On this day, February 5, 1980, Mystery! premiered on PBS, launching a 17-season run as one of the most iconic crime and detective anthology series in television history. A spin-off of Masterpiece Theatre, Mystery! brought classic and contemporary detective stories to American audiences, often featuring adaptations of works by Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and P.D. James.
The series was best known for its distinctive animated opening sequence designed by Edward Gorey and its legendary hosts, including Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, and Alan Cumming. Over the years, Mystery! introduced American viewers to beloved British series such as Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Morse, and Prime Suspect.
Fun fact: Before becoming an acclaimed Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diana Rigg became a fan favorite as a host of Mystery! during the 1980s and 1990s.
Trivia question: Which famous horror actor served as the first host of Mystery!?
The series was best known for its distinctive animated opening sequence designed by Edward Gorey and its legendary hosts, including Vincent Price, Diana Rigg, and Alan Cumming. Over the years, Mystery! introduced American viewers to beloved British series such as Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Morse, and Prime Suspect.
Fun fact: Before becoming an acclaimed Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diana Rigg became a fan favorite as a host of Mystery! during the 1980s and 1990s.
Trivia question: Which famous horror actor served as the first host of Mystery!?
