I’ve never been so excited to take people I admire, then cover them in dirty truths."
Brand-new series Evil Genius with Russell Kane sees the award-winning writer, comedian and actor inviting a host of famous faces to delve into the biographies of five polarising figures from the past in order to ask the question: “are they Evil or Genius?”
The 5x60 series, inspired by the incredibly successful hit BBC Sounds podcast of the same name, premieres on Sky HISTORY on Monday 20th November 2023.
In each episode, Russell will be joined by a panel of three celebrity guests, including – Judi Love, Geoff Norcott, Charlie Higson, Rachel Parris, Ria Lina, Rick Edwards, Tom Allen, Kerry Godliman, Michelle deSwarte, Miles Jupp, Maisie Adam, Desiree Burch, Jon Richardson, Alex Brooker and Ellie Taylor – alongside expert contributors and historians to interrogate the reputation of a famous figure from history determine whether they really were Evil or Genius?
In the series, made by BBC Studios Entertainment for Sky HISTORY, Russell delves into the archives and consults historical experts whilst bringing to life his unique style of entertainment. Weighing up the deeds of each figure and presenting a series of ‘truth-bombs’ that will cause viewers to question everything they thought they knew. Russell and his panel of guests will then offer their opinions as to what they consider evil, and what, exactly, qualifies as genius.
Was Winston Churchill a booze-sodden imperialist? Was Albert Einstein’s greatest work plagiarised from his wife? Was Coco Chanel a Nazi spy? Was Richard Nixon really a founding father of environmentalism? Was Pablo Escobar a modern-day Robin Hood? By the end of each episode, Russell will call upon his panel of guests to cast their vote and decide once and for all.
Russell says: "I’ve never been so excited to take people I admire, then cover them in dirty truths."
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 Sky, the series is commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s Managing Director of Content. For BBC Studios, the series is executive produced by Mel Balac and Ben Knappett. The series director is James Kayler, and the producer is Simon Winkler.
Evil Genius with Russell Kane premieres on Monday 20th November at 9pm on Sky HISTORY. The full series will be made available to watch on demand from 20th November
Any information or quotes used from this press release must credit:
Evil Genius with Russell Kane premieres on Sky HISTORY, Monday 20th November at 9pm
Programme Information:
Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a brand-new comedy discussion show that delves into the biographies of polarising figures from the past to ask the question: “are they Evil or Genius?”
In each episode Russell presides over a different trio of celebrity guests (among them Judi Love, Tom Allen, Maisie Adam, Jon Richardson, Desiree Burch, Miles Jupp, Alex Brooker, Kerry Godliman, Ellie Taylor, Rick Edwards and Charlie Higson) steering the debate by dropping “truth-bombs” – astonishing, insightful and revelatory facts aimed at encouraging the panelists to reassess and rethink the lives of some of history’s most hallowed names.
Getting the Evil Genius treatment on Sky HISTORY are Sir Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Pablo Escobar, Coco Chanel, and Richard Nixon.
Russell is joined each week on the show by a special guest historian to authenticate, contextualise and, often, correct the ongoing debate. Along the way, Russell visits various experts outside of the studio, sifting through evidential archives and actively investigating the subject’s murky past.
Episode Information:
Episode 1: Sir Winston Churchill
Russell is joined in the studio by comedians Judi Love and Geoff Norcott, alongside writer Charlie Higson as they debate the highs and lows of the man considered by many to be the greatest ever Briton, Sir Winston Churchill. Historian and Churchill expert, Professor Chandrika Kaul, provides insights into the controversial and often violent politics of the young Churchill, his drunken and alleged naked antics, as well as the great man’s disdain towards the citizens of his beloved empire. But in the end, will they vote the man credited with helping to win WWII as “Evil” or “Genius”?
Episode 2: Albert Einstein
Russell is joined in the studio by comedians Rachel Parris and Ria Lina, alongside presenter Rick Edwards to debate the merits and disgraces of the founder of modern physics, Albert Einstein. With insights from physicist and Einstein scholar Dr Mark Richards, the team learn about the accusations that Einstein plagiarised his wife’s work, discuss the draconian list of demands that his spouse had to follow, debate whether Einstein was responsible for the atomic bomb and, more startingly, uncover details of the harem that he allegedly ran. But will the most famous theoretical physicist of all time be voted “Evil” or “Genius”?
Episode 3: Pablo Escobar
Russell is joined in the studio by comedians Jon Richardson, Alex Brooker and Ellie Taylor to discuss the highs and lows of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Alongside South American history specialist Professor Matthew Brown, the team delve into the life of the benevolent crime boss and discover that Escobar was an economic genius, and has even been considered a modern-day Robin Hood, building hospitals and roads for those less fortunate. It also transpires that not only did he build his own prison but is also single-handedly responsible for Colombia’s hippopotamus population. Nevertheless, will they vote this notorious gangster as “Evil” or “Genius”?
Episode 4: Coco Chanel
Russell is joined in the studio by comedians Tom Allen, Kerry Godliman and Michelle De Swarte to discuss the life and times of that fabulous French fashionista, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. With the help of fashion expert Caryn Franklin, the team learn about the lies surrounding Coco’s impoverished beginnings, and how she survived WWII at The Ritz hotel through her relationship with a Nazi baron. Also explored are the recent revelations that Chanel was actually an operational Nazi spy. But will the figure who revolutionised women’s fashion be voted “Evil” or “Genius”?
Episode 5: Richard Nixon
Russell is joined in the studio by comedians Miles Jupp, Maisie Adam and Desiree Burch to discuss the life and legacy of US president Richard Nixon. Alongside historian and Nixon scholar Dr Kaeten Mistry, the team discover that the Watergate scandal might not actually be so serious by today’s standards, and that Nixon could even be the founding father of environmentalism. There’s also the fact that he’s considered by some to be among history’s greatest diplomats. But after weighing everything up, will the team vote the president who resigned in disgrace as “Evil” or “Genius”?
-ENDS-
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Editor’s Notes
- Interview access available depending on availability.
- Sky HISTORY is available on Sky 123, Virgin 131, Talk Talk 327 and streaming service NOW.
- Clips, viewing materials and images to be provided on request when available.
- Evil Genius with Russell Kane premieres on Monday 20th November at 9pm on Sky HISTORY.
- The full series will be made available to watch on demand from 20th November
About BBC Studios
BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £2.1 billion (2021/22: £1,630 million). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the global Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Channels & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. Around 2,500 hours of award-winning British programmes are made by the business every year, with over 80% of total BBC Studios revenues coming from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com is BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, offering up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features.
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A+E Networks EMEA
At A+E Networks EMEA, we share stories that matter everywhere, anywhere. A leader in factual entertainment, our compelling, award-winning content connects with millions across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our portfolio of premium brands – HISTORY, Crime+Investigation®, BLAZE®, and COSMO - inspire and excite viewers with hit franchises (Forged in Fire), must-see dramas (Vikings), and original commissions (The Hunt for Baltic Gold and Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunters). For more information, visit www.aenetworks.tv.
About Sky HISTORY
Sky HISTORY is the flagship brand of the A+E Networks® UK portfolio, which is made up of the true-crime channel Crime + Investigation®, Sky HISTORY2®, and free-to-air channel BLAZE®. Sky HISTORY is available in the UK on Sky, Virgin, Talk Talk, and on streaming service NOW. www.SkyHistory.co.uk