or


[09/08/08 - 09:58 AM]
CBS Harnesses the Power of Viral Video to Promote New Fall Drama "The Mentalist"
A leading U.K.-based psychologist has been tapped "to create three unique and innovative brain teaser videos that challenge viewers to test their powers of observation."
[via press release from CBS]

CBS HARNESSES THE POWER OF VIRAL VIDEO TO PROMOTE NEW FALL DRAMA "THE MENTALIST"

CBS Engages Leading U.K.-Based Psychologist to Create

Innovative Brain Teaser Videos For Online and On-Air Promotion of the Network's Upcoming New Drama "The Mentalist"

To promote the new fall drama series THE MENTALIST, the CBS Marketing Group has engaged a leading U.K.-based psychologist to create three unique and innovative brain teaser videos that challenge viewers to test their powers of observation.

THE MENTALIST stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, an independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Playing upon the show's theme, CBS has created three different video spots that test viewers' ability to be aware of everything that is happening in the videos, after being challenged to keep a count of a particular activity. Each video depicts a unique motif - a card game, a football game and a gathering of security guards - and challenges viewers to watch closely. (To see the mental awareness videos, go to: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_mentalist/)

Designed by internationally known researcher Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K., the illusions challenge the brain's instinctual methods of processing motion, form, color, and depth. The one-minute videos were meticulously orchestrated by Professor Wiseman and filmed on location in London, with on-camera narration provided by Simon Baker.

In mid-August, the "Mentalist Awareness Test" videos were posted on the top user-generated video content sites on the Web as well as across CBS Interactive's CBS Audience Network, with messaging driving users to cbs.com. The videos made their on-air debut on the Network, Friday, Sept. 5, during the CBS FALL PREVIEW SHOW (9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT).

THE MENTALIST, which stars Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman and Amanda Righetti, premieres Tuesday, Sept. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.





  [september 2008]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· MENTALIST, THE (CBS)




[05/20/26 - 12:02 PM]
"A Woman of Substance": Brenda Blethyn Limited Series Marks BritBox's Next Prestige Period Drama
Other June premieres include new seasons of "Beyond Paradise" and "Trigger Point."
[05/20/26 - 11:01 AM]
Video: HBO Releases Official Trailer for Original Film "Miss You, Love You," Debuting May 29
A blunt, grieving widow, Diane Patterson (Allison Janney) is forced to plan her husband's funeral with a total stranger: her estranged son's assistant, Jamie Simms (Andrew Rannells).
[05/20/26 - 11:01 AM]
Great American Media Announces New Original, Unscripted Series, "Mark vs. The Mountain," Premiering June 11 on Great American Pure Flix
Meteorologist and former New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Mark Ronchetti, alongside his wife, interior designer, Krysty Ronchetti, star in the new unscripted series.
[05/20/26 - 11:00 AM]
FOX Entertainment Studios Strikes Multi-Year, First-Look Deal with Emmy Award-Winning Comedian, Actor and Producer JB Smoove
Under the partnership, Smoove will serve as executive producer and creative collaborator on an unscripted slate spanning a range of formats and genres.
[05/20/26 - 10:50 AM]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Emmy-Nominated Docuseries, "Raise The Flags", Makes Its Linear Premiere on NFL Network May 25-29
The series delivers a sweeping portrait of the Buccaneers organization - chronicling its rise from humble beginnings to championship glory in the most comprehensive account of franchise history ever produced.
[05/20/26 - 10:01 AM]
Video: "Michael Jackson: The Verdict" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Told by key players who were inside the courtroom, this three-part comprehensive docuseries dissects the trial of Michael Jackson and his complex legacy.
[05/20/26 - 10:01 AM]
Video: MGM+ Debuts Teaser for "The Westies"
The gritty and kinetic crime drama centers on New York City's infamously violent Irish gang of the same name.

[05/20/26 - 10:00 AM]
Lifetime Greenlights Two New Thrillers for This June
Amber Stevens West and Michael Xavier star in "The Jealous Bride" while Remy Ma leads "Don't Trust the Girls Upstairs."
[05/20/26 - 09:31 AM]
Video: Peacock Releases Official Trailer, Key Art and New Imagery for "Strung"
From director Malcolm D. Lee, a talented violinist takes a prestigious job as a music tutor for the gifted daughter of an influential and enigmatic family.
[05/20/26 - 09:31 AM]
Hit Drama Series "The Testaments" from Creator Bruce Miller and Starring Chase Infiniti, Renewed for a Second Season
Season one is now streaming with the season finale on Wednesday, May 27.
[05/20/26 - 09:01 AM]
A24's "Pillion" Begins Streaming Exclusively on HBO Max June 5
A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.
[05/20/26 - 09:01 AM]
AMC Global Media's June Highlights Include "The Vampire Lestat," "You're Killing Me," "Devil in Silver," "Doctor Who" and More
Newly announced premieres include ALLBLK's "Funny Thing About Love" and BBC America's "Wild Spring."
[05/20/26 - 09:00 AM]
The History Channel's Hit Survival Series "Alone" Is Going Global! New Season Premieres June 17
On the heels of the World Cup and for the first time in franchise history, 10 skilled survivalists from around the globe will compete in "Alone: World Championship".

[05/20/26 - 09:00 AM]
Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess to Host "The Tony Awards: Act One"
The two stage-and-screen icons will kick off Broadway's biggest night with the presentation of the first round of Tony Awards during the exciting pre-show telecast.
[05/20/26 - 07:36 AM]
After Record-Setting 2025 Season, "Sunday Night Football" Finishes Fall-Spring TV Season as Primetime's No. 1 Show for Unprecedented 15th Consecutive Year
The series averaged 23.5 million viewers in 2025, marking the show's best-ever viewership - up nearly 1 million viewers from the prior record for the series set a decade ago (22.6 million in 2015 season) and an increase of 9% over the '24 season (21.6 million).