5 PBS Masterpiece Shows Worth Watching in Fall 2020
As we head into the fall season and TV shows resume production, it’s never too early to look ahead. Right now, we’ve got our eye on PBS Masterpiece, which has plenty of great options for viewing on the horizon.
Known especially for family dramas, period romances and suspenseful crime thrillers, PBS Masterpiece is offering three new titles to American viewers this fall: Van der Valk, Flesh and Blood and Roadkill.
Below, learn more about these shows and their premiere dates. Plus, we’ve also included a few recent Masterpiece faves for your viewing pleasure. What are you waiting for?!
Van der Valk
Series Premiere, Sunday, September 13, 9/8c
Based on the crime thrillers of author Nicolas Freeling, this reboot of the popular British series which ran for two decades, from 1972-1992, showcases a modernized version of Amsterdam as detective Piet Van der Valk (Marc Warren) investigates high-profile cases. Taking place over the course of three 90-minute episodes, Van der Valk will see the detective and his colleagues face challenges amid Amsterdam’s canals, bars, industrial areas and more. Filmed on location, the series features Warren alongside costars Maimie McCoy, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Darrell D’Silva, Emma Fielding, Daniel Lapaine and Tom York. (Episodes will be added to PBS Masterpiece’s Amazon Prime Video Channel the day after they air)
Flesh and Blood
Series Premiere, Sunday, October 4, 9/8c
This four-episode family drama/thriller follows widow Vivien (Francesca Annis) who finds romance with retired Surgeon Mark (Stephen Rea). Vivien’s adult children however, Jake (Quantico vet Russell Tovey), Helen (Claudie Blakley) and Natalie (Lydia Leonard), have mixed feelings about their mom’s new romance, while also dealing with their own complicated issues. Add in nosy neighbor Mary (Harry Potter‘s Imelda Staunton) and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a juicy mystery which opens up with a crime scene that includes a body, bloodstained rocks and a broken balcony. Find out who did what to whom when this gripping series arrives. (Episodes will be added to PBS Masterpiece’s Amazon Prime Video Channel the day after they air)
Roadkill
Sunday, November 1, 9/8c
In this political thriller, scripted by Sir David Hare, House vet Hugh Laurie plays Peter Laurence, a self-made former businessman who has risen through the ranks of the British government. The scheming politician toes a narrow line within the Machiavellian party and is unfazed when personal details of his life are unveiled for all to see and hear. Can he claim the ultimate political prize with enemies who are out to get him, colleagues wishing to overtake him and loved ones who want what he can’t give them? Find out when this drama kicks off in November. Laurie’s Roadkill costars include Helen McCrory, Saskia Reeves, Sarah Greene and Pip Torrens. (Episodes will be added to PBS Masterpiece’s Amazon Prime Video Channel the day after they air)
Sanditon
Available now on PBS Masterpiece
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s unfinished last literary work was brought to viewers by acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Davies and continues to capture viewer’s attention months after its debut. Following Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), the story sees her travel to the seaside resort town of Sanditon where she encounters various characters including the enigmatic Sidney Parker (Theo James). The series is filled with romance and drama as Austen’s characters come to life. Joining Williams and James in the series are Anne Reid, Kris Marshall, Crystal Clarke and more. (The full season is currently available to stream on PBS Masterpiece’s Amazon Prime Video Channel)
Beecham House
Available now on PBS Masterpiece
This six-part drama from Gurinder Chadha is set in Delhi on the cusp of the 19th century before the British took control of the region. The story follows John Beecham (Tom Bateman) a former soldier who has purchased a gorgeous mansion appropriately named Beecham House in order to begin a new life with his family. Giving off Downton Abbey vibes in a different setting, this show stars Lesley Nicol, Gregory Fitoussi, Adil Ray, Pallavi SHarda, Dakota Blue Richards, Leo Suter, Bessie Carter, Viveik Kalra and Marc Warren. (The full season is currently available to stream on PBS Masterpiece’s Amazon Prime Video Channel)
Conversation17 Comments
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O
I think there should be a 2nd season of Sanditon. Jane Austin would not have agreed to that ending. She loved her main characters to have all of their desires fulfilled. I love Sanditon and Beecham House.
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G
It seems that the series are offering fewer and fewer episodes. I always look forward to the next season and now there don't seem to be any "next seasons." I really look forward to the remake of All Creatures Great and Small. I read the book when I was in Junior High school. I've watched every episode of the old series. It was delightful. I was thrilled to learn that The Last Tango in Halifax is coming back for one more season. The quirky shows like Doc Martin really appeal to me. Downton Abby got me through a rough time. Covid is most likely slowing production down, but I'm starving for a series that delves deeply into it's characters while also adding some humor and good story telling. What happened to Victoria?
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B
yes a second season of Sanditon is absolutely necessary!
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B
Loved Beecham House until the last ten minutes. Sad to find out it ended without making a second season.
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O
Absolutely Chris! I just finished it last night and couldn't believe the whole thing ends on that cliffhanger. This series wasn't as accomplished as some others, but the story was good and the scenery fabulous!
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G
Neither Sanditon nor Beacham House are getting a second season. I would have liked a second season of Sanditon. As for Beacham House, it was fairly mediocre, utterly predictable, and ended with a truly awful,cliffhanger, which should never happen unless there is a signed deal for a following season. Beacham House was beautiful, I will give them that, but I think the show would have been far more interesting had the Brits been the minor characters and the Indians taken the leads. We’ve seen the British story over and over and over. Flip the script.
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G
LOVE Beecham House. We definitely need a second season!
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R
I watched Sanditon last year. Ended up hating it. Had the feeling the author either hated Jane Austen's writing or hard never read a Jane Austen book. The ending was all wrong and nearly every character was unpleasant. Having read all of Jane Austen, including a good completion of Sandition, I had looked forward to this and was very disappointed.
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R
Sanditon, is my all time favorite, we have to get season 2 with HEA for Sidney Parker and Charlotte Heywood, maybe you can help out getting that season two!
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G
I love political drama and Hugh Laurie. He stole the show in The Night Manager. So Roadkill is what I'm most excited about.
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B
PBS mini series are the best on TV!
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B
What about Poldark? I love that show
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O
What happen to Poldark?
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G
It ended
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G
They are all worth watching quality programing
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B
This is my first time. I'll definitely watch. Thank you ❤️
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J
You don't say!!! No, really, you're not saying anything. Do you have a point?