Masterpiece Mystery 1980
What is Masterpiece Mystery?
Masterpiece Mystery is an episodic television series that debuted in the United States in 1980. Produced by WGBH and broadcast on PBS, the program functions as an anthology series that features various mystery stories.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1980
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 941
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- First aired
- Feb 5, 1980
- Last aired
- Nov 17, 2024
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- PBS
- Genres
- Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Updated
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 941 episodes and an average 60-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Masterpiece Mystery is an episodic television series that debuted in the United States in 1980. Produced by WGBH and broadcast on PBS, the program functions as an anthology series that features various mystery stories. The show has brought a large number of detective series and television movies to American television, most of which are British productions from the BBC or ITV companies. These programs are typically adapted from mystery fiction literary sources. Created by John Hawkesworth, the series has featured various hosts and performers throughout its run. In 2002, the program expanded its roster to include an American-produced series based on the novels of Tony Hillerman. In January 2008, the program was reformatted as part of the broader Masterpiece brand, which is aired as three different series. Masterpiece Mystery is known for presenting mysteries filled with eclectic characters and remains a long-running fixture on public television. The series continues to be recognized for its commitment to bringing classic adaptations and original drama to its audience.
Should you watch it?
“This long-running anthology series brings classic detective stories and mystery adaptations to American television audiences.”
- features high-quality British productions
- includes diverse mystery adaptations
- consists of many different series rather than one continuous story
Watch it if you enjoy classic detective fiction and television movies adapted from literary sources.
The series features mystery and drama content suitable for general television audiences.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 15 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 She Fell Among Thieves Feb 5, 1980
- E2 Rumpole of the Bailey, Series 1: Rumpole and the Honourable Member Feb 12, 1980
- E3 Rumpole of the Bailey, Series I: Rumpole and the Married Lady Feb 19, 1980
- E4 Rumpole of the Bailey, Series I: Rumpole and the Learned Friends Feb 26, 1980
- E5 Rumpole of the Bailey, Series I: Rumpole and the Heavy Brigade Mar 4, 1980
- E6 Rebecca: 1 Mar 11, 1980
- E7 Rebecca: 2 Mar 18, 1980
- E8 Rebecca: 3 Mar 25, 1980
- E9 Rebecca: 4 Apr 1, 1980
- E10 The Racing Game, Series I: Odds Against Apr 8, 1980
- E11 The Racing Game, Series I: Trackdown Apr 15, 1980
- E12 The Racing Game, Series I: Gambling Lady Apr 22, 1980
- E13 Sergeant Cribb I: Wobble to Death May 6, 1980
- E14 Sergeant Cribb, Series I: Swing, Swing Together May 13, 1980
- E15 Sergeant Cribb, Series I: Abracadaver May 20, 1980
Frequently asked questions
What is the origin of the show?
The series is produced by WGBH and airs on PBS.
Where do the productions come from?
Most productions are British, originating from the BBC or ITV companies.
Are all the stories British?
While most are British, the series has included American-produced content based on literary novels.
What kind of stories are featured?
The show focuses on detective series and television movies adapted from mystery fiction.
When did the series debut?
The Mystery! series debuted in 1980 in the USA.