The BBC has revealed Chess Masters, an eight-part competition series that will bring the excitement of chess to viewers in 2025. This announcement comes decades after The Master Game, the last time TV attempted to bring chess to a larger audience, this series ran from 1976 to 1983. With chess experiencing a surge in popularity, the BBC aims to reintroduce this beloved game to the small screen.
Chess Masters will air on BBC2 and BBC iPlayer, featuring players from diverse ages and backgrounds competing in rapid chess games. The series is produced by Curve Media and commissioned by BBC’s Factual Entertainment division. Across eight episodes, passionate and highly skilled players will showcase their strategic prowess and love for the game.
Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, emphasised the series’ focus on strategy and smart thinking. Camilla Lewis, Executive Producer for Curve Media, highlighted the inclusive nature of the show, stating, “There is untapped talent out there. Amateurs from 8 to 80 will get the opportunity to compete with the best…”
Chess has experienced a remarkable resurgence, becoming the fastest-growing sport in the world. It topped Twitch as the most-watched game in 2021 and was the most downloaded app on the iPhone store in February 2023. With six million regular players in the UK and 605 million adults playing globally, chess has become a global phenomenon.
The popularity of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and streamers like IM Levy Rozman and GM Hikaru Nakamura have further fueled interest in chess. Additionally, chess has found its way into popular culture, with references in Taylor Swift’s recent album and the involvement of celebrities like Anthony Joshua, Madonna, Will Smith, and Lily Cole.
The Master Game was a groundbreaking series that aired on BBC2 from 1976 to 1983. Presented by Jeremy James and featuring expert analysis from Leonard Barden and, later, Bill Hartston, the show offered viewers an innovative format. It combined footage of players with a display board featuring animated figurines and move notation, providing a unique visual experience for its time.
