Show of the week: Masterpiece: Downton Abbey
Masterpiece's new four-part drama echoes Upstairs, Downstairs but adds modern twists.
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
Join 350,000+ subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.