BBC Showcase 2011 – Drama in Brighton

It’s the final day of the annual BBC Showcase held in Brighton (for the last time, as it turns out, with Liverpool being next year’s destination) which saw another day packed with screenings the last ‘official presentation’ from the BBC drama department. It’s been a strong year already from an output standpoint as was pointed […]

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Downton Abbey separation anxiety still? Try Any Human Heart on PBS

For those who find themselves, still, in the throws of Downton Abbey withdrawal and need to know how to pass the time until the doors of 165 Eaton Place are open once again on Sunday, 10 April, PBS and Channel 4 bring you the next stellar addition to Masterpiece‘s 40th anniversary season, Any Human Heart, […]

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165 Eaton Place lease renewed for a second year

It’s only February, but it’s time to circle Fall 2011/Winter 2012 on your calendar for round two of the bout between Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs. We all know the story of the mega-hit from ITV, Downton Abbey. Broadcast last Fall in the UK to record viewer numbers and followed by a US premiere on […]

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Downton Abbey separation anxiety yet?

Downton Abbey has come and gone. Seems like it was just yesterday that Lady Grantham came into our respective lives. It’s ok to feel a bit sad over losing a friend you just made some four weeks ago. Rest assured, she’ll be back, better than ever, before you know it. As we mentioned recently, series […]

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Downton Abbey – Dowager Countess' say the darndest things

Everyone in America seems a bit down today. Some realize that after the Super Bowl next Sunday, the American football season is over until Fall. While some have hope with the knowledge that pitchers and catchers report in a little over two weeks, others realize baseball season is, officially, still two months away. Personally, I’m […]

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More on British sitcoms: Class warfare on the horizon?

Working class sitcoms vs. Blue collar comedy. Fawlty Towers vs. Father Ted. The Telegraph vs. The Guardian. No matter what side you’re on in this rather ridiculous issue, what viewers ultimately want is good comedy. While Telegraph readers tend to lean more towards the Conservative Party and a centre-right view, the majority of the Guardian readers […]

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Scattershooting on a Monday….Downton Abbey, Judi Dench and more

More trolling around the Internets bringing you more tidbits of witty banter to amaze your friends with at parties…. Downton Abbey production begins in February We reported last week that Downton Abbey is set to go into production next month in the UK. Now that the second or four episodes has come and gone on […]

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British comedy scattershooting on a Monday….

Survived the first snowstorm of 2011, a whopping 2 inches (insert laughter from Colorado readers here) after all was said and done. Time for a periodic look around the horn at what’s happening in the world of British comedy, British television and the actors/actresses you’ve come to know and love over the years. Can’t save […]

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Downton Abbey opens its doors tonight on PBS

Finally, it’s zero hour in the US. Downton Abbey premieres tonight as part of the new season of Masterpiece on PBS. Both critically acclaimed and a huge audience hit when broadcast this past Fall on ITV, this is definitely television worth watching. According to Simon Heffer of the Telegraph, the authenticity and visual detail makes […]

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