Mastermind
1972 • Network
BBC One
Talk
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.
First Air Date
9/11/1972
Rating
5.4/10
Seasons
1972
15 eps
1973
17 eps
1974
17 eps
1975
17 eps
1976
17 eps
1977
17 eps
1978
17 eps
1979
17 eps
1980
17 eps
1981
17 eps
1983
17 eps
1984
17 eps
1985
17 eps
1986
23 eps
1987
23 eps
1988
23 eps
1989
23 eps
1990
22 eps
1991
17 eps
1992
17 eps
1993
17 eps
1994
17 eps
1995
17 eps
1996
17 eps
1997
14 eps
2003
17 eps
2004
31 eps
2005
31 eps
2006
31 eps
2007/08
31 eps
2008/09
31 eps
2009/10
31 eps
2010/11
31 eps
2011/12
31 eps
2012/13
31 eps
2013/14
31 eps
2014/15
31 eps
2015/16
31 eps
2016/17
31 eps
2017/18
31 eps
2018/19
31 eps
2019/20
31 eps
2020/21
31 eps
2021/22
31 eps
2022/23
31 eps
2023/24
31 eps
2024/25
31 eps
2025/26
7 eps
Specials
24 eps
