The System, a Channel 4 documentary hosted by Derren Brown, explores the idea that one can develop a system to guarantee success in horse racing. Brown demonstrates his theory by sending correct predictions on the outcome of five races to Khadisha, one of the show’s participants. He encourages her to place as much money as she can on the sixth race. To further prove his point, Brown tosses a coin showing ten heads in a row, demonstrating that something supposedly impossible is actually just highly improbable.
Brown then reveals that The System does not actually exist and what he has been demonstrating is nothing more than confirmation bias or survivorship bias; the same principle behind belief in spiritualism or alternative medicine.
This unique and thought-provoking documentary hosted by Derren Brown offers viewers an insight into the world of gambling and how our own biases can influence our decisions. With its interesting concept and expert delivery from Derren Brown himself, The System promises to be an engaging watch for those interested in understanding how things that seem like “luck” are often anything but.
