‘Downton Abbey’ season 4: Why it will help PBS, and why PBS helps it

When you look at all of the programming options out there, public television is not always one that people consider. As a matter of fact, the medium presents some frustrations to fans of “Downton Abbey” because the show comes on months after its British counterparts, and therefore ends up getting spoiled for most of those waiting for it to air in America.

However, you also have to admit that there are some clear advantages in having this sort of programming on a network that already both knows it and appreciates it. Speaking to new chat with Deadline, the network’s President / CEO Paula Kerger explains why the network benefits it, and how it may have done so from the start:

“We have on Sunday nights an audience that really loves this kind of programming, so we were able to build on an existing audience and add into it.”

Kerger also insists that the network has stayed focused on their core goal, which is to create quality content that connects to people, which largely explains their philosophy moving forward. What we especially appreciate about the network following their “Downton Abbey” success is that they are not rushing to change things in order to capitalize on the upcoming fourth season. They are keeping it on in early January to avoid competition, and they are not surrounding it with programming designed to exploit its ratings. Instead, they are staying true to their mission statement, appealing to their loyal viewers, and hoping that some who enjoy the adventures of Mary, Mr. Bates, and the rest of the characters will give some other programs an opportunity.

Do you believe that the success of “Downton Abbey” in America is in many ways linked to PBS, and do you also appreciate how the network is not rushing to try and exploit season 4? If you do want to read some more news related to some of the series’ stars, our advice is to head on over to the link here.

Photo: ITV