Plot Synopsis

MASTERPIECE THEATER began its run on January 10, 1971, becoming the longest-running, most perennially watched weekly primetime drama series in American television history. In its first 50 years, the series won 83 Primetime Emmys and 18 Peabody Awards, seven Golden Globes and two Oscars.

On Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 8pm (check local listings), PBS premiered "Masterpiece: 50 Fabulous Years!," a 90-minute special that features in-depth interviews with 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. Others interviewed include 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