Mastermind (1972)
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.
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Episodes
Next episode: S53E13 · 2026-10-19
SpecialsSeason 1Season 2Season 3Season 4Season 5Season 6Season 7Season 8Season 9Season 10Season 11Season 12Season 13Season 14Season 15Season 16Season 17Season 18Season 19Season 20Season 21Season 22Season 23Season 24Season 25Season 30Season 31Season 32Season 33Season 34Season 35Season 36Season 37Season 38Season 39Season 40Season 41Season 42Season 43Season 44Season 45Season 46Season 47Season 48Season 49Season 50Season 51Season 52Season 53
- 1 1. Episode 11973-09-03Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Quick reactions, depth of knowledge, fast recall and concise answers. All these are required in this tense and exciting Brain Game which comes tonig
- 2 2. Episode 21973-09-10Introduced by Magnus Magnusson When the questions begin, there is no time to ponder or elaborate. Contestants in this Brain Game know the answers immediately - or not at all. Tens
- 3 3. Episode 31973-09-17Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Greek mythology, words, classical music, 19th-century English literature... four aspiring Master-minds answer questions on these and general knowled
- 4 4. Episode 41973-09-24Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Quick reactions, depth of knowledge, fast recall and concise answers. The University of Bristol is the setting for tonight's episode of the Brain G
- 5 5. Episode 51973-10-04Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Scottish geography and literature, opera and Britain's railways - four new contestants meet in tonight's round from Glasgow University.
- 6 6. Episode 61973-10-11Introduced by Magnus Magnusson In tonight's brain game, from the University of Glasgow: an information scientist answers questions on Frederick the Great; a student on the history
- 7 7. Episode 71973-10-18Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Tonight's round of the brain game comes from Sussex University, Brighton. Douglas Gibson, a British Airways station officer, answers questions on mo
- 8 8. Episode 81973-10-25Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Sussex University, Brighton
- 9 9. Episode 91973-11-01Magnus Magnusson introduces the ninth heat which comes from the University of Keele. Reginald Drew answers on the Royal Navy, Sally Copeland on classical mythology, Christopher Mon
- 10 10. Episode 101973-11-08Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Keele University, Staffs. Tonight's contestants answer on British geography, Gilbert and Sullivan, the Third Reich and the 19th-century novel.
- 11 11. Episode 111973-11-15Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from the University of Reading
- 12 12. Episode 121973-11-22Introduced by Magnus Magnusson from Reading University In tonight's heat, the last before the quarter finals, Daniel Appleby answers questions on West Africa, Mrs Marilyn Halberst
- 13 13. Episode 131973-11-29Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Sixteen area Masterminds have won through to the second round of the competition. Four matches will be played and the challengers in tonight's prog
- 14 14. Episode 141973-12-06Introduced by Magnus Magnusson The challengers in tonight's second round are Paul Ponder from South East, Dr Reginald Webster from North West, Eleanor MacNair and Dr Archie Campbe
- 15 15. Episode 151973-12-13Introduced by Magnus Magnusson Sixteen area masterminds have won through to the second round of the competition. Four matches will be played and the challengers in tonight's prog
- 16 16. Episode 161973-12-20Introduced by Magnus Magnusson The four best runners-up from the national heats are given a second chance in this match to obtain a place in the final. They are John Colman from
- 17 17. Episode 171973-12-27Introduced by Magnus Magnusson The Final for the title of 'Mastermind of the United Kingdom'
Cast
Clive MyrieSelf - HostImages
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