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.
Mastermind (Season 53)
Episode 1 (Episode 1)
Air date: 2026-07-13
Runtime: 29 min
Overview: Clive Myrie presents the first heat of the classic quiz where contenders face the famous black chair with the ultimate goal of becoming the next Mastermind champion. The specialist subjects are the 15th-century king Edward IV, the band Depeche Mode, the Films of Yorgos Lanthimos and Roy Keane.
Episode 2 (Episode 2)
Air date: 2026-07-20
Runtime: 29 min
Overview: Clive Myrie hosts the classic quiz where contenders take on the famous black chair. Specialist subjects include British and Irish cheeses, Jonathan Creek and Johannes Brahms.
Episode 3 (Episode 3)
Air date: 2026-07-27
Runtime: 29 min
Overview: Clive Myrie hosts the classic quiz where contenders take on the famous black chair. Subjects include Madness, the films of Wes Anderson and the history of the Paris Metro.
Episode 4 (Episode 4)
Air date: 2026-08-03
Runtime: 29 min
Overview: Clive Myrie hosts as four more contenders answer questions on specialist subjects, including British birds of prey, Roger Moore's tenure as James Bond and Sylvia Plath.
Seasons
Episodes 15
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 23
Episodes 23
Episodes 23
Episodes 23
Episodes 22
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 17
Episodes 14
Episodes 17
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 31
Episodes 4
Episodes 24