Mastermind

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.

Seasons

Specials

Episodes: 24

1972

Episodes: 15

1973

Episodes: 17

1974

Episodes: 17

1975

Episodes: 17

1976

Episodes: 17

1977

Episodes: 17

1978

Episodes: 17

1979

Episodes: 17

1980

Episodes: 17

1981

Episodes: 17

1983

Episodes: 17

1984

Episodes: 17

1985

Episodes: 17

1986

Episodes: 23

1987

Episodes: 23

1988

Episodes: 23

1989

Episodes: 23

1990

Episodes: 22

1991

Episodes: 17

1992

Episodes: 17

1993

Episodes: 17

1994

Episodes: 17

1995

Episodes: 17

1996

Episodes: 17

1997

Episodes: 14

2003

Episodes: 17

2004

Episodes: 31

2005

Episodes: 31

2006

Episodes: 31

2007/08

Episodes: 31

2008/09

Episodes: 31

2009/10

Episodes: 31

2010/11

Episodes: 31

2011/12

Episodes: 31

2012/13

Episodes: 31

2013/14

Episodes: 31

2014/15

Episodes: 31

2015/16

Episodes: 31

2016/17

Episodes: 31

2017/18

Episodes: 31

2018/19

Episodes: 31

2019/20

Episodes: 31

2020/21

Episodes: 31

2021/22

Episodes: 31

2022/23

Episodes: 31

2023/24

Episodes: 31

2024/25

Episodes: 31

2025/26

Episodes: 30