Two examples of ‘appointment television’ as there will ever be on Sunday….

Sunday telly in the States are all about Downton Abbey, at least for two more Sundays anyway. But, tomorrow we are granting unofficial papal dispensation here at Tellyspotting to those loyal Downton Abbey watchers to switch over to Fox for just a short period of time to see the British invasion of American telly at its finest. The great thing is you will be able to watch The Simpsons with Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) voicing not one, but TWO characters and still have time for a quick dinner before the action heats up over at Downton on PBS. The Simpsons will air a 8pET/7pCT and Downton Abbey is at 9pET/8pCT so easily watched in real-time or by setting the DVR for both.
 

 
In its 24th season on Fox, The Simpsons is showing no signs of slowing down. In addition to both Zooey Deschanel and Benedict Cumberbatch’s efforts on Sunday, guest voices this year will include Steve Carell, Jeff Gordon, Marvin Hamlish, Joe Mantegna and John Lovitz. In Sunday’s episode, Bart’s heart strings are pulled once again when Mary Spuckler (Zooey Deschanel) returns to Springfield. Unfortunately, his failure to pay her enough attention strains their relationship. Marge, too, puts Homer in the dog house in this Valentines-Day themed episode. Cumberbatch plays both Alan Rickman and the Prime Minister.

So, just this once, over to Fox you go but come back to your rightful home by the time Downton begins on your local PBS station.