Deception

Cameron Black was once considered the globe's top illusionist, until a public revelation toppled his reputation and shattered his career. Convinced it was no accident, he assembles a tight team to stage elaborate cons that expose criminals and correct miscarriages of justice. Using sleight of hand, misdirection and theatrical setups, they fabricate scenarios that manipulate witnesses, suspects and institutions, all while law enforcement and the media chase the obvious story. Each episode pairs a new case with ongoing threads about the people around Cameron, and the show keeps his private search for the person who ruined him in the background, as he weighs the moral cost of using deception as a tool for good and protecting those he cares about.

Created by Chris Fedak, Deception premiered on ABC in 2018. The series stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Cameron Black, with Ilfenesh Hadera, Lenora Crichlow, Amaury Nolasco and Justin Chon. It was produced as an original television series and ran one season.

Reviews were mixed, though audience ratings on fan sites tended to be favorable, the show holding about a 7.7/10 average from voters. Critics praised its clever use of magic in crime-solving, while noting inconsistent plotting and uneven pacing. The series turns around issues of trust, truth, manipulation and moral compromise.

While not a breakout hit, Deception sparked renewed interest in televised magic as a storytelling device, and led to comparisons with other crime procedurals that use specialist skills to solve cases. Its episodes showcased inventive illusions and practical effects that appealed to fans of stage magic and heist plots broadly.

The series didn't attract major awards attention and wasn't nominated for Emmys or Golden Globes. Its recognition came mainly from viewers and online fans, rather than industry honors, though the cast and effects drew praise from genre commentators and critics.