From comedies to tragedies and everything in between, Masterpiece Theatre has something for everyone.
My first exposure to Masterpiece Theatre was as a small child, sneaking a peek at "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" through the stair bannister of my family's second floor (our Sunday bedtime was 7pm, but I couldn't sleep and tried to be stealthy at 8pm!). However, when one of Henry's wives was caught during a tryst, she screamed, realizing that it meant her death. I was terrified, but knew that I couldn't cry out, or I would meet a fate worse than death! To this day, I have never quite overcome that shock, but I have learned to appreciate good drama; Masterpiece Theatre may have been a catalyst to my double-majoring in Theatre in college, along with my chosen profession.
Although not every show will appeal to everybody. Personally, I avoid sitting through banal stories such as "The Virgin Queen (Elizabeth I)" or "Jane Eyre", and though I might wonder why shows such as "Prime Suspect" and "Sherlock Holmes" didn't air on "Mystery!",
I can eventually enjoy fast-paced romps and true-to-life stories, such as "Casanova" and "Carrie's War".
While stories such as "...Henry VIII" or "Prime Suspect" may be too intense for young children (per my little misadventure, above!), let them watch if they want to, especially with stories such as "Sherlock Holmes" and "Carrie's War", which can stimulate childrens' imaginations, as it did for me!
If you've never seen Masterpiece Theatre, you may have to wait for something that will tickle your fancy, but, I wish I could go back in time to view all the shows and series I missed! And, I assure you, I will give every current and future show a chance!moreless
Masterpiece Theatre
Sunday 9:00 PM on PBS Premiered Jan 10, 1971 In Season
Show Summary
EDIT
Welcome to the Masterpiece Theatre guide at TV.com.
On the air since 1971, in its early days the show consisted entirely of British drama productions, more than half of them from the BBC. Since the year 2000, some classic productions from the American Collection have also been included, but the bulk of the show still comes from the UK.
Masterpiece Theatre has won thirty Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as many other awards. To buy episodes of Masterpiece Theatre on DVD, visit its online store.
On the air since 1971, in its early days the show consisted entirely of British drama productions, more than half of them from the BBC. Since the year 2000, some classic productions from the American Collection have also been included, but the bulk of the show still comes from the UK.
Masterpiece Theatre has won thirty Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as many other awards. To buy episodes of Masterpiece Theatre on DVD, visit its online store.
 Alistair Cooke |
Host (1971-1992) |
Russell Baker |
Host (1992-2004) |
 Gillian Anderson |
Host of Masterpiece Classic (2008- ) |
 Alan Cumming |
Host of Masterpiece Mystery (2008-) |
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Themes
celebrity cameos, ensemble cast, historical people as characters, long running show, British TV