Masterpiece Theatre - Format Change

Format Change

In 2008, the word “Theatre” was dropped, and the show, officially known as Masterpiece, was split into three different sections. Masterpiece Classic was initially hosted by Gillian Anderson; the following year, Laura Linney stepped into the role of host. Masterpiece Mystery! is hosted by Alan Cumming. Masterpiece Contemporary was initially hosted by Matthew Goode; he was replaced by David Tennant in 2009.

All three versions received their own opening sequences and theme music with a common signature based upon Rondeau. In the opening to the “Classic” strand of shows, the word “Theatre” appears for a brief moment, apparently in order to maintain WGBH's trademark registration on the former name (in 2011, the show’s 40th anniversary, the opening was altered to show “Classic” briefly before showing “40 years”). The theme music was composed by Man Made Music, Inc; the opening sequences were designed by Kyle Cooper of Prologue.

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