Masterpiece: America's 50-Year-Old Love Affair with British Television Drama

Today’s post is on Masterpiece: America's 50-Year-Old Love Affair with British Television Drama by Nancy West. It is 233 pages long and is published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. The cover is a picture of Highclere Castle. The intended reader is someone who is interested in television history. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- On a wintry night in 1971, Masterpiece Theatre debuted on PBS. Fifty years later, America's appetite for British drama has never been bigger. The classic television program has brought its fans protagonists such as The Dowager Countess and Ross Poldark and series that include Downton Abbey and Prime Suspect. In Masterpiece: America's 50-Year-Old Love Affair with British Television Drama, Nancy West provides a fascinating history of the acclaimed program. West combines excerpts from original interviews, thoughtful commentary, and lush photography to deliver a deep exploration of the television drama. Vibrant stories and anecdotes about Masterpiece's most colorful shows are peppered throughout, such as why Benedict Cumberbatch hates Downton Abbey and how screenwriter Daisy Goodwin created a teenage portrait of Queen Victoria after fighting with her daughter about homework. Featuring an array of color photos from Masterpiece's best-loved dramas, this book offers a penetrating look into the program's influence on television, publishing, fashion, and its millions of fans. 

Review- A fascinating history of PBS, Masterpiece, and American television. West takes the reader from the very beginning of PBS and its partners in England to bring British television to an American audience. West divides the book into different sections based on the different kinds of shows that Masterpiece has given its audience. From masterful mysteries to political thrillers, Masterpiece has always given its viewers the very best in British television. With lost of notes and access to people who helped make Masterpiece happen this is an excellent book. I would recommend it.  

I give this book a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.