Brain Games

About Brain Games

Brain Games is a popular American television series that first premiered in 2011 and was relatively active until 2016, with a follow-up season in 2019. This program takes viewers on an enjoyable, interactive journey through a series of experiments, illusions, and demonstrations, designed to showcase the extraordinary nature of the human brain. Brain Games is widely recognized for its fun, yet informative style of unveiling how our brains process information related to topics like stress, addiction, competition, food, trust, and languages.

Making / Production

The series was first created by Jerry Kolber and Bill Margol and produced by National Geographic. The magic of Brain Games is driven by its seamless blend of entertainment and education, using cognitive science to reveal the inner workings of the human mind.

Actors

• Jason Silva: As the primary host, Silva presented various cognitive science topics in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.
• Apollo Robbins: Known as The Gentleman Thief, Robbins was a critical participant who showcased his deceptive skills to demonstrate the concepts of attention and awareness.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show's success led to several international adaptations, including versions in Spain, Italy, China and Russia.
• Apollo Robbins, one of the show's contributors, is reportedly considered the best pickpocket in the world.
• The program originated from a one-hour special that aired in 2011. After the special achieved high ratings, it was expanded into a television series.

Awards

Brain Games has been nominated for an Outstanding Informational Series or Special at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Quotes

• "It's not about what you see, it's about how you see."
• "The mind's vision trumps the eyes' vision."
• "Our brains create the reality we take for granted."

Music, Soundtrack

• The memorable 'Brain Games' theme tune remains a standout auditory component of the show.
• The show's background music was managed in such a way to amplify the suspense during various brain teasers and illusions.