PBS creating podcast for ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Sherlock’ analysis and more

PBS has long been a caterer of all things British television through their Masterpiece brand. but there has always been one major drawback to it: There’s not much there that qualifies as exclusive. While you get to watch “Downton Abbey” sans commercials (which is not something that happens over on ITV in Britain), you have to wait many months to get it versus U.S. audiences. The same goes for BBC hit “Call the Midwife.” While the “Sherlock” special subtitled “The Abominable Bride” is coming on New Year’s Day, it is still hours after it airs across the pond.

So how do you stand out? The network has announced a new podcast series entitled Masterpiece Studio, which will feature important people involved with many of the shows featured through the brand. The podcast will debut on Monday, December 21 with “Sherlock” actor and co-creator Mark Gatiss, and the following week will feature a preview for the final season of “Downton Abbey.” These podcasts will be hosted by writer / editor Jace Lacob.

In a statement, Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton had the following to say:

“We know MASTERPIECE has devoted, loyal fans and our new podcast ‘MASTERPIECE Studio’ is another way for them to experience what they love about our programs — the great acting and incredible storytelling. We hope that anyone who loves British programs will come to hear how these amazing shows are made. And Jace Lacob is the perfect host.”

We will always applaud the idea of bringing people more intelligent discussion and insight behind some of their favorite shows. There is a clear thirst for it, especially when it leads to candid conversations that help further extend a brand into a territory where it can have more space to shine. With this, Masterpiece now has something extra.