Now in Production: Secret Genius Series 2

Mothership format returns for a seven-episode run Channel 4 has ordered an extended second series of Alan Carr and Susie Dent-fronted format Secret Genius from Mothership.

The second series will comprise seven episodes, one more than the debut run, and will see the duo return to preside over brain-busting challenges and puzzles.

The series uncovers the hidden potential of ordinary people with extraordinary minds by setting them immersive intelligence games based on the challenges used by Mensa to measure IQ. The first series launched in February, with the premiere episode gathering 2.1m views across 28 days.

According to C4, Mensa has reported a rise in enquiries about membership following Secret Genius’ broadcast and “huge numbers” have already applied to take part in the second series, for which casting is still underway.

Secret Genius is a joint commission between C4’s docs and fact-ent and reality and entertainment departments: commissioned for the former by Madonna Benjamin, senior commissioning editor, and for the latter team by Steve Handley, the department head.

It is co-produced by Mothership and WPP Media Motion Entertainment and is executive produced by Kelly Webb-Lamb and Jon Cahn, alongside Melanie Darlaston for Motion Entertainment.

Webb-Lamb, founder and chief exec of Mothership, said: “As a resolute non-genius, I am so looking forward to getting to watch a new tranche of incredible brains play even more brilliant mind-games in the second series of Secret Genius.”

Benjamin added: “Secret Genius and the wonderful Alan and Susie struck a real chord with the audience by celebrating intelligence in all its forms and turning it into a joyful, shared experience. We’re delighted to be bringing it back with a bigger, bolder new series, helping even more people from across the country to unlock their hidden genius.”