Background Master protocols, classified as basket trials, umbrella trials, and platform trials, are a novel approach that offers enhanced efficiency and a more ethical approach to trial evaluation. Despite the many advantages of these designs, they are infrequently used. Methods We conducted a landscape analysis of published master protocols using a systematic literature search to determine what trials have been conducted, with an overall goal of improving literacy in this emerging concept. English-language studies identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases and hand-searches of published reviews and registries from inception to October 1st, 2018 Results We identified 59 master protocols (35 basket-, 13 umbrella-, 11 platform trials). The number of master protocols has increased rapidly over the last five years. Most have been conducted in the US (n=32/59) and investigated experimental drugs (n=58/59), in the field of oncology (n=53/59). The majority of basket trials were exploratory (i.e. phase I/II; n=33/35) and not randomized (n=30/35), with half only investigating a single intervention. The median sample size of basket trials was 208 participants (Interquartile range, Q3-Q1 [IQR]: 589-92), with a median study duration of 60.9 (IQR: 71.9-39.9) months. Similar to basket trials, most of umbrella trials were exploratory (n=11/13), but use of randomization was more common (n=8/13). The median sample size of umbrella trials was 342 participants (IQR: 400-250), with a median study duration of 62.9 (IQR: 82.8-46.9) months. The median number of interventions investigated in umbrella trials was 5 (IQR: 5-4). In platform trials, randomization (n=10/11) and phase III investigation (n=5/10; one did not report information on phase), with four of them using seamless II/III design, were more common. The median sample size was 783.5 (IQR: 1857.5-319.5), with median study duration of 63.3 (IQR: 115.0-41.9) months. Conclusions We anticipate that the number of master protocols will continue to increase at a rapid pace over the upcoming decades. More efforts to improve awareness and training are needed to apply these innovative trial design methods to fields outside of oncology.