# Penn & Teller: Bull! (2003)

> Magicians Penn Jillette and Teller take apart popular beliefs, from psychics and palm readings to feng shui and Ouija boards, with sardonic comic skepticism.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/225

## Facts

- Seasons: 8
- Episodes: 89
- Episode runtime: 30 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: comedy, documentary
- Created by: Eric Small
- Network: Showtime
- Cast: Teller, Penn Jillette, Joe Francis, Frank Luntz, Larry Elder, Mancow Muller, Ted Nugent, Gary Busey
- TMDB rating: 8.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0346369/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: irreverent, sardonic, deadpan, provocative, comedic

## What critics say

Audiences broadly rate the series as acclaimed for its irreverent, skeptical take on popular beliefs, though later seasons drew somewhat lower ratings.

## Synopsis

Penn & Teller: Bull! (2003-2010) is an American cable comedy documentary series created by Eric Small for Showtime. Stage magicians Penn Jillette and Teller host the show as themselves, using the craft of misdirection to examine cherished cultural beliefs. Each episode takes a single subject, such as palm readings, TV psychics, feng shui, or Ouija boards, and dissects it through sleight of hand, staged demonstrations, interviews with believers and skeptics, and pointed narration. Guests appear across the run, including commentators and public figures who are put under the hosts' scrutiny. The engine of each installment is the hosts' attempt to separate perception from reality and show how easily audiences are fooled. The series spans eight seasons of standalone episodes with a consistent format, so viewers can dip in at any point. The tone is archly comic, irreverent and provocative, with a deadpan edge that treats credulity as a target for mockery. Fans of Mythbusters and Derren Brown will find kinship in its blend of skepticism, showmanship and entertainment. The show is made for adults and carries strong language and adult content throughout.

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