Airdates for Uri Geller and Criss Angel show "Phenomenon"

[Enlighten]

An intriguing and mystifying meeting-of-the-minds is set to take place on NBC when world-renowned mystifier Criss Angel (Criss Angel Mindfreak) and famed mentalist Uri Geller conduct an intensive search for the next great mentalist on Phenomenon. The riveting new live reality series will premiere on Wednesday, October 24 (8-9 p.m. ET) airing its five-week run Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with a special two-hour live episode on Halloween night, October 31 (8-10 p.m. ET).


http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/62/23062.php

[Zep]

Wouldn't it be funny if James "The Amazing" Randi was the only applicant!

Of course, it's all rigged to give their previously chosen "star" his/her run to fame and fortune.

[Naughtyhippo]

So famed mentalist rather than famed psychic? Has Uri given up?

[LostAngeles]

I just saw a commercial for this. Blech.

Make for some good clips on The Soup though.

[h0mesch00led]

LOL -- i'm considering to watch this.

[Unalienable]

Uri Geller is not a "mentalist".

Uri Geller is MENTAL!!!

[Biscuit]

I saw an ad for this last night and nearly threw up in my mouth. But like any good train wreck I will Tivo it!

[Enlighten]

So famed mentalist rather than famed psychic? Has Uri given up?

Uri's press release even says it:


...
BURBANK - July 16, 2007 - NBC has signed a series deal with mystifier/artist Criss Angel ("Criss Angel Mindfreak") and famed mentalist Uri Geller for "Phenomenon" (working title) -- a mysterious live competition series in which both men will conduct an intensive search for the next great mentalist. ...

http://www.uri-geller.com/2007-General-Pics/01NBC/nbc01.htm

Mentalism- A mentalist is a performer who uses trickery and deception to create the illusion of having paranormal or supernatural powers.

http://skepdic.com/mentalist.html

ETA: http://www.uri-geller.com/promo/phenomenon30sec.mov

[Magic 9-Ball]

I saw the ad as well. It looks like Uri got himself an expensive new haircut. I'm waiting to see how he can make his 'three tricks' last a full TV season.

There's another thread where Criss Angel is discussed as exposing psychics. I'm hoping he gives Uri a hard time. Here's the thread:
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=88694

I can't wait for the program. Maybe they should combine it with the Caveman show. It might make it funnier.

[WhatWouldZeusDo]

tvgameshows.net has a list of the participants:

NBC also announced the 10 contestants for Phenomenon Wednesday. They hail from all over the world and most are illusionists or mentalists.
The contenders: Jan Bardi, Guy Bavli, Jim Callahan, Angela Funovits, Wayne Hoffman, Jim Karol, Gerry McCambridge, Eran Raven, Jason Scott and Ehud Segev.

[Denver]

I posted this in another thread, but I think it's worth repeating in this one:

Geller was recently on a radio show: (10/06/07) where he spoke of this show a little:

http://www.planetparanormal.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=38

His comment was that they will be looking for the next great mentalist act. That he doesn't really care HOW they do what they do, but that they are mesmerizing, and have a lot of charisma.

So basically the show sounds like it is like American Idol or You Think You Can Dance: it's looking for a next great performer or act (who will I suppose get jobs in Vegas and such after this).