I dunno, but I've heard that African Grey Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, even accomplishing tasks that some mammal pets can't. I watched some science program about African Greys on TV that was amazing.
Besides a big dog like a Lab, an African Grey would be my next preferred pet. If I could afford the right environments for both, I'd own both.
Did the program you watched have Alex in it?
http://www.alexfoundation.org/
I've read a lot about him, he is an amazing bird..