History of Brain Games (2011 TV series) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

Brain Games is a popular science television series that premiered on National Geographic in 2011. It delves into cognitive science through interactive illusions, psychological experiments, and thought-provoking scenarios designed to challenge viewers' perceptions and understanding of the brain. The show explores how our minds can be tricked and how we make decisions, highlighting biases and limitations in our thinking. Its return as a series in 2013 achieved record-breaking viewership for a National Geographic original series, demonstrating its broad appeal.

2011: Brain Games Series Debut

In 2011, Brain Games, an American popular science television series exploring cognitive science, debuted on National Geographic as a special.

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2013: Brain Games Returns as Original Series

In 2013, Brain Games returned as an original series on National Geographic, achieving the highest premiere rating for any National Geographic original series with 1.5 million viewers.

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2016: Reruns Added to Go Time Block

In the fall of 2016, Litton Entertainment added repurposed reruns of Brain Games to its syndicated Go Time block.

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2017: Reruns Added to One Magnificent Morning Block

In the fall of 2017, reruns of Brain Games were added to The CW's One Magnificent Morning block.

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2018: Live Event Announced

In 2018, National Geographic announced that Brain Games would return as a 2-hour live event in the fall.

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December 2019: New Format of Brain Games Announced

In December 2019, a new format of Brain Games, hosted by Keegan-Michael Key, was announced, with neuroscientist Daniel Levitin as a script consultant.

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December 29, 2019: Sneak Peek of New Format Played

On December 29, 2019, a sneak peek of the new format of Brain Games was played.

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January 17, 2020: Ninth Season Announced, Production Delayed

On January 17, 2020, a ninth season of Brain Games was announced, but production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it was branded as "Brain Games: On the Road", hosted by Chuck Nice, and released on National Geographic and Disney+.

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