Episode 1

The Family Brain Games is the ultimate test of collective, cross-generational intelligence, hosted by Dara O Briain. With new scientific research showing that our ability to work with others to solve problems is a key feature of modern intelligence, eight of Britain’s smartest families pool their respective IQs and go head to head in the ultimate quiz that will push their minds – and family dynamics – to the limits.
 
Five rounds of brain teasing games, culminating in the final, all-or-nothing round, Interrogation, have been created in association with Dr Adam Hampshire, a leading neuroscientist from Imperial College, London. Each game is designed to go beyond conventional tests of intelligence to truly challenge each family’s collective brainpower. Joining Dara to analyse proceedings is neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow, on-hand to offer insights as the families are put through their cerebral paces. The cameras continue to roll behind the scenes as the families prepare for the showdown ahead at Discovery Park, their home for the next fortnight which has been at the cutting edge of science research for decades.
 
In the opening episode, we meet the high-achieving Ross family from London – writer and mum Katie, financial advisor dad Jonathan and their two children, musical prodigy Amelia, 14, who writes classical concerto in her spare time, and rock collector Alexander, 12, who loves geology. Their opponents are the Latin-loving Griffiths family from Woking, including prison-educator and mum Anne, dad David, who is also in education, and Latin scholars Will, 16, and Ollie, 13.
 
Competitive youngsters Amelia and Ollie are hoping to lead their families to victory, but who will overcome brain freeze and inch closer to The Family Brain Games crown?