How many seasons does Mastermind have?

Mastermind has 49 seasons with 1159 episodes in total.

Is Mastermind still on the air?

Mastermind is currently in production and returning for new episodes.

What network airs Mastermind?

Mastermind airs on BBC One, BBC Two.

When did Mastermind first air?

Mastermind first aired on September 11, 1972.

Watch trailer

Series · 1972 · Talk

Mastermind

Name: Mastermind
Genre: Talk
Rating: 5.7
Cast: Clive Myrie

★5.7 1972 49 Seasons Bill Wright TV-MA

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.

Play S1 · E1 Watchlist

Seasons & episodes

49 seasons · 1159 episodes

Episode 01

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

Episode 02

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

Episode 03

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

Episode 04

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

Episode 05

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

Episode 06

Episode 6

Oct 23, 1972

Tonight's contenders are drawn from the London area, and the programme comes from the University of Essex, Colchester. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 07

Episode 7

Oct 30, 1972

Tonight's contenders represent the South East of England, and the programme comes from the University of Essex, Colchester. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 08

Episode 8

Nov 6, 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 Wales, and the programme comes from the Llandaff College of Technology, Cardiff. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 09

Episode 9

Nov 13, 1972

Tonight's contenders represent the South-West of England, and the programme comes from Llandaff College of Technology. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 10

Nov 20, 1972

This new brain game invites contenders to take the stand and defend their claim to the title of Mastermind of the UK They have two minutes in which to establish their knowledge of a chosen subject, with a further period to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's contenders represent the Midlands, and the programme comes from the University of Birmingham. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 11

Nov 27, 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 period to consolidate their position by answering questions right across the board. Tonight's contenders are drawn from the London area, and the programme comes from the University of Birmingham. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 12

Semi-Final 1

Dec 4, 1972

Eleven aspiring Masterminds have won through to the Semi-Finals. In this round the contenders have to prove their ability in a second specialist subject, as well as a further exacting round of general knowledge questions. Tonight's programme comes from Edinburgh. Rev Dr Michael Dewar (Northern Ireland), Nancy Wilkinson (Cambridge), Nicholas Lane (London), Robert Crampsey (Glasgow) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 13

Sem-Final 2

Dec 11, 1972

In this round the contenders have to prove their ability in a second specialist subject, as well as a further exacting round of general knowledge questions. Tonight's programme comes from Edinburgh. James MacGregor (Kelso), Joan Taylor (Newcastle upon Tyne), David Drake-Brockman (Lymington), Ivan Limmer (Burnley) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 14

Semi-Final 3

Dec 18, 1972

Tonight's programme comes from London. James Bruce (London), Beryl Leatham Thomas (Oswestry), Frederick Nicholls (Haverfordwest) Interrogator Magnus Magnusson

Episode 15

The Final

Dec 26, 1972

Only three contenders remain to take up the challenge to become Mastermind of the United Kingdom. The Brain Game that requires the co-ordination of specialist and general knowledge, with the ability to answer quickly and concisely. Interrogator Magnus Magnusson