In collaboration with Mensa (yep, the global high-IQ giantssss), Channel 4’s new entertainment series Secret Genius sees Alan Carr return fresh from The Traitors castle and on a mission to uncover the UK’s hidden geniuses. He will be joined by the brilliantly brainy Susie Dent, who’s stepped out of Countdown’s Dictionary Corner and into the world of Secret Genius!
Experts say there are thousands of undiscovered genius-level minds scattered across Britain. They could be your mum, your postie, or even your delivery driver who’s secretly capable of giving Einstein or Hawking a run for their money.
This brand‑new six‑part Channel 4 series shines a light on those whose potential has been hiding in plain sight. Carr and Dent (honestly, the duo we never knew we needed) meet extraordinary minds who’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or simply lacked the confidence… until now!
Psssst we got to attend the exclusiveeeeee premier so keep an eye out for some facts we gathered just for youuuu!
What is Secret Genius about?
Across four regional heats, contestants take on full-blown Mensa-grade challenges in a bit to out-wit their rivals. We’re talking mind-boggling brain games, immersive puzzles, and wonderfully wacky memory tests. Only the top performers will earn their place in the finals at Oxford University!
And the best bit? You can play along too! Time to find out whether you’re a secret genius... or just exceptionally gifted at shouting answers at your TV.
Not only will you witness seriouslyyyy insane levels of intelligence, but the show is also deeply heart-warming too. Carr states how magical it was seeing the contestants come together:
One person building a house of cards, another solving a Rubik's Cube without even looking at it. And someone playing chess, and I just thought these people feel so at home.
The show sparks conversations about confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and finding pride in abilities people might’ve spent years hiding – with plenty of heart-melting moments as contestants begin to rethink their futures with some having already changed the course of their lives after filming!
Who’s in Secret Genius?
Alan Carr: The National treasure himself has hung up his cloak and triumphantly return to our screens.
Fun fact! Alan had literally just come back from the Traitors castle – where his own agent assumed he’d be booted out in round one thanks to his “motor mouth”. Little did anyone expect that he’d be the genius who only went and won the whole thing! Cue Alan leaving the castle Friday night and turning up on set Saturday morning. What an icon.
Susie Dent: The one and only – gloriously eloquent, effortlessly brilliant – resident word expert from Countdown. Anddd a best-selling author, naturally. We cannot wait to pocket a few of her fun facts to drop subtly into conversation.
The Contestants: From all walks of life from across the UK, we’re talking, ambulance crew, receptionists, delivery drivers and even a shepherd who's taught their sheepdog sign language!
Where can I watch Secret Genius?
Watch on Channel 4 Sunday and Monday evenings at 9pm from Sunday 1st February.
Secret Genius fizzes with fun, packed with fascinating challenges that’ll leave you genuinely amazed by the sheer brilliance of everyday people. At its heart, the show is a deep dive into the stories behind those minds – a reminder of why this competition truly matters.
We absolutely can’t wait for this one – and yes, we’ll definitely be playing along at home.
Who knows… the next Secret Genius might just be you?
If you've enjoyed our recommendations why not read allll about some of the other amazing shows Channel 4 has to offer!
