Derren Brown returns to Channel 4 with “very different” Big Brother-style “social experiment”

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Derren Brown, the famous mentalist and TV star, is returning to Channel 4 with a new show that’s different from his previous work. Tentatively titled Derren Brown: Incognito, the program will be a reality-style social experiment.

A new show will follow ten strangers as they live together in a strange building for a week. The contestants come from all walks of life, but they all share one thing: people tend to quickly form opinions about them based on how they appear. The broadcaster suggests participants might include professions like soldiers or spies.

Ten people arrive, thinking they need to figure out who everyone else is while protecting their own secrets. However, they soon discover there’s a much bigger mystery at play.

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According to the synopsis, Derren isn’t playing a simple game of Guess Who. Instead, he’s conducting a playful psychological experiment to investigate how our sense of self influences our behavior and how our biases can prevent us from seeing the truth.

A series of games will push the players to question their initial assumptions, and regular eliminations and honest conversations will force them to rethink their strategies and relationships. It’s ideal for fans of classic Big Brother and anyone fascinated by the psychological and social dynamics of reality TV at its core.

Channel 4 explains that as the show unfolds with unexpected turns, both the contestants and the audience will likely be challenged to rethink their existing beliefs and develop understanding for people they might typically judge.

Derren Brown described his latest project as a captivating experience. Unlike his previous shows where he knew the outcome, this one was different. It explored how we develop beliefs, categorize ourselves and others, and what happens when those categories disappear. He felt it was a truly beautiful and remarkable production.

Tom Beck, Channel 4’s Head of Live Events, explained that while all of Derren Brown’s shows are noteworthy, Incognito is particularly unique – different from anything he’s created previously.

This show is a clever experiment presented as reality TV. It’s thought-provoking, playful, and really makes you question your own biases and how they influence your opinions of others – which feels particularly relevant right now. The outcome is captivating, emotionally resonant, and thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m excited for audiences to experience it.

We can’t wait either.

Derren Brown: Incognito is coming to Channel 4.

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2026-02-12 19:20