Masterpiece Mystery (1980)
The landmark PBS anthology series bringing the finest British and American detective dramas to American audiences since 1980.
Masterpiece Mystery - Series Information
- Original Title: Masterpiece Mystery
- First Air Year: 1980
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 45
- Number of Episodes: 941
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: PBS
- Alternative Titles: Mystery (US)
Masterpiece Mystery - Plot
Mystery! is an episodic television series that debuted in 1980 in the USA. It airs on PBS and is produced by WGBH. The show has brought a large number of detective series and television movies—most of them British productions from the BBC or the ITV companies and usually adapted from mystery fiction literary sources—to air on American television. In 2002, they added an American-produced series based on the novels of Tony Hillerman to their roster.
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Masterpiece Mystery - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Diana Rigg
- Alan Cumming
- Vincent Price
- Gene Shalit
Masterpiece Mystery - FAQs
Where can you stream Masterpiece Mystery online?
Masterpiece Mystery is available to stream on PBS and the PBS app. Many episodes and featured series can also be found on Amazon Prime Video through the PBS Masterpiece channel add-on. Availability of specific titles varies depending on licensing agreements and region.
What British detective shows have aired on Masterpiece Mystery?
Masterpiece Mystery has featured a wide range of celebrated British detective series, including Inspector Morse, Prime Suspect, Poirot, Sherlock, Endeavour, Vera, and Broadchurch, among many others. Most productions originate from the BBC or ITV and are adapted from classic mystery fiction.
How many seasons does Masterpiece Mystery have?
Masterpiece Mystery has aired 45 seasons since its debut in 1980, accumulating 941 episodes across its run. Each season corresponds to a broadcast year, with the series continuing to air new mystery programming on PBS as a returning series.
What is Masterpiece Mystery about?
Masterpiece Mystery is a PBS anthology umbrella series that presents acclaimed detective dramas and mystery films, predominantly sourced from British broadcasters like the BBC and ITV. Adapted from literary classics and original scripts, it has introduced generations of American viewers to iconic sleuths and gripping whodunits.
Who are the hosts of Masterpiece Mystery?
Masterpiece Mystery has featured several notable hosts over the decades. Vincent Price and Gene Shalit served as early hosts, while Diana Rigg became the series' most iconic and long-running host. Alan Cumming later took on hosting duties, bringing a fresh personality to the beloved anthology series.
When did Masterpiece Mystery first air on PBS?
Masterpiece Mystery first aired in 1980 on PBS, produced by WGBH Boston. Over more than four decades, it has remained one of American public television's most enduring and respected programming strands, consistently delivering high-quality mystery and detective content to its audience.
Is Masterpiece Mystery still airing new episodes?
Yes, Masterpiece Mystery is still an active, returning series. Its most recent season aired in 2024, featuring 27 episodes. The series continues to be produced by WGBH and broadcast on PBS, regularly introducing new British and American mystery productions to American audiences.
What genre is Masterpiece Mystery?
Masterpiece Mystery spans the Crime, Drama, and Mystery genres. As an anthology series, it curates detective stories and mystery films that range from Victorian-era investigations and 1930s whodunits to post-war thrillers and contemporary crime dramas, offering remarkable variety within its core genre focus.
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