Mastermind

A hushed, serious quiz where the ticking clock and stern questioning make ordinary knowledge feel like an interrogation.

Created by

Bill Wright

Genres

Talk

Starring

Magnus Magnusson, John Humphrys, Clive Myrie

Overview

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.

How it feels

Tense, earnest and dark. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Identity, obsession, work, education

Content

No violence, gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)