Birdsong – Another BBC/PBS 'Masterpiece' for 2012


With the States in the final days until the premiere of the second series of Downton Abbey on PBS’ Masterpiece and the UK only days removed from the Christmas Day conclusion of series 2 on ITV, it seems only fitting that the BBC has begun to fight back against those in the post-Downton Abbey era that think there’s a new sheriff in town when it comes to quality drama both with ITV (Downton Abbey) and Sky Atlantic which bring the likes of American drama imports such as The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men across the pond.

With that, Ben Stephenson,controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, commented recently that, “…It’s about fighting back against any perception that we don’t make the best drama in the world.” The recent announcement of Birdsong, which stars Clemence Poesy (Harry Potter) and Eddie Redmayne in the two-part television adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’ 1993 novel, will attempt do just that. “Birdsong will be a signal of intent in terms of the scope and ambition of BBC One drama”, added Stephenson.

Given the strong critical-acclaim and high audience numbers in the UK this past week for the BBC production of Great Expectations and the announcement of Birdsong for 2012 broadcast, the BBC is primed and ready to reclaim their place as creators of the best drama in the world. PBS Masterpiece viewers be alerted that Great Expectations will air beginning April 1, 2012 and Birdsong is tentatively scheduled for an April 22, 2012 premiere.


In: Drama

  • I love that PBS and KERA bring us the best of both ITV and BBC. 🙂

  • Brenda Brown

    Just to say that we enjoyed the first part on the BBC’s Birdsong so much we can’t wait for tomorrow night to see the second part. What a masterpiece of adaptation to the small screen and how delightful the presentation,charaters and the whole film is.
    Thankyou all so much.

  • Henny

    I just watched the first episode and can’t wait for the second.
     

  • Henny

    I just watched the first episode and can’t wait for the second.
     

  • Mallory

    As usual with Masterpiece Theatre this was beautifully filmed especially the scenes in the trenches and the performances are wonderful and believable.

  • Mallory

    As usual with Masterpiece Theatre this was beautifully filmed especially the scenes in the trenches and the performances are wonderful and believable.

  • Dbatoots

    think about how much film was dedicated to staring into space supposedly remembering or longing.
    Sorry, not much story and alot of people silently looking at nothing.
    I must say that this is the first time I am less than thrilled at a Masterpiece entry. I turned it off after an hour.

    • Alpharep

      I agree 100%.  Way too much staring into space, I found the male lead especially annoying.  Not likeable at all.  Very disappointed, turned it off about an hour in.  

  • Dbatoots

    think about how much film was dedicated to staring into space supposedly remembering or longing.
    Sorry, not much story and alot of people silently looking at nothing.
    I must say that this is the first time I am less than thrilled at a Masterpiece entry. I turned it off after an hour.

    • Alpharep

      I agree 100%.  Way too much staring into space, I found the male lead especially annoying.  Not likeable at all.  Very disappointed, turned it off about an hour in.  

  • Pstauffer17

    Very much enjoyed Birdsong. 

  • Pstauffer17

    Very much enjoyed Birdsong. 

  • twinkaa

    I totally loved Birdsong.  If you’ve ever been in love, how could you NOT?

  • twinkaa

    I totally loved Birdsong.  If you’ve ever been in love, how could you NOT?

  • Chris Makepeace

    The first episode was great. My wife and I are looking forward to the second episode (the final episode, I assume).

  • Chris Makepeace

    The first episode was great. My wife and I are looking forward to the second episode (the final episode, I assume).

  • pbsfan

    I am appalled at the casting for one of my favorite novels–BIRDSONG.  The 2 leads have no chemistry with each other or with the audience.  Who makes such decisions?

  • pbsfan

    I am appalled at the casting for one of my favorite novels–BIRDSONG.  The 2 leads have no chemistry with each other or with the audience.  Who makes such decisions?

  • Patricia

    I loved it. The lead actor was amazing with his eyes. He didn’t need to speak. If one had watched it to the end, it was a very well acted movie for PBS as usual.

  • Patricia

    I loved it. The lead actor was amazing with his eyes. He didn’t need to speak. If one had watched it to the end, it was a very well acted movie for PBS as usual.

  • Toyotajbabe

    One of the most romantic and tragic love stories Ive ever seen! I loved everything about this movie!!

  • Toyotajbabe

    One of the most romantic and tragic love stories Ive ever seen! I loved everything about this movie!!

  • Apolitical2

    I am a classic “A” impatient type but I was spellbound by Birdsong, the gore and beauty that is war and life.

  • Apolitical2

    I am a classic “A” impatient type but I was spellbound by Birdsong, the gore and beauty that is war and life.

  • bk

    Needed better directing, too much mumbling and not clear enough.  Could have been better.

  • bk

    Needed better directing, too much mumbling and not clear enough.  Could have been better.

  • Karen Jare

    It is the most sensitively creative and beautiful thing I have ever seen.  The expressiveness in the eyes and lips was almost too much to bear.  If some of the dialogue was not altogether enunciated, I am prepared to believe that it was simply private, and I was meant to witness as much as I did.  It has influenced my every act, my writing, my playing the piano, my speaking, my moving through space.  I am deeply grateful; I feel acknowledged, accompanied.

  • Karen Jare

    It is the most sensitively creative and beautiful thing I have ever seen.  The expressiveness in the eyes and lips was almost too much to bear.  If some of the dialogue was not altogether enunciated, I am prepared to believe that it was simply private, and I was meant to witness as much as I did.  It has influenced my every act, my writing, my playing the piano, my speaking, my moving through space.  I am deeply grateful; I feel acknowledged, accompanied.

  • Oallybama

    I loved thispresentation – especially Eddie Redmayne.  He is the most incredible actor!

  • Oallybama

    I loved thispresentation – especially Eddie Redmayne.  He is the most incredible actor!