Masters of Illusion is a magic variety series that began as a one-time ATI-produced special in 1991. It originally debuted as a regular series on PAX TV in 2000. After a 2009 season on MyNetworkTV and four syndicated episodes in 2012, The CW revived the series on August 1, 2014. The show has aired continuously on The CW ever since, spanning more than a dozen seasons.
Each half-hour episode features illusionists, escape artists, mentalists, and comedy magicians performing before a live studio audience. Acts range from large-scale stage illusions and death-defying escapes to close-up sleight of hand and audience-interactive mind magic. The show avoids camera tricks and editing effects, presenting each illusion as it happens live for the audience. Season lineups regularly rotate in new performers alongside returning fan favorites from past seasons.
Masters of Illusion also airs on CW-affiliated stations nationwide, including WCCB in Charlotte and CW50 in Detroit. Episodes are also available to stream on The CW’s app and website, as well as and other platforms like fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Video. The franchise spawned a touring live stage production, Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic, which performs similar illusions before in-person audiences. The series has aired more than 190 episodes across its run, one of the longest tenures of any American magic show.
Dean Cain has hosted Masters of Illusion since its 2014 CW revival. Best known for playing Superman on Lois & Clark, he brings his own charisma to the introduction of each act. The series has featured recurring performers including Rob Lake, Murray Sawchuck, Nathan Burton, Joshua Jay, and Anna DeGuzman. Executive producers David McKenzie and David Martin produce the series alongside Gay Blackstone, widow of the show’s original host.
