Masterpiece Theater
Why We Turned to PBS: WGBH Programs and Captioning
The New York Times: We asked our writers to reflect on PBS’s lasting imprint on our culture, while Rachael Ray, Gary Clark Jr., Damon Lindelof, Kal Penn and others share first-person reminiscences about the television that changed their lives.
Read MoreDame Diana Rigg, 82, Mystery! host
She was an integral member of the MASTERPIECE family, including 15 years as the host of MYSTERY!, where her elegant introductions made an indelible impression on U.S. audiences.
Read MoreWhy has WGBH had such an impact? Five views
Fred Barzyk: “I have asked several long time producers at WGBH to take a crack at the question of ‘Why does WGBH, a local public TV station in Boston, have such an impressive impact on media, culture and innovation?’ What follows are several responses to the question.”
Read MoreRussell Baker, 93, Masterpiece Theater host
To a generation of television watchers, he was also a familiar face as the host of “Masterpiece Theater” on PBS from 1993 to 2004, having succeeded Alistair Cooke.
Read More‘Downton Abbey’ and How PBS Got Cool
From the Daily Beast: Masterpiece’s Emmy- and Golden Globe–winning hit, Downton Abbey, has catapulted the public-television broadcaster with the stodgy reputation to the cool kids’ table.
Read MoreOn ‘Downton Abbey,’ downward mobility in period garb
From the Boston Globe: Part of Downton Abbey’s appeal is the smugness of hindsight. Just like “Mad Men” helps us think, “At least we’re not that sexist,” “Downton” lets us congratulate ourselves about American social mobility.
Read MoreAlex Beam: Down on season two of Downton Abbey
From the Boston Globe: I loved the first season of “Downton,” [but] season two has a phoned-in quality, miracles occur where skillful writing might have intervened, subplots wax and wane randomly. But I am an originalist snob.
Read MorePBS takes on the premium channels
Rebecca Eaton: “Downton Abbey is the closest thing to water-cooler television as public television gets.”
Read MoreTime calls Rebecca Eaton one of world’s most influential people
Time: Rebecca Eaton has been the executive producer of Masterpiece for 25 of its 40 years. She has a passion for great drama, for great stories, beautifully told, that showcase extraordinary actors.
Read MoreProducing and recording “Favorite Themes for Masterpiece Theatre”
From Nat Johnson: I was stunned to learn from my studio producer that a musical legend would be joining the band that morning: Alan Civil had played in the Beatles’ albums “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Holy Cow!
Read MoreRemembering Jeremy Brett
Our dear friend, and a magnificent actor.
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