Mastermind

1972–2026·49 seasons·1153 episodesNRIMDb6.2/10TMDB57%
Not currently streaming

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.

Talkquizknowledge
~30 min
▶ PreviewS1 · E1 · Sep 11, 1972 · 0 of 15 this season

Episode 1

This new and exciting brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom. They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject with a further two minutes to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's programme comes from The University of Liverpool

~353h 27m left
1 tick = 13 episodes
Browse all episodes →

Cast

Actor leads, character follows

Made by

Composers are people, not a row in a table

More like this

Information
Released
1972–2026
Rated
NR
Runtime
~30 min
Seasons
49
Episodes
1153
Studio
Hat Trick Productions · Hindsight Productions
Country
United Kingdom
Languages
Audio
EN
More about this show