MASTERPIECE: CLASSIC Downton Abbey

Get a special December Pledge Drive encore presentation of the first two episodes of the Emmy-winning MASTERPIECE: CLASSIC "Downton Abbey." Created by Emmy-winning writer Julian Fellowes, “Downton Abbey” depicts the lives of the noble Crawley family and the staff who serve them, set at their Edwardian country house in 1912. Featuring an all-star cast, including Hugh Bonneville (MASTERPIECE CLASSIC “Miss Austen Regrets”), Emmy-winner Dame Maggie Smith (Harry Potter) and Elizabeth McGovern. Laura Linney hosts.

7:00 pm Episode 1: When the Titanic goes down, Lord Grantham loses his immediate heirs, and his daughter Mary loses her fiancé, throwing Downton Abbey and its servants into turmoil. The new heir turns out to be Matthew, a lowly lawyer with novel ideas about country life. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern.

8:30 pm Episode 2: Mary entertains three suitors, including a Turkish diplomat whose boldness leads to a surprising event. Downstairs, the shocking former life of Carson, the butler, is unmasked and Bates risks his health to remain valet. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Dame Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern.

Episodes 3 & 4 will air at 8:00 pm on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, respectively, and a brand new season of Downton Abbey will begin on Jan. 8.

Special WCTE December Membership Drive Program. Call the number on your screen for special program-related Thank-you gifts when you donate. WCTE/PBS is donor-supported television. Everything we do - from educational outreach and community events to award-winning local productions and signature PBS programs - is possible because of viewers like you. Thank You for your generosity.