Cosmos Confidential: Bill & Neil’s Excellent Bromance

by William Shatner, Neil deGrasse Tyson (Narrator)

Experience an unscripted conversation between two icons who have indelibly shaped our culture’s view of space.

Where do you go to let your curiosity fly? The backyard, of course. The setting for this audio original program is the backyard of William Shatner’s Los Angeles home, where he and Neil deGrasse Tyson enjoy a powerful, open-hearted conversation steeped in wonder. Having become fast friends and verbal sparring partners, the two men discuss the quest for knowledge that has driven human exploration and discovery over centuries, drawing from historical and contemporary examples. They discuss their efforts to overcome societal biases, Shatner’s as a Jewish kid growing up in Montreal, Canada and Tyson’s as a Black kid from the Bronx. They also share stories of how and when their individual futures took Shatner’s path leading to Star Trek and a long career in film and television, and Tyson’s path to becoming a globally recognized astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Of course, they also go deep on topics of great interest to them both, including black holes, the behavior of light, quantum physics, the beauty and complexity of the universe, and even spirituality.

Presented with an undercurrent of humor and a passion for learning, Cosmos Confidential is an entertaining and enlightening journey of the mind. If you’ve ever wondered what two titans of space culture talk about when nobody else is around, here’s your answer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Science

Audible Audio

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

William Shatner is the author of nine Star Trek novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Ashes of Eden and The Return. He is also the author of several nonfiction books, including Get a Life! and I'm Working on That. In addition to his role as Captain James T. Kirk, he stars as Denny Crane in the hit television series from David E. Kelley, Boston Legal -- a role for which he has won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a recorded conversation between two friends -- technically not a "book" -- but oh so wonderful to hear them together. I could listen to an entire series with them just talking. Intelligence and curiosity, ego and humility, and a whole lot of enthusiasm for science. Feeds my soul and mind.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cosmos Confidential: Bill & Neil’s Excellent Bromance” reads like the universe’s most entertaining after-action report—filed jointly by Captain James T. Kirk and America’s most charismatic astrophysicist. The premise alone feels like a thought experiment: what happens when theatrical bravado meets scientific precision? The answer is a surprisingly substantive, frequently hilarious tour of the cosmos and the human ego orbiting it. Shatner brings narrative flair, leaning into wonder, performance, and just enough self-awareness to keep things from drifting into parody. Tyson, by contrast, plays the steady mission commander—grounding their exchanges in physics, cosmology, and the occasional reality check that gently pulls Shatner back from warp speed speculation. The chemistry works. It is less debate than gravitational dance: two distinct masses shaping each other’s trajectories. What elevates the book beyond novelty is its educational value. Tyson uses Shatner’s curiosity—and occasional misconceptions—as a springboard to explain complex ideas: dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and humanity’s persistent tendency to anthropomorphize the cosmos. Shatner, in turn, represents the reader who asks, “Yes, but what does it feel like?” That tension between data and wonder becomes the book’s core engine. The humor lands more often than not, especially when the authors lean into their personas. There are moments that read like a buddy comedy set against the cosmic microwave background, punctuated by philosophical detours on mortality, exploration, and legacy. Occasionally, the banter runs long, and readers looking for a tightly structured argument may find themselves wishing Tyson would assert firmer editorial control. Still, the book succeeds precisely because it resists becoming a textbook. It is a conversation—messy, curious, and human—about a universe that is anything but. For readers interested in science, storytelling, or simply the odd-couple dynamic of two cultural icons, “Cosmos Confidential” offers an engaging reminder that understanding the universe is as much about asking questions as it is about calculating answers.

[Suz Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this one on a whim because I like both William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson. I felt like I was sitting in the backyard listening to the two of them discussing everything. Sometimes I was laughing out loud as I was driving to an appointment.

Many of Neal’s explanations of science concepts went over my head. William Shatner’s stories about Star Trek and his life in general were — well fascinating. But the most interesting story was about his experience going into orbit in real life. This man has lived a truly incredible life.

It’s heartwarming to see the friendship between these two men of such disparate ages and backgrounds.

If you need a palate cleanser or something to help you meet a listening goal, this is a good choice.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audio production of a very interesting and entertaining conversation between two stars and friends - Neil deGrasse Tyson and William Shatner. It is like a long podcast. In a very informal manner they talk about physics, space, religion, and some personal subjects. There are plenty of laughs throughout as they get to know each other better. Definitely for fans of these two national treasures.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this better than I thought I would. I do like both of these gentlemen, truly, but a little of them goes a long way. The real question is how they fit both egos on one small cover.

The topics wander all over the place, but space is the unifying theme.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It’s more like a five hour long podcast than an audiobook. A great conversation. I laughed out loud so many times. But they touched on a lot of serious topics too. Everything from quantum physics to racism.
And how is William Shatner 94?? He’s so sharp and funny. Highly recommend.

[Jane Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to these two amazing men discuss the universe and their parts in it was entertaining as well as educational! I would highly recommend it anyone who wants to feed their curiousity and enjoy delightful dialog along the way!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interplay between Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson was great. I wouldn't say I learned anything in particular from it but I appreciated deGrasse Tyson's experience in explaining things in the sky.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. I laughed and cried. And felt a lot of warm fuzzies.

[Jon Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun conversation between two greats. I loved Tyson's description of how he prepares for interviews. Really resonated with my knack to over-prepare.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing to hear a long conversation between these two. It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the conversation...2 national treasures!

[Teresa Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining almost podcast style recording of two diverse individuals. The scientific information is interwoven with personal views and history. A fun 4 hours.

[Paulo Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gostei muito de ouvir as conversas entre duas pessoas interessantes.