28 minSeason 52 • Episode 28
LatestClive Myrie asks the questions in another semi-final. Specialist subjects include George Frideric Handel, the films of Christopher Nolan and the US Masters tournament from 1990 to the present.
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.
Sound
Neil Richardson's 'Approaching Menace' — genuinely unsettling.
Production
That black chair. The spotlight. Pure theatrical intimidation.
Creator
Bill Wright
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Bill Wright created the format after WWII interrogations by the Gestapo — he literally turned trauma into television.
The iconic black chair was designed to isolate contestants visually and psychologically, a deliberate choice never modernized across 48 seasons.
GB
