Channel 5 expanded its entertainment offerings in 2015 by acquiring the UK broadcast rights to Penn & Teller: Fool Us, a popular American magic competition show that originally aired on The CW. The show featured aspiring magicians performing in front of the legendary illusionists Penn and Teller, attempting to stump them with original tricks.
Each episode provided a mix of awe-inspiring illusions, quirky performances, and comedic banter. If Penn and Teller couldn’t figure out how a trick was done, the performer earned a spot to open for the duo’s Las Vegas show, making the stakes high and the competition fierce.
The format proved to be a hit with audiences due to its fresh take on the magic genre. Unlike traditional talent shows, Fool Us celebrated creativity and craftsmanship over spectacle, and viewers appreciated the genuine respect between performers and judges.
Channel 5’s acquisition brought the series to a wider British audience, many of whom were already familiar with Penn and Teller’s reputation for pushing boundaries in the world of illusion. The show’s tone balanced humor with amazement, offering family-friendly viewing with an edge of cleverness.
Bringing Fool Us to the UK reflected Channel 5’s efforts to diversify its lineup with internationally successful shows that retained a unique character and charm.