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.
- Created by
- Bill Wright
- First aired
- Sep 11, 1972
- Status
- Returning Series
- Network
- BBC One, BBC Two
- Episodes
- 1,159
- Country
- GB
Watch Mastermind
S1 E12: Semi-Final 1
S1 E12 Semi-Final 1
Dec 4, 1972Eleven 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
