Break out the fine china: “Downton Abbey” has been given a sixth season on PBS’s “Masterpiece.”
“Downton” is a Carnival/Masterpiece co-production. Season 5 completes its UK run on Sunday; Season 5 premieres on PBS Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.
The British period drama is written and created by Julian Fellowes, and is executive produced by Fellowes, Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge, and Nigel Marchant.
Rebecca Eaton is the executive producer for “Masterpiece,” which is presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.
“Good news! Just as our audience settles in for the beloved Crawley family drama, we can announce that Season 6 will arrive a year later,” Eaton said in a press release. “How lucky can you get?”
Carnival’s Managing Director Neame added: “We have had an amazing reaction to the story lines, acting and production values of Downton Abbey this year and the whole team is thrilled to be moving ahead with a new season of the show. This will provide audiences with a fresh opportunity to see what will befall our much loved characters.”
“At its heart, television is about storytelling, and ‘Downton Abbey’ is certainly storytelling at its finest. ‘Downton Abbey’ and the Crawley family have kept us on the edge of our seats as they navigate through some of the biggest moments of the 20th century,” said Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO. “Along with our member stations, PBS can’t wait to share the next season of Downton drama with our audiences.”