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Mastermind (1972)

First aired September 11, 197230m/ep48 seasons · 1145 epsRunning
5.4

11 votes

Official Site

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 Billed Cast

Seasons

Status

Returning Series

Language

English

Type

Talk Show

Last Air Date

March 23, 2026

Networks

BBC OneBBC Two

Production

Hat Trick ProductionsHindsight Productions

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