Mastermind
Series 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.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
49 Seasons • 1159 Episodes
30 min per episode
1972 – Present
Premiered: Mon, Sep 11, 1972
Upcoming Broadcast Premiere
Season 53, Episode 13: “Episode 13”
The specialist subjects this time include Peep Show, Joni Mitchell and the Lake District.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
1972
15 Episodes →
1973
17 Episodes →
1974
17 Episodes →
1975
17 Episodes →
1976
17 Episodes →
1977
17 Episodes →
1978
17 Episodes →
1979
17 Episodes →
1980
17 Episodes →
1981
17 Episodes →
1983
17 Episodes →
1984
17 Episodes →
1985
17 Episodes →
1986
23 Episodes →
1987
23 Episodes →
1988
23 Episodes →
1989
23 Episodes →
1990
22 Episodes →
1991
17 Episodes →
1992
17 Episodes →
1993
17 Episodes →
1994
17 Episodes →
1995
17 Episodes →
1996
17 Episodes →
1997
14 Episodes →
2003
17 Episodes →
2004
31 Episodes →
2005
31 Episodes →
2006
31 Episodes →
2007/08
31 Episodes →
2008/09
31 Episodes →
2009/10
31 Episodes →
2010/11
31 Episodes →
2011/12
31 Episodes →
2012/13
31 Episodes →
2013/14
31 Episodes →
2014/15
31 Episodes →
2015/16
31 Episodes →
2016/17
31 Episodes →
2017/18
31 Episodes →
2018/19
31 Episodes →
2019/20
31 Episodes →
2020/21
31 Episodes →
2021/22
31 Episodes →
2022/23
31 Episodes →
2023/24
31 Episodes →
2024/25
31 Episodes →
2025/26
31 Episodes →
2026/27
14 Episodes →
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
BBC Mastermind
Type: Trailer • Published 2010-06-08
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Bill Wright
Jimmy Mulville, Paul Christian, Kate Middleditch, Chris Jones
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Christian
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Mastermind.
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Series sharing comparable tone, character dynamics, and narrative themes
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Shows sharing similar genres, audiences, and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mastermind
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Mastermind about?
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.
How many seasons does Mastermind have?
Mastermind comprises 49 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Mastermind?
Key cast members in Mastermind include Clive Myrie.
Who created or directed Mastermind?
Mastermind was developed and directed by Bill Wright.