About Time Too: Derren Brown To Make Shows For US TV

The SciFi Channel have announced what may* turn out to be the best American TV series of this or any recent year: Derren Brown is making six one-hour shows for the network, their working title being The Derren Brown Project.

Do you know who Derren Brown is? Here's the opening statement from his website:

Derren Brown is a unique force in the world of illusion - he can seemingly predict and control human behaviour. He doesn't claim to be a mind-reader, instead he describes his craft as a mixture of magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship. Whatever you choose to call it, his unparalleled performances amaze and unsettle all those who watch him. This is a powerful and provocative form of entertainment, unlikely to be imitated for a long while.

Now, believe as much or as little of that as you will (there are dozens of cut-quality Brown imitators out there) but the fact remains: Derren Brown makes some of the best TV you are ever going to see.

I just want to burn him at the stake and watch his witch's heart bubble" said Stephen Fry; "The closest our galaxy can boast to a Jedi Master" said Colin Kennedy.

Brown's one-off special The Heist detailed how he laced a one-week training course for middle managers with the suggestions and controls that lead a number of them to try and rob an armoured car. Of course, the situation was entirely staged - that is, except for the gun-waving subjects of Brown's incredible persuasion. They really thought they were pulling off this crime and doing so on a whim - and they had no idea that they were only doing it because of Brown's hidden manipulations.

Honestly, it was beyond white knuckle stuff. I hope the SciFi shows are even one half as captivating.

*will