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.
Cast: Clive Myrie
Season 1
15 episodes
1972
Season 2
17 episodes
1973
Season 3
17 episodes
1974
Season 4
17 episodes
1975
Season 5
17 episodes
1976
Season 6
17 episodes
1977
Season 7
17 episodes
1978
Season 8
17 episodes
1979
Season 9
17 episodes
1980
Season 10
17 episodes
1981
Season 11
17 episodes
1983
Season 12
17 episodes
1984
Season 13
17 episodes
1985
Season 14
23 episodes
1986
Season 15
23 episodes
1987
Season 16
23 episodes
1988
Season 17
23 episodes
1989
Season 18
22 episodes
1990
Season 19
17 episodes
1991
Season 20
17 episodes
1992
Season 21
17 episodes
1993
Season 22
17 episodes
1994
Season 23
17 episodes
1995
Season 24
17 episodes
1996
Season 25
14 episodes
1997
Season 30
17 episodes
2003
Season 31
31 episodes
2004
Season 32
31 episodes
2005
Season 33
31 episodes
2006
Season 34
31 episodes
2007
Season 35
31 episodes
2008
Season 36
31 episodes
2009
Season 37
31 episodes
2010
Season 38
31 episodes
2011
Season 39
31 episodes
2012
Season 40
31 episodes
2013
Season 41
31 episodes
2014
Season 42
31 episodes
2015
Season 43
31 episodes
2016
Season 44
31 episodes
2017
Season 45
31 episodes
2018
Season 46
31 episodes
2019
Season 47
31 episodes
2020
Season 48
31 episodes
2021
Season 49
31 episodes
2022
Season 50
31 episodes
2023
Season 51
31 episodes
2024
Season 52
31 episodes
2025
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.
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48
Seasons
1145
Episodes
30m
Per Episode
1972
First Aired
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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 — fo…
48
1145
Yes, it is currently running.
September 11, 1972
Bill Wright
Clive Myrie
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