TV Show

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Mastermind

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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.

Sep 11, 197249 seasons1151 episodesReturning SeriesEN

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Clive Myrie

Self - Host

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Seasons

1972

15 episodes

Premiered Sep 11, 1972

1973

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 3, 1973

1974

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 5, 1974

1975

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 4, 1975

1976

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 7, 1976

1977

17 episodes

Premiered Aug 30, 1977

1978

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 7, 1978

1979

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 5, 1979

1980

17 episodes

Premiered Aug 31, 1980

1981

17 episodes

Premiered Sep 6, 1981

1983

17 episodes

Premiered Jan 9, 1983

1984

17 episodes

Premiered Jan 29, 1984

1985

17 episodes

Premiered Jan 6, 1985

1986

23 episodes

Premiered Jan 12, 1986

1987

23 episodes

Premiered Jan 4, 1987

1988

23 episodes

Premiered Jan 7, 1988

1989

23 episodes

Premiered Jan 15, 1989

1990

22 episodes

Premiered Jan 7, 1990

1991

17 episodes

Premiered Jan 20, 1991

1992

17 episodes

Premiered Feb 16, 1992

1993

17 episodes

Premiered Jan 10, 1993

1994

17 episodes

Premiered Mar 20, 1994

1995

17 episodes

Premiered Apr 9, 1995

1996

17 episodes

Premiered May 29, 1996

1997

14 episodes

Premiered Jun 9, 1997

2003

17 episodes

Premiered Jul 7, 2003

2004

31 episodes

Premiered Jun 21, 2004

2005

31 episodes

Premiered Mar 8, 2005

2006

31 episodes

Premiered Mar 30, 2006

2007/08

31 episodes

Premiered Jul 9, 2007

2008/09

31 episodes

Premiered Sep 5, 2008

2009/10

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 28, 2009

2010/11

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 20, 2010

2011/12

31 episodes

Premiered Nov 4, 2011

2012/13

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 10, 2012

2013/14

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 9, 2013

2014/15

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 8, 2014

2015/16

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 7, 2015

2016/17

31 episodes

Premiered Jul 13, 2016

2017/18

31 episodes

Premiered Jul 28, 2017

2018/19

31 episodes

Premiered Oct 5, 2018

2019/20

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 9, 2019

2020/21

31 episodes

Premiered Oct 5, 2020

2021/22

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 23, 2021

2022/23

31 episodes

Premiered Sep 19, 2022

2023/24

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 28, 2023

2024/25

31 episodes

Premiered Aug 12, 2024

2025/26

31 episodes

Premiered Jul 14, 2025

2026/27

6 episodes

Premiered Jul 13, 2026

Episodes

1–6 of 15

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Ep 1

Episode 1

Sep 11, 1972

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

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Ep 2

Episode 2

Sep 18, 1972

This new 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 Contenders Mary Grummitt, Dr Michael Dewar, Vera Gallagher, Patrick Maher Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

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Ep 3

Episode 3

Sep 25, 1972

This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom Tonight's programme comes from the University of Glasgow Contenders Joyce Ligertwood, David Wate, Robert Crampsey, Julius Green Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

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Ep 4

Episode 4

Oct 2, 1972

Tonight's contenders come from the West of Scotland and the programme was recorded at Glasgow University. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

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Ep 5

Episode 5

Oct 16, 1972

This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the United Kingdom Tonight's contenders represent the North East of England, and the programme comes from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

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Ep 6