On one hand, you’d think there would be the potential to view the recent announcement of the commissioning of series 4 of Downton Abbey and think, “…our work here is done“. Not so, however, if you are ITV and have your sights set on taking over for the BBC in the world of drama output. […]
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By all accounts, 2012 was a pretty stellar year for drama output from the BBC and ITV. Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Endeavour, DCI Banks, Scott and Bailey, Call the Midwife and Upstairs Downstairs to name a few. In 2013, it only gets better as both the BBC and ITV are getting ready to rumble for drama […]
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Contrary to their North American neighbors to the west, both Christmas Day and Boxing Day might just possibly be the most important days in the UK for telly watching. Each and every year, both the BBC and ITV1 do not disappoint. As we wrote last year…and the year before…and the year before that, Christmas and […]
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This is like asking someone if they would rather have the Cod Liver Oil first with the Alka Seltzer chaser to follow or vice-versa. Trust me, giving either of them a cherry-flavor isn’t going to help in either case, they still tasted bad when you were a kid. That said, unfortunately, I need to be […]
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Bill Carter of the New York Times is reporting this week that US broadcast network NBC is partnering with Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes in the development of a new period drama set in New York during the 19th century. Fellowes will write and produce The Gilded Age, which will recreate New York society in […]
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You know you’ve arrived when even one of the following happens: You are the subject of a Saturday Night Live parody sketch You are featured in not only one, but TWO Jimmy Fallon parody sketches You are featured on the front page of The Onion So, imagine the weight that Downton Abbey carries these days […]
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As the United States braces for the Downton Abbey arrival of Shirley MacLaine in the premiere of series 3 (January 6, 2013 on PBS’ aptly named Masterpiece), word from the UK on Friday was that Christmas was to come early to all around the planet. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus! ITV has given […]
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It’s hard to believe that it’s already Thanksgiving here in the States and, as mind-numbing as it may be, Christmas is right around the corner. That said, it’s important to remember today as a day where it’s important to take a moment and think about family and friends and all the things you are truly […]
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Don’t tell anyone, but it looks like Downton Abbey is headed to a 4th series in 2013 (insert deep sigh of relief here). As the U.S. eagerly awaits the initial crossing of the paths of Shirley MacLaine and Dame Maggie Smith, the thought that there will, most likely, be a series 4 allows everyone west […]
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Forget the obligatory countdowns that are beginning to surface with regards to how many shopping days until Christmas, etc. The real countdown is that, in the States on PBS, we are exactly 9 weeks from today away from the premiere of the new season of Downton Abbey – (insert a public thank you to all […]
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