The BBC's iconic quiz show Mastermind, once famed for its formidable difficulty, is facing a fierce backlash from loyal viewers who accuse it of being 'dumbed down'. The criticism erupted following last week's celebrity Christmas specials, where contestants were asked what many considered to be 'painfully easy' general knowledge questions.
Simple Questions Spark Viewer Outrage
Presenter Clive Myrie, 61, returned to host the festive special featuring guests including journalist Maryam Moshiri, singer Chesney Hawkes, comedian Desiree Burch, and broadcaster Danny Robins. However, the level of questioning quickly became a major point of contention.
One notably basic query saw Myrie ask American comedian Desiree Burch: 'Woof woof and bow wow are representations of the sound made by what domestic pet?' Burch appeared momentarily puzzled before answering 'dog'.
Other straightforward questions posed during the general knowledge rounds included:
- 'The term veg, as in fruit and veg, is an abbreviation for what type of food stuff?'
- 'Beef is a meat from what farm animals?'
- 'Which cardinal point on a compass is represented by the letter S?'
This was a stark contrast to the show's historic reputation for challenging queries, such as the classic: 'What is oil of vitriol better known as?' The answer is sulphuric acid.
A Legacy of Tough Quizzing Under Threat
The show, which began in 1972 under the stewardship of Magnus Magnusson, was created by Bill Wright. Wright is said to have drawn inspiration from his own experiences of being interrogated by the Gestapo during the Second World War, intending to create a uniquely intense quiz format.
In the recent celebrity edition, even the specialist subject rounds raised eyebrows. BBC presenter Maryam Moshiri's first question on the Bridget Jones films was: 'Which actress played Bridget Jones?' The correct answer, Renee Zellweger, was swiftly given, but fans expressed disbelief at the simplicity.
One frustrated viewer complained online: 'Is that the standard of knowledge for celebrities on this show? Not worth my time – I'm switching off!' Another added: 'These questions are so easy it’s a joke.' Many reported changing channels within minutes of the show starting on Monday evening.
Celebrity Struggles and Ratings Context
When faced with more demanding questions, some celebrities did struggle. Comedian Lucy Beaumont was asked which world leader declared 'Ich bin ein Berliner' in 1963; she incorrectly guessed Adolf Hitler, rather than John F. Kennedy.
Actor Gamba Cole, whose specialist subject was the Rush Hour films, could not name the athletic event run over 26 miles and 385 yards: a marathon.
The controversy comes as the BBC revealed its worst ever Christmas TV ratings. Its most-watched programme was the King's Christmas message, with 4.6 million viewers—almost two-thirds fewer than the top show on Christmas Day 2024, the finale of Gavin and Stacey.
The backlash highlights a delicate balance for programme makers: adapting formats for celebrity specials while maintaining the intellectual rigour that made Mastermind a national institution for over five decades.
