Airing Sunday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 12:00 a.m.

– Join Host Alan Cumming To Celebrate the Series That Has Been Essential Sunday Night Viewing for Millions of Fans Since 1971 –

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. Hosted by award-winning actor and author Alan Cumming, MASTERPIECE: 50 FABULOUS YEARS! is part of special programming premiering on Southern Oregon PBS.

Masterpiece Theatre began its incredible 50-year run on January 10, 1971, becoming the longest-running, most perennially watched weekly drama series in American television history. Since then, the series has won 83 Primetime Emmys® and 16 Peabody Awards.

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, Jewel in the Crown, I Claudius, Sherlock and current fan favorites, including Victoria, Endeavour, Poldark, Grantchester, and many more.

PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.