October 24, 2007
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NBC's Phenomenon is the latest reality import to hit American television, lifted from the Israeli smash hit “The Successor,” a competition that brought together mentalists in a typical viewer elimination showdown to find the next Uri Geller. Geller dominated the world of paranormal demonstration and mentalism for many years, thrusting the art of spoon bending into the imaginations of stunned fans worldwide. In the American adaptation, Geller is joined by co-host Criss Angel, whose Mindfreak has brought more acts of magic to primetime television than any other practicing magician in history. The defining line between the two is Geller's open-minded beliefs that psychic abilities do exist, and Angel's determination to prove a fraud anyone who claims to possess such abilities. Hands off his co-host, of course/
October 23, 2007
For decades the name Uri Geller has been synonymous with psychic phenomena. Best known for bending spoons, altering compass headings, stopping clocks - including Big Ben - reading minds, and any number of extra sensory feats, his fame as a 'mystifier' in Israel prompted the creation of the show 'The Successor,' which sought specifically to introduce the world to next torch bearer of Uri's paranormal gig. The success of 'The Successor' caught the eye of NBC, and prompted an Americanized version Phenomenon, with a high powered all-American co-host in Criss Angel. Geller sat down with us to discuss the show, his own 'abilities,' and his beliefs in real 'magic.'
October 19, 2007
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Well-known illusionist and mentalist Criss Angel has great faith in NBC's new reality competition, Phenomenon, saying that aside from being a “very provocative and engaging show,” it allows numerous people who are aspiring to become the next great mentalist the chance to show the world what they can do.
"I just thought a show like this would give people a legitimate opportunity,” Angel, who will co-host the show with Uri Geller, told reporters during a conference call. “And to participate in it live is really a selling point for me because I'm going to experience as you and all the home viewers are for the very first time when they're performing it.”
October 15, 2007
Phenomenon is a new reality show that brings together world-renowned mystifier Criss Angel and famed mentalist Uri Geller. In an attempt to search for the next great mentalist, NBC has come up with this intriguing live competition which is set to premiere on October 24 at 8pm ET/PT.
"To be able to showcase the unique talents of this stunning and mysterious genre on live television, where absolutely anything can happen, ups the ante enormously," Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President of NBC Entertainment, said in a statement. "We hope viewers will watch with their friends and talk about and debate what they see, making this a truly interactive television experience."