Netflix renews Magic for Humans for Season 2
David Farnor | On 17, Dec 2018
Netflix has renewed Magic for Humans for a second season.
The series, which stars magician Justin Willman, premiered earlier this year, with the Tonight Show guest and YouTube sensation bringing his brand of magic to he streaming service. From baffling people on the street to orchestrating elaborate tricks, his six-part series saw the comedian and magician blend good-natured magic with grown-up laughs.
“Willman is perfectly primed to deliver what Netflix is after: an act that can magic relevant, fun and consumable whether on the phone on the bus or even in the living room as a family,” we wrote in our review. “His knack for comic timing, honed over many viral videos, is nicely matched by his eye for spectacle and a deceptive amount of patience in taking us from one to the other. The word “us” is crucial, as his magic goes beyond the street magic stunt of Paul Zenon and David Blaine to the more participatory of Derren Brown; his tricks are at their best when they involve others, and invite us to join in the complicity or the shock.”
Within a few months of its debut, Netflix has waved its wand to conjure up a second season commission. That will air in 2019. Here’s the video announcing the renewal:
Magic for Humans: Season 1 and 2 is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.
Trailer: Netflix conjures up Magic for Humans
10th August 2018
Netflix is conjuring up original content of a different kind this year, as Justin Willman heads to the streaming service.
Willman, who has been a guest on The Tonight Show, Ellen and Conan, and has had his own Comedy Central special, has also made a name for himself on YouTube, with videos including a literally magical first dance at his wedding.
From baffling people on the street to orchestrating elaborate tricks, his six-part Netflix series will see the comedian and magician blend good-natured magic with grown-up laughs, as brings his skills to the misunderstood subcultures of America.
Magic For Humans premieres on Friday 17th August. Here’s the video:
Magic for Humans is available on Netflix UK, as part of an £9.99 monthly subscription.
Netflix conjures up magic series from Justin Willman
26th June 2017
Netflix has ordered a new series from magician Justin Willman.
The streaming giant has made no secret of its plans to move into the reality TV arena, hiring former Universal TV President Bela Bajaria to oversee the new wing of its ever-growing library of projects. After making its name in prestigious drama territory, Netflix is now looking to capture a different market, with 20 unscripted series on the way this year. It has already begun that push with the release of Sly Stallone’s Ninja Warrior-like global tournament series, Ultimate Beastmaster, as well as the greenlighting of a reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
Now, it’s diversifying once more with its first steps into the magic genre, with Deadline reporting that Netflix has ordered six half-hour episodes from Willman. The series will follow the comedian and magician, as brings his skills to the misunderstood subcultures of America. The show is exec-produced by Willman, alongside Dave Kneebone, of Abso Lutely Productions.
“I’ve dreamt of having my own Netflix series since the early ’90s,” Willman told Deadline. “I’m hoping to make a mind-blowing magic show that also happens to be very funny. If in the process we learn something new about the human condition, I’ll consider that a bonus.”
Willman, who has been a guest on The Tonight Show, Ellen and Conan, and has had his own Comedy Central special, has also made a name for himself on YouTube, with videos including a literally magical first dance at his wedding. Get a taste for some of his work below: