The Big Deal: BBC Two’s New Art Competition

BBC Two has launched a brand-new series, The Big Deal with Steph McGovern, taking viewers into the competitive world of contemporary art. The six-part series follows seven pairs of aspiring art dealers as they attempt to buy and sell artwork, test their instincts and prove they have what it takes to succeed in the art market.

Episode 1 introduces the contestants and immediately shows that being a successful art dealer is about much more than simply liking a painting. They need to understand artists, spot potential, build relationships with buyers and, most importantly, make sales. With Steph McGovern bringing her familiar, down-to-earth style to the programme, The Big Deal makes the sometimes intimidating art world accessible and entertaining.

The first episode sets up what promises to be a fascinating competition, with plenty of opportunities for the contestants to get things right — or spectacularly wrong — as they attempt to turn their passion for art into a successful business.