Each winter and spring, Masterpiece classic features signature period dramas.
Jeremy Piven in Mr. Selfridge
Coming in 2013 to Masterpiece, Jeremy Piven (Entourage) stars in Mr. Selfridge, a drama series based on the real life story of the flamboyant and visionary American founder of Selfridge's, London's lavish department store. Set in 1909 London, Mr. Selfridge is created by Emmy® Award-winning writer Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Bleak House).
Downton Abbey Returns In January, 2013!
The Great War is over and a long-awaited engagement is on, but all is not tranquil at Downton Abbey. The thrilling third season of Downton Abbey premieres January 6, 2013, with the return of its all-star cast plus guest star Shirley MacLaine. Learn more about the Downton Abbey Season 3 premiere.
Masterpiece Earns 37 Primetime Emmy® Award Nominations!
Masterpiece was honored with nominations for Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Great Expectations, Page Eight and The Song of Lunch — the most nominations for one season in the history of the series! Read the complete list of nominations.
Upstairs Downstairs Season 2 Returns In Fall, 2012
The saga continues at 165 Eaton Place, premiering October 7, 2012, with new characters upstairs and down, in a six-part sequel to the much-loved Masterpiece series. Set in 1936, the lives of masters and servants have never been so captivating, as two new arrivals make their mark and Lady Agnes reveals a dark secret. Alex Kingston (ER, Doctor Who) joins the cast.
Shirley MacLaine to Join Cast of Downton Abbey Season 3
Masterpiece and Carnival Films are delighted to announce that Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Shirley MacLaine (In Her Shoes, Terms of Endearment, The Apartment), will join the cast of Downton Abbey when season 3 begins production this spring. Ms. MacLaine will play a new character, Martha Levinson, the mother of Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern). "Shirley MacLaine is a great actress and she's as American as the day is long," says Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "I can't wait to see her go toe-to-toe with Maggie Smith's Lady Violet."
Downton Abbey Season 2
The return of Downton Abbey season 2 to Masterpiece classic was one of 2012's most talked about television events! Watch exclusive video interviews with the cast, explore features from seasons 1 and 2, and stay in touch with all things Downton Abbey!
Highlights from the 2012 Masterpiece Classic Season
January 8 to February 19, 2012
Downton Abbey Season 2
Downton Abbey season 2 resumes the story of aristocrats and servants in the tumultuous World War I era. The international hit is written by Julian Fellowes and stars Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, and Hugh Bonneville among others.
April 1 & 8, 2012
Great Expectations
Gillian Anderson, David Suchet and Ray Winstone star in this new adaptation of Great Expectations, widely considered one of the greatest novels by Charles Dickens. Great Expectations follows orphan boy Pip as he rises from an apprentice to a gentleman.
April 15, 2012
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
The Mystery Of Edwin Drood is a psychological thriller about a provincial choirmaster's obsession with 17-year-old Rosa Bud and the lengths he will go to to attain her. The cast includes Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) and Julia MacKenzie (Miss Marple).
April 22 & 29, 2012
Birdsong
An adaptation of Sebastian Faulk's novel about lovers torn apart by World War I. Eddie Redmayne (The Pillars of the Earth) plays Stephen Wrayford, whose pre-war affair with Isabelle Azaire (Clemence Poesy, Harry Potter films) has an enduring effect on him as he fights in the trenches.
Masterpiece's Most Beloved Filming Locations
From the majestic Highclere Castle used as the setting for Downton Abbey to the untouched village of Lacock, featured in Cranford and Return to Cranford, Masterpiece has showcased some of the most splendid locations in Great Britain and around the world. Now, for the first time, explore some of the most beloved and intriguing Masterpiece locations and add your own comments and travel tips.