News

It was announced today (20th April 2023) that A+E Networks EMEA and BBC Studios are to make a brand new 5x60 series Evil Genius with Russell Kane (w/t) for Sky HISTORY. 

Following the incredible success of the hit BBC Sounds podcast, award-winning comedian Russell Kane will front the TV-inspired format. In each episode, Russell, alongside celebrity guests, expert witnesses, and historians, will interrogate the reputation of a famous face from history in order to determine whether they’re sinned against or a sinner. By the end of each episode, Russell will call upon his panel of celebrities to cast a vote and settle, once and for all, the burning question: Evil or Genius?

Russell will be delving into the archives and speaking to historical experts to bring to life his unique style of performative television. Weighing up the deeds of each figure and presenting a series of ‘truth bombs’ that will cause you to question everything you thought you knew. Russell and his panel of celebrity guests will then offer their opinions as to what they think is evil and what qualifies as a genius. During the series, Russell will examine the lives of Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, Pablo Escobar, Richard Nixon, and Albert Einstein.

Russell Kane said: "I’ve never been so excited to take people I admire, then cover them in dirty truths."

Mel Balac, Creative Director, Entertainment, BBC Studios Productions, said: “BBC Studios Entertainment is thrilled to be producing our first commission for Sky HISTORY. Russell will be serving up some controversial truth bombs. It’s going to be historical and hysterical in equal measure.”

Dan Korn, Vice President of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, said: ‘’Russell’s clever and eclectic take on History is one of a kind. I’m delighted to be bringing it to life for TV audiences on Sky HISTORY alongside BBC Studios. The series is set to be educational, daring, funny, and surprising, and will involve viewers in history in a way that hasn’t been done before.”

The series was commissioned and executive produced by Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, with Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor and Head of Talent at A+E Networks EMEA.

For BBC studios, the series will be exec produced by Mel Balac and Ben Knappett. The series director is James Kayler, and the producer is Simon Winkler.  

Filming will begin in May. Expect laughter, unearthed truths, and shocking revelations as we ask whether each historical figure is Evil or Genius?

Evil Genius with Russell Kane will premiere on Sky HISTORY in 2024.