New Orleans’ own Michael Dardant, an internationally acclaimed magician, is set to take center stage on The CW Network’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us. The show, now in its 11th season, invites top illusionists from around the world to attempt the near-impossible—fooling legendary magicians Penn & Teller with a trick they cannot explain.
Dardant, known professionally as “Magic Mike” (with a nod to the hashtag #NotThatMagicMike), has built a reputation as one of the most decorated magicians in America. Over a span of just three years, he amassed more than 30 first-place and championship titles, earning him a spot at the World Championships of Magic (FISM) in Italy. There, he placed in the top ten globally in the Parlour Magic category, cementing his status as a master illusionist.
Blending expert sleight-of-hand with a signature Cajun wit, Dardant has become a fixture in New Orleans’ French Quarter, captivating audiences with his unique brand of magic. Beyond his accolades in the magic world, he holds a local claim to fame as the first male in 45 years to win the city’s beloved Greasing of the Poles competition during Mardi Gras 2015.
His talent has drawn praise from some of the industry’s biggest names. America’s Got Talent champion Shin Lim called Dardant’s act “the perfect combination of sleight of hand and comedy,” while master magician Murray Hatfield described him as “a true original… someone who does it differently. Someone who does it better.” The late magician and actor Harry Anderson once quipped, “There goes the neighborhood!” in reference to Dardant’s presence on the magic scene.
With Penn & Teller: Fool Us, contestants compete for the coveted “FU Trophy” and the rare opportunity to perform as an opening act in Penn & Teller’s long-running Las Vegas show at the Rio Hotel & Casino. Whether Dardant will manage to outwit the famous duo remains to be seen, but his performance is sure to showcase the charm and technical mastery that have made him a standout in the world of magic.
The episode airs live on The CW Network Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m. CST, with streaming available 24 hours later on The CW website and app. Fans can also join an online watch party hosted by FreakVR on Discord or catch a live stream of the New Orleans watch party on Twitch via NotThatMagicMike.
