Mastermind
5.7
12 votes
1972–
49 seasons
~30m/ep
Talk
Overview
Mastermind is a British quiz show, well known for its challenging questions, intimidating setting and air of seriousness. Devised by Bill Wright, the basic format of Mastermind has never changed — four and in later contests five contestants face two rounds, one on a specialised subject of the contestant's choice, the other a general knowledge round. Wright drew inspiration from his experiences of being interrogated by the Gestapo during World War II. The atmosphere is helped by Mastermind's famously ominous theme music, "Approaching Menace" by the British composer Neil Richardson. The quiz programme originated and was recorded in Manchester at studios such as New Broadcasting House and Granada Studios, before permanently moving to MediaCityUK in 2011.
Created by Bill Wright
Top cast
Seasons
Details
Status
Returning Series
First aired
September 11, 1972
Last aired
August 24, 2026
Seasons
49
Episodes
1155
Networks
BBC One, BBC Two
Language
English
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