Mystery! is a PBS anthology series, which debuted in 1980. In some respects a spin-off of Masterpiece Theater, the concept was suggested to PBS affiliate WGBH Boston in 1979 by an executive for Mobil Oil, the longtime Masterpiece sponsor. Following the success of a series adapting Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey on Masterpiece Theater, Mystery! was devised as a showcase for various British detective series and occasional one-shot stories or serials, importing pre-existing product from the BBC, ITV, and others, but with WGBH as a direct investor in producing new series as well, which would be shared. Such diverse characters as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Inspector Morse, and Dr. Jekyll were featured over the years. The series opening featured distinctive animation, designed by Edw