine if you you were a panda.  She's a nature photographer, but she's really good.  Pictures in National Geographic."

*

In season 6, episode 12 of the sitcom "Reba" entitled "The Housewarming" which first aired July 22, 2007 Reba's ex-husband describes his sex life with his new wife as being "like a National Geographic Special".

*

In season 3, episode 2 of "Agatha Christie's Marple" entitled "Ordeal by Innocence" which aired August 19, 2007 there is this excerpt:

"We have the arctic fox.  National Geographic..."

*

In season 1, episode 1 of the series "jPod" entitled "I Love Turtles" which aired January 2008 has this back and forth:

"Great!  You want me to say anything more?"

"Well the carpet is a good idea but why did you make him throw in - a stack of National Geographic?"

"Thrill of the hunt."

"Yeah, but you just finally dumped ours last year - and I've been just sick about it ever since."

*

In the season 4 episode 10 of the cartoon series "American Dad" entitled "Widowmaker" which aired February 17, 2008 Julie's CIA husband Craig goes missing.  Craig, in fact, has relocated to Laos to get away from Julie's constant nagging, having fallen for a cucumber farmer named Piung, who doesn't speak English.  Stan only befriends Julie to distract her while Craig retrieved his National Geographic collection, on which Piung is featured as a child on one of the covers.

*

Near the end of Season 1, episode 6 of "Lipstick Jungle" entitled "Chapter Six: Take the High Road" which aired March 13, 2008 there is this confusing dialog:

"Well then, have a wonderful day."

"Always a pleasure."

"The Chinese Crested Tern?"

"National Geographic."

*

In season 7, episode 20 of "Smallville" entitled "Arctic" which aired May 15, 2008 there is this exchange:

"Hey Boss.  If this is about my article proposal, I got a great idea, Two-page spread, color glossies from the Kawatche caves.  It'll make National Geographic look like a 10-cent travel brochure."

"We'll talk about your proposal later"

"Oh, okay."

*

In season 5, episode 8 of "Two and a Half Men" entitled "If my hole could talk" which aired May 19, 2008 there is a National Geographic cameo.  There is a Nat Geo publication on a table in a psychiatrist's office.

*

In season 1, episode 7 of "Swingtown" entitled "Heatwave" which aired July 17, 2008 there is this:

"That's a vintage SLR you got there?  You a shutterbug?"

"Amateur.  My Mom used to freelance for National Geographic while I was growing up."

"I never knew that."

"Yeah, yeah, she was a trailblazer.  She used to take me everywhere.  Iceland.  The Congo."

*

Near the end of season 7 episode 19 of the crime drama "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" entitled "Legacy" which aired August 3, 2008 there is this dialog:

"Five years, the yearbook was gonna look like the cover of National Geographic."

"Joe orchestrated the things better than your father's friend could ever have done."

"He should be thanking Joe."

*

In season 3, episode 8 of the series "Dexter" entitled "The Damage a Man Can Do" which aired November 16, 2008 there is this:

"Oh!  No way!  That's not a foul, man!  That's definitely wrong what that guy did."

"You're not a sports fan, are you?"

"Not really.  I'm more of a National Geographic kinda guy.  Sharks, bears, the occasional penguin."

*

In season 5, episode 10 of the series "House, M.D." entitled "Let Them Eat Cake" which aired December 2, 2008 there is this scene:

"That's got to be illegal."

"Only in 9 states and this isn't one of them.  Legal notice spells out it doesn't replace doctor's visits, so there's no opportunity for malpractice."

"How come you haven't said anything?"

"It's no big secret.  I'm not very chatty."

"You told us when you renewed your subscription to National Geographic."

*

The very first line in season 1, episode 3 of the series "Lie to Me" entitled "A Perfect Score" which aired February 4, 2009 is this:

"Looks like National Geographic exploded on your desk."

" What expression do you see?  Quick.  Quick.  Quick.  Quick."

"Uh, uh, disgust."

"Yep."

*

In season 3, episode 10 of the polygamy series "Big Love" entitled "Sacrament" which aired March 22, 2009 there is this plot:

"Is it wrong to wish our parents dead?"

"Not ours."

"We should just kill them then."

"That's exactly what we should do, do the world a favor."

"We'd be saving their souls really, giving them a chance at salvation.  You and me."

"Perfect.  How?"

"A pit of snakes."

"I love it.  Mama hates snakes.  She can't even watch National Geographic without hiding her eyes."

"Or maybe a bomb."

*

In season 3, episode 8 of "Burn Notice" entitled "Friends Like These" which aired July 30, 2009 there is scene:

"Did you shoot these with a tripod?  I mean, look at that photo.  I should put you up for a job with National Geographic."

"Who drove away with the military equipment?"

"Gee, I don't know."

"I hope one day they're brought to justice."

"These photos, who are they for?"

"You gonna get hung up on the details now, Weston?"

*

In season 2, episode 5 of the series "Leverage" entitled "The Three Days of the Hunter Job" which aired August 12, 2009 there is this rant:

"All this construction is goin' on underground.  Under, beneath the eyes.  They don't want you to see.  Congress doesn't know, governors don't know, Red Cress, ACLU, National Geographic.  Nobody knows, man.

*

On the third episode of the Ken Burns' documentary "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" entitled "The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919)" which aired September 29, 2009 there is a cameo of the April 1916 National Geographic.  This item was found by Scott Shier.

*

In season 13, episode 9 of "America's Next Top Model" entitled "Let's Go Surfing" which aired October 29, 2009 there are these three quotes:

"It's - it's almost sort of National Geographic.",

"But still give this beautiful National Geographic.", and

"It would've been like National Geographic meets Italian Vogue.".

*

In Season 7, Episode 9 of the CBS procedural "NCIS" entitled "Child's Play" which first aired November 24, 2009 there is a framed National Geographic wall map of the World in one of the scenes:

*

This is a description of a scene from the December 18, 2009 episode of WWE Smackdown:

Eric Escobar's music hits and he makes his way to the ring to the sound of crickets.  The fake crowd noises are pathetic.  Escobar speaks some Spanish ans says he knows Vickie is angry with the names he's been calling her lately.  He asks if she can blame him for calling National Geographic after seeing her in a negligee.  Escobar says he doesn't understand her problem but there's no punishment she can give that would beat being in a relationship with her.

*

In season 7, episode 2 of the BBC game show "QI" entitled "G-Animals" which aired in 2010 there is this line:

"Oh, poor little Blue...  It's like being on National Geographic."

*

During season 1 of the South Korean series "Sikeurit Gadeun" ("Secret Garden") which aired in 2010 there are two references.

In episode 2 there is this line:

"Think National Geographic, with flies everywhere."

And in episode 3 there is this one:

"The National Geographic-worthy one."

*

In season 2, episode 23 of the CBS procedural "The Mentalist", entitled "Red Sky in the Morning", which aired May, 20, 2010, there is a National Geographic map of the British Isles (June 1937, reissued April 1949) on the wall of at bar:

*

In season 1, episode 5 of the sit-com "Are We There Yet?" entitled "The Rat in the House Episode" which aired June 16, 2010 there is this:

"Look, that's what I'm telling you: this thing is smart, man."

"Look, O set traps out last night, and this morning, they were all tripped.  That tells me it was more than one."

"Look, I saw this on Nat Geo.  Did you know that rats can meet, court, and mate in 3 1/2 seconds?"

"That's almost as fast as the Kardashians."

*

In season 2, episode 1 of the series "Eastbound and Down"  entitled "Chapter 7" which aired September 23, 2010 there is this dinner invitation in Mexico:

"Listen, you still have not taken us up on our offer for dinner, my friend.  My wife is a wonderful cook.  We would love to host you."

"Yeah, looks like she's cooking seared titty right now.  Man, I feel like this is some goddamn National Geographic Shit."

*

In season 3, episode 8 of the series "90210" entitled "Mother Dearest" which aired November 8, 2010 there is this rant:

"Oh, and breastfeeding oh!  Oh, my God, how barbaric is breastfeeding?  Save it for National Geographic, right?

"I was gonna say that breastfeeding can be exhausting, but it's also an incredibly beautiful thing that a mother can do for her child."

"Quite, Jacques."

Later in that same episode there's this:

"Oh, my God!  But what if I hurt him, Ryan?"

"He's fine."

"I'm a terrible mother!"

"You're not a terrible mother."

"Babies should wear leather, Ryan, and I said breastfeeding was from National Geographic!  No wonder he likes the other mother more than me."

In another "90210" episode, this one season 4, episode 4 entitled "Let the Games Begin" which aired October 4, 2011 there is this compliment:

"Well, more like your an awesome photographer.  Dude, these are amazing."

"Okay, don't look so hot there.  That was an assignment - Kenya."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I freelance for National Geographic."

"Cool."

*

In season 3, episode 14 of the series "Fringe" entitled "6B" which aired February 18, 2011 there is this:

"Looks like you two were together for a long time."

"Almost 45 years."

"These photographs are beautiful.  Was he a photographer?"

"He liked to pretend he was."

"Oh."

When we'd travel, he'd tell people we worked for National Geographic.  Oh, oh, I know that sounds horrible."

"No."

"But that little fib got us into a few restricted but spectacular places.  We never had children so that was our thing."

*

This is an indirect reference.  Alec Baldwin's "30 Rock" character Jack Donaghy had an ongoing obsession with National Geographic explorer-in-residence Bob Bellard who discovered the Titanic.

In season 5 episode 16 entitled "TGS Hates Women" which aired February 24, 2011 Jack is having a discussion with the CEO's daughter Kaylee (played by Chloe Grace Moretz):

Jack: "So you're interested in marine biology.  Hmm who do I know?  You've probably never heard of explorer Bob Bellard."

Kaylee: [squeals] "You know Dr. Bellard?  He discovered the Titanic, the Lusitania, and according to his website a guilt-free cheesecake recipe."

Jack: "I'm also on the board of the American Museum of Natural History.  If you like I could get Dr. Bellard to give us a private tour of the museum."

*

In season 3, episode 5 of "White Collar" entitled "Veiled Threats" which aired July 5, 2011 there is this:

"What is he doing here?"

"I love National Geographic.  "The Mating Habits of Midlevel Government Employees" - Totally captivating."

"Well, I'm off duty."

*

There is another map cameo in season 5, episode 11 of "The Big Bang Theory" entitled "The Speckerman Recurrence" which aired December 8, 2011.  Leonard confronts a man who bullied him in high school.  The scene takes place in a bar.  On the wall behind them is the map supplement from the April 1949 National Geographic of the British Isles.

There is another National Geographic cameo on a "Big Bang" episode, this one is on season 11, episode 17 entitled "The Athenaeum Allocation" which aired on March 8, 2018.  Toward the end of the episode the August 2017 "Space" issue appears among other magazines on the coffee table of Sheldon and Amy's apartment.

A third cameo on "The Big Bang Theory" occurred on April 26, 2018 (season 11, episode 22 - "The Monetary Insufficiency").  A partly covered National Geographic appears on Leonard and Penny's coffee table.

*

In season 1, episode 7 of the series "I Just Want My Pants Back" entitled "Piece of Cake" which aired March 1, 2012 there is this bit of party planning:

"We gotta wake up early to prepare for our big bash.  This is the first party we've ever thrown together as a couple."

"All our grad school friends are gonna be there, so doctor dorks and law dweebs this party's gonna be like a National Geographic special on the mating rituals of the socially challenged."

"You're funny."

*

In season 3 episode 15 of the cartoon series "Cleveland Show" entitled "The Men in Me" with aired March 25, 2012 Cleveland Brown claims that Tracy Morgan is African, rather than an African-American because he fits the stereotype of droopy National Geographic boobies, pot belly and surrounded by flies which Donna dismisses as Just being filthy.

*

In season 8, episode 22 of "Grey's Anatomy" entitled "Let the Bad Times Roll" which aired May 3, 2012 there is this positive remark:

"You know, Nick did a big spread in National Geographic once on a school for orphan girls in Calcutta, and he - he sent them a bunch of cameras.  I think it was polaroids so they wouldn't have to pay for the film to get processed.  But anyway, a couple of those girls actually became photographers.  Like professional.

*

In season 1, episode 4 of "NYC 22" entitled "Ransom" which aired August 4, 2012 there is this:

"Guys like Pappy Science, they're like those National Geographic forest lizards that can turn the color of tree bark."

"Well if you were a lizard and this was a forest, which tree would you pick?  Maybe it's not a tree we're looking for."

*

In season 1, episode 5 of the series "Perception" entitled "The Messenger" which aired August 6, 2012 there is this:

"She showed up, pretending to be a lost little lamb, hooked up with the older brother so she could be on the inside."

"What about the school in Afghanistan?  Whhere did that come from?

"She scanned some pictures from National Geographic, put together a website, and emailed Tom, asking for his help."

"Seemed like we pulled it off."

"Until Jared Baker started asking questions about the school in Afghanistan."

*

In season 1, episode 4 of "Animal Practice" entitled "Dr. Yamamazing" which aired October 10, 2012 there is this introduction and comeback:

"Jill was just published in National Geographic for her work with rhinos in Tanzania."

"They're doing a lot of puff pieces these days."

*

In season 1, episode 10 of the series "The Inbetweeners" entitled "Reading Gives You Wings" which aired October 22, 2012 there is this school scene:

"Whoo!  The library had been under renovation, but as this was a public school without even enough money to buy its marching band instruments, everyone assumed 'renovation' meant closed forever."

"This is so exciting!  I wonder if they expanded the National Geographic collection.  Native titties! Oh, I miss having a library."

*

In season 2 epidode 1 of the comedy "Whitney" entitled " Bawl and Chain" which aired November 14, 2012 there is this kernel of wisdom:

"Usually, when this happens, there's something primal going on , like you needed to protect her and procreate.  I mean this is National Geographic 101."

"Yeah, Whitney is so independent."

"Maybe I just got turned on 'cause she was being vulnerable, you know?

"You sicko."

*

In season 6, episode 8 of "Private Practice" entitled "Life Support" which aired December 4, 2012 there is this remembering:

"Our first date, Ally and I went to this hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Mexico while we were working down there.  I was writing for National Geographic.  She was taking the pictures."

*

The network Funny Or Die has a parody National Geographic documentary up on their website.  It is entitle "Furry Documentary (Taboo National Geographic Parody)" and dated January 10, 2013.  Here is the link to it:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/37154fd281/furry-documentary-taboo...

*

In season 6, episode 9 of "Californication" entitled "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" which aired March 17, 2013 there is this proclamation:

"I have big news.  Tonight I'm gonna make love to a woman."

"Oh, well, maybe we should alert the media.  Entertainment Tonight or maybe National Geographic."

"Well, I've been celibate for quite some time now."

*

In season 1, episode 2 of the miniseries "Top of the Lake" entitled "Searchers Search" which aired March 18, 2013 there is this exchange:

"What about primitive societies where they get married early and just wander off lying in the bush to give birth?  What about that?"

"What?  Well, I just think you're exaggerating.  In any case though, more than likely she's already kicked."

"Could I speak to you in the hall?  Now."

"Now?  What this?  About women giving birth in the bush?  Oh I saw that on a National Geographic documentary."

"Where did your wife give birth?  In a hospital, right?  What I'm saying is that in Africa we're talking about a 12-year old whose pelvis may not be developed enough to deliver a full-term baby."

*

In season 4, episode 7 of the comedy "Community" entitled "The Economics of Marine Biology" which aired March 21, 2013 there is this about a barber shop:

"I've been getting a daily shave here for decades.  And apparently, reading the same eight magazines the entire time."

"Yeah, National Geographic's got some tribal boob shots that are exquisite.  There's something about a breast that's never been touched by white hands."

*

In season 1, episode 19 of the show "The Mindy Project" entitled "My Cool Christian Boyfriend" which aired April 2, 2013 there is this:

"Christians only do charity work to impress God."

"He's a guy."

"National Geographic says that God could be a woman."

"I'm trying real hard to be benevolent right now."

*

Another reference to National Geographic on a television is in the show "Mike & Molly".

In season 3, episode 23 entitled "Windy City" which aired May 30, 2013 there is this scene:

[Doorbell rings] "What kind of mouthbreathing moron is traipsing around in this weather?  Probably that hoarder neighbor wanting to squat in my basement.  Shoulda thought about this when you started saving all those National Geographics and jars of urine."

"Open the door, Margaret."

"Paddy?  What are you doing here?  We're done."

"Shut your yap, woman.  We're done when I say we're done."

A recurring role on the show, Kay McKinnon (guest star Kathy Bates) is a photojournalist for the magazine.  She first appears in season 4, episode 15 which aired March 17, 2014, "Three Girls and an Urn".  In it she is introduced to Molly by her mother-in-law, Peggy: "Kay is a photographer for National Geographic".

She next appears in season 5, episode 18 "No Kay Morale" which aired April 20, 2015, where she suffers a loss of faith in humanity when an Afghani schoolgirl she had photographed is murdered by the Taliban.

"I told Nat Geo I've photographed my last lost tribe.  Let somebody else squat in a cave and scrub their keister with hot sand".

Her faith in mankind is restore when she helps deliver a baby in the back seat of a taxi stuck in a traffic jam.

*

In season 2, episode 4 of "The Newsroom" entitled "Unintended Consequences" which aired on August 4, 2013 there is this exchange:

"We were picked up by a fixer named Ronald."

"He work for ANC?  We don't have a bureau in Africa."

"He's freelance.  He works for National Geographic Channel, The Amazing Race, that kind of thing."

*

In season 3, episode 4 of the Canadian series "Little Mosque on the Prairie" entitled "The Ties That Bind" which aired August 26, 2013 there is this scene:

"Layla, what is this?  Are you dating cyber boys?"

"Oh, Dad."

"Boys like BBR221, interests include long walks to the mosque, clipping coupons, and organizing his National Geographics?  He sounds like a total buffoon."

"Dad, it's you.  I signed you up."

*

In season 4, episode 3 of "Top Gear USA" entitled "Off Road Racing" which aired September 17, 2013 there is this plan:

"Basically, I want to create a real-life situation of being chased, something to kind of get you motivated, focused."

"Motivated."

"You guys watch National Geographic?"

"I mean I read it.  Yeah."

"I be the coyote, and you guys be the rabbit."

*

In season 14, episode 3 of "CSI" entitled "Torch Song" which aired October 9, 2013 we have this brief exchange:

"Sorry to keep you waiting.  And without a stack of old National Geographics, like a proper doctor."

"David's still prepping the last victim, but here's what we have so far."

*

In the 2014 HBO SciFi/Drama series “The Leftovers”, a show about the aftermath of a Rapture-like event, there are numerous references to the May 1972 issue of the National Geographic Magazine. Scott Glenn’s Kevin Garvey, Sr. escapes from an asylum and destroys a library just to get a copy that he then insists that his son read.

To mention just a few, the title of episode seven where the library incident take place is entitled “Solace for tired feet” the same as the title of the Yellowstone photo on page 592. The eighth episode is entitle “Cairo”. The issue has an article on Cairo starting on page 639. On page 595 nine wet shoes surround a campfire to dry. This scene is repeated in the show. A Minoan antelope fresco from page 714 appears on a wall in one scene. There is also mention of spiders that live underwater in the show. All of these are direct or indirect references to the May 1972 issue.

*

In season 3, episode 9 of "Hart of Dixie" entitled "Something to Talk About" which aired January 13, 2014 there is this:

"Percy Lewis composed a symphony.  What college wouldn't want her?  Randy Foster got two photos in the National Geographic.  What has Rose Hattenbarger done?"

"Rose, your a great kid who's smart and funny with loads of potential."

"That's not enough.  I need to stand out.  I need - internships."

*

In season 4, episode 6 of "Workaholics" entitled "Brociopath" which aired February 26, 2014 there are these instructions:

"Okay, as your tribal chief, let me state the laws of the jungle.  You need to go to the bathroom, you piss outside.  You need light, bust out your torch.  And if you wanna get smacked on this jungle juice, you gotta go National Geographic!  That's right.  Tops off!  Tops off.  Cool - who wants a cup?"

Moments later there is this exchange:

"It's not bad, right?"

"It is."

"Oh, you not here my rule, you peasant.  You want a cup, Nat Geo."

"I'm all set, thanks."

*

In season 8, episode 7 of the series "Psych" entitled "Shawn and Gus Truck Things Up" which aired March 5, 2014 there is this:

"Shawn, listen.  About what I was trying to tell you before..."

"Dad, Dad, Dad, a National Geographic special is playing out on the floor of our food truck.  I don't know if now's the time for a man-to-man."

*

In season 1, episode 12 of the sit-com "Friends with Better Lives" entitled "The Imposter" which aired September 30, 2014 there is this line:

"Get your name into the National Geographic."

*

In season 4, episode 8 of the series "American Horror Story" entitled "Blood Bath" which aired December 3, 2014 there is this tale:

"I've been reading in National Geographic about the natives of Papua New Guinea.  They would go to war with a neighboring tribe, and when they conquered them, the winners would eat the vanquished tribe's best warriors, then their medicine man, and then their chief."

Also at the end of season 4, episode 10 entitled "Orphans" which aired December 17, 2014 there is this exchange:

"Since Sister Priscilla left, we've had no one to tidy things up in here."

"Why don't you start making piles?  Life in the Life pile.  National Geographic in another pile.  Reader's Digest in another."

*

In season 3, episode 8 of "Father Brown" entitled "The Lair of the Libertines"  which aired January 14, 2015 there is this revelation:

Father Brown: "Big game hunter?"

Madam Chania: "Ah, but that's a man's sport, Father."

Father Brown: "I remember reading some time ago in the National Geographic Magazine about a white woman killing things in Africa.  What was her name?  Madam Chania... is an anagram, of Ana Demiachia, the Italian huntress who shot almost every living creature on earth."

*

In season 6, episode 14 of the hit sit-com "Modern Family" entitled Valentine's Day 4: Twisted Sister" which aired February 11, 2015 there is this:

Jay, they delayed Sonia's plane until tomorrow."

"Why don't we cancel our dinner reservation and the three of us celebrate Valentine's Day here."

"You don't have to do that for me, Gloria.  I usually spend Valentine's Day selling artificial flowers near the well in my village."

"Were do you people live, National Geographic?"

"I just feel so bad."

*

In season 1, episode 5 of the sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat" entitled "Persistent Romeo" which aired February 17, 2015 there is this dialogue:

"I say maybe you burn about 200 calories?"

"If you pretend like you have a bad back, you don't have to do as much work."

"Three words, old National Geographics."

"I like having the lights out so I can pretend like we're in a castle."

"These are not the type of crabs Maryland is known for."

"And most importantly, like we always say during the SNL monologue, when a musician hosts, wrap it up."

In season 3, episode 5 of "Fresh Off the Boat" entitled "No Thanks-Giving" which aired November 15, 2016 there is both a "shout out" in the dialog and also a cameo appearance by the December 1996 issue.  The scene has the dad entering a room with two of his sons sitting at a table that is covered with magazines, clippings, scissors, glue, and tape.  In the middle of the of the table, face up, is the issue of National Geographic.  The father says:

"Hope that's not the National Geographic that grandma claims she's in."

The boys respond:

"We want to help out with centerpiece ideas, so we're making these Thanksgiving mood boards for inspiration."

*

In season 1, episode  5 of the series "iZombie" entitled "Flight of the Living Dead" which aired April 14, 2015 there is this:

"That friend of hers seemed so sure this wasn't an accident.  I have to know if someone did this to her."

"Kilimanjaro, the Cenotes in Belize, all these profile pictures look like a National Geographic."

"God, what a dumb way to die."

*

In season 2, episode 20 of the CBS sitcom "Mom" entitled "Sick Popes and a Red Ferrari" which aired April 16, 2015 the main character, Christie (Anna Faris) is at a convenience store.  Behind her on a magazine shelf is an array of March 2015 issues of the National Geographic.

In season 8, episode 3 of "Mom" entitled "Tang and a Safe Space for Everybody" which aired 11/19/20 there is a National Geographic on a coffee table:

*

In season 1, episode 8 of "The Returned" entitled "Claire" which aired April 27, 2015 there is this praise:

"You're really talented.  I'm serious.  Why aren't you off shooting the cover of National Geographic, or something?"

"Yeah, that was the plan."

*
In season 1, episode 7 of the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie" entitled "The Spelling Bee" which dropped on May 8, 2015 there is a cameo of a National Geographic Special Edition on their coffee table.

In season 1, episode 8 of the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie" entitled "The Sex" which also dropped May 8, 2015 there is this scene:

"So, uh how are you adjusting to life in safe, boring San Diego?

"You know, a few years ago I was doing a piece for National Geographic in Central Africa, and our village was overrun by Congolese rebels.  So we holed up in this hospital, and I really thought that was going to be the end.  But today, trying to get out of the parking lot at Trader Joe's, that was the most scared I've ever been in my entire life."

*

In season 6, episode 4 of "Pretty Little Liars" entitle "Don't Look Now" which aired on June 23, 2015 there is this exchange:

"Wow!  These are really cool."

"Think so?"

"Yeah, Hmm.  Yeah, especially this one."

"Oop, no.  That one doesn't work.  I, um, used the wrong filter."

"No, it's really good."

"Really good doesn't cut it for National Geographic."

"You work for them?

"No.  But I hope to one day."

*

On the September 11, 2015 episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" there is this segment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ZcJ-nkkpM

On the February 12, 2016 episode of "Real Time" Bill discusses how several "up-coming publications" will discuss Donald Trump.  Here is National Geographic's take:

"...and, of course, The National Geographic: The Trump Phenomenon".

*

On the episode of the game show "Jeopardy" which aired September 25, 2015 the "Final Jeopardy" question on European Cities was this:

"National Geographic says the site of this city is the largest wetland in the Mediterranean."

The answer in the form of a question is:

"What is Venice?"

*

On the Lifetime movie "Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow" which aired November 21, 2015 there is this exchange about trees that react to sound.

"There's a species in Southeast Asia that does the exact same thing."

"You've been to Asia?"

"No.  No, I saw it on National Geographic."

*

On Season 15, Episode 6 of the History Channel show "American Pickers" entitled "No Stoner Left Unturned" which aired on June 15, 2016, the self proclaimed antique archaeologists meet Larry Fuentes who shows them the April 1983 issue of National Geographic that features his artwork, both inside and on the cover.

*

On an episode of Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah which aired October 12, 2016 the guest was Bryan Christy, A National Geographic Explorer and investigative journalist.  The topic was his article in the October 2016 issue of the National Geographic Magazine on the Rhino Horn Trade.  After the interview, the issue was displayed and recommended by Noah.

*

On the November 17, 2016 episode of the CBS sitcom "The Great Indoors" (season 1, episode 4) entitles "You Don't Know Jack", the gang discovers a National Geographic Atlas of the World while cleaning out Jack's storage unit.

On Season 1, Episode 21 of the CBS sitcom "The Great Indoors" entitled "Roland's Secret" which aired May 1, 2017, there is a cameo of sorts.  There is a stack of about twenty National Geographic Magazines in Roland's office.

*

On the April 12, 2017 episode of the CBS sitcom "Mom" (season 4, episode 19) entitled "Tantric Sex and the Sprouted Flute" there is a copy of the June 2012 issue of National Geographic Magazine (still in plastic) on a lamp table in Bonny's boyfriend's house.

*

On the March 21, 2018 episode of the game shoe "Funny You Should Ask" (season 1, episode 155) there is this question:

"According to a National Geographic study, to impress females some male Humpback Dolphins present them with what?"

The answer is "Sea Sponges".

*

In the made-for-HBO movie "Fahrenheit 451" which aired on May 19, 2018 there is a brief cameo of a National Geographic Magazine cover that appeared in a montage of book covers flashing on a computer screen showing all the books stored on the machine.  Of course, the firemen smashed and burned the computer.

*

On August 5, 2018 in Season 1, Episode 5 of the HBO limited series "Sharp Objects" entitled "Closer" there is a cameo of a National Geographic in a car: first as a reflection in the windshield as it lay on the dashboard, and the second as the driver reads it while waiting in the parked car.

*

On October 24, 2018 in Season 3 Episode 5 of the ABC sitcom "American Housewife" entitled "Trust Me" there is this line:

"Even though I can't wait to get rid of them I want to hold on to them just as much.  Like you with your stupid National Geographics in the basement."

*

In the season 2, episode 18 of the CBS sitcom "The Neighborhood" entitled :Welcome to the Team" which aired March 16, 2020 there is a set of National Geographic magazines on a shelf in a bedroom:

*

In Episode 1 of the HBO miniseries "Lovecraft Country" entitled "Sundown" which first aired on Sunday, August 16, 2020 there is a collection of National Geographic magazines in a room in Chicago:

*

In season1, episode 3 of the CBS sitcom "B Positive" entitled "Foreign Bodies" which aired on 11/19/20 the "Titanic" Collector's edition appears on a coffee table in an assisted living facility.

In Season 4, Episode 13 of the CBS sitcom "Young Sheldon" entitled "The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education" which aired on April 8, 2021 there is a National Geographic collection on a shelf in a shelf in a garage/train room.

*

In season 4, episode 14 of the CBS procedural "S.W.A.T." entitled "Reckoning" which aired April 21, 2021, there is a National Geographic wall map of the world in a building:

*

On the June 8, 2021 episode of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" there is a story about the National Geographic Society's recognition of the Southern Ocean as the fifth world ocean.

Go To Part 1:   http://ngscollectors.ning.com/group/outside-looking-in-how-the-worl...

Go To Part 2:   http://ngscollectors.ning.com/group/outside-looking-in-how-the-worl...

Tom Wilson

 

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in IV. Movies for a National Geographic Magazine cameo in the 1993 crime drama "A Perfect Place" starring Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a photograph to this movie citation.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in a new subsection, IIb. Puzzles under II. Comics for the July 9, 2018 New York Times Crossword.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in II. Comic Books for Donald Duck whose artist, Carl Barks routinely used the National Geographic as source material.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in V. Television for a National Geographic cameo in the HBO limited series "Sharp Objects" episode 5, "Closer", which aired 08/05/2018.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: 

I just added a citation in II(b) Puzzles for the August 22, 2018 Catonsville Times crossword puzzle.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in IV. Movies for the 2018 action war drama, "12 Strong".  A soldier is shown inside a tent, laying on a cot, reading the December 1999 NGM.  Later he is seen outside, sitting on a crate, reading the May 1993 NGM.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in V. Television for the October 24, 2018 episode of the ABC sitcom "American Housewife".

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in II(b). Puzzles for the February 11, 2019 New York Times crossword appearing in The Baltimore Sun.  The answer for 19 Across is NATGEO.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note I just added a citation in V. Television for the April 16, 2015 episode of the CBS sitcom "Mom".  An array of March 2015 National Geographic magazines are on a magazine rack in the background of a scene in a convenience store.

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added an image to the citation in V. Television for April 16, 2015 episode of the CBS sitcom "Mom".

[George Thomas Wilson]

Note: I just added a citation in II(b). Puzzles for the LA Time crossword puzzle in the March 11, 2019 Baltimore Sun.