January 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of MASTERPIECE, the iconic PBS drama series that sparked America’s infatuation with British television. Mega hits such as Upstairs Downstairs, Sherlock and Downton Abbey found pop culture status. MASTERPIECE also sought out ground-breaking shows such as Prime Suspect and the original House of Cards. But it’s the literary classics such as Bleak House, Wolf Hall and The Forsyte Saga as well as detective-led mysteries like Foyle’s War, Inspector Morse, and Granchester that have consistently drawn an audience of millions each week to the series. Viewers have been treated to the world’s greatest acting talent, including many British actors who later became international stars, such as Glenda Jackson, Kenneth Branagh, Keira Knightley, Daniel Radcliffe, Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Rufus Sewell, and Michelle Dockery, among others.

 

Join GPB for a look back at 50 fabulous years of this amazing series and a sneak peek at what is coming in 2021!