Critically acclaimed, audience favorite, new kid on the block versus the best show on television for 9 years running. Thank goodness for the invention of the DVR.

As most are aware, the long-awaited second series premiere of Downton Abbey is set for a Sunday, 18 September, transmission in the UK on ITV. When we last left the inhabitants of Downton Abbey, World War One loomed on the horizon. Given the impact of the war, those above and below the stairs find themselves bound together as both experience dramatically altered lives.

Now, comes the news today out of the BBC that the final 10th season premiere of Spooks (MI5) will go head to head with DA2 at 9:00pm on Sunday, 18 September.

Unfortunately, it’s a long, long wait until January 8, 2012 and the U.S. premiere of Downton Abbey on PBS’ Masterpiece series and April 2012 and the premiere of the final 10th season of Spooks (MI5). But, if you’re in the UK, you’re under two weeks to both premiere. In true World War II fashion…Keep Calm and Carry On. Every day is one day closer to 18 September.

Downton Abbey 2: Sunday, 18 Sept at 9p on ITV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA3Pjvog3M0

Spooks 10: Sunday, 18 Sept at 9p on BBC