Derren Brown: The Events features the illusionist Derren Brownin a series of four highly-complex one-hour specials, which Brown has described as "some of the most incredible feats to date." Each event has its own theme, but Derren's aim is always the same: to confuse, to confound, and, of course, to control. The show consists of a mixture of pre-recorded location pieces connected by theatre-based segments, with each of the four programs building up to a major stunt performance. The first trailer broadcast included Brown speaking in reverse but walking forwards with events around him happening forwards. Seemingly cryptic messages were also hidden in the advert such as links to a "Manchester United" website. The advert was later played forwards (although now with Brown moving in reverse), and revealed the premise of the shows. Brown explains that he will be revealing the "inner workings" of his tricks and "showing you how to get away with it.".