Masterpiece: 50 Fabulous Years!

Airs Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. – “Masterpiece: 50 Fabulous Years!” is a celebration of the iconic PBS series originally called “Masterpiece Theatre” — the riveting stories, fabulous performances, magnificent costumes and astonishing ability to transport viewers to another time and place. From “Upstairs Downstairs” and “I, Claudius” to “The Jewel in the Crown” and “Downton Abbey,” “Masterpiece” has stood the test of time and introduced generations of PBS viewers to the delights of British drama.

MORE: Support great drama on Arizona PBS and get a 13-DVD set, mug and hardcover book.

Hosted by award-winning actor and author Alan Cumming, Masterpiece: “50 Fabulous Years!” features in-depth interviews with “Downton Abbey” writer and creator Julian Fellowes; “Victoria” writer and creator Daisy Goodwin; Rebecca Eaton, Executive Producer of the series for 35 years, now Executive-Producer-at-Large; and Susanne Simpson, current Executive Producer of “Masterpiece.” Actors interviewed include Robin Ellis, who starred as the original Poldark and who made an appearance in the current series; Sir Derek Jacobi, who starred in the title role of “I, Claudius”; and Phyllis Logan, best known to Americans for her portrayal of Mrs. Hughes on “Downton Abbey.”

The program is also full of video clips from classics such as “Upstairs Downstairs,” “The Jewel in the Crown,” “I Claudius,” “Sherlock” and current fan favorites, including “Victoria,” “Endeavour,” “Poldark,” “Grantchester,” and many more.