A venerable English estate trembles on tides of change in this richly entertaining four-part drama, which echoes Upstairs, Downstairs but adds modern twists. When both male heirs to Downton Abbey perish aboard the Titanic, the estate’s future is thrown into doubt. Meanwhile, longstanding barriers of class and sexuality are crumbling among the servants. Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and a scene-stealing Maggie Smith anchor a fine cast; Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) wrote the intelligent script. Sundays, Jan. 9–30, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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