Enter a new era this spring with period dramas from PBS
If you’re looking for the next period drama to sweep you off your feet, this month brings you everything that you need to enter your next era. Whether you choose to go post-Edwardian with Downton Abbey or Victorian with The Forsytes, these series will transport you to captivating new worlds with sumptuous settings, lavish lifestyles and epic adventures. Get all of the updates on broadcast airdates and streaming details below:
1. Downton Abbey returns this spring
Downton Abbey, the beloved Masterpiece series and most popular PBS drama of all time, is scheduled to return to PBS this spring. As of March 1, all six seasons are available to stream on the PBS app with CET Passport. Seasons 1-3 will air Sundays on CET in 2026 and Seasons 4-6 will air in 2027. Watch now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/downton-abbey/.
We’re currently featuring The Manners of Downton Abbey: A Masterpiece Special in our March membership drive. Get a Downton Abbey complete series DVD set, a grand finale DVD and Masterpiece mug when you support CET . Learn more: https://www.cetconnect.org/the-manners-of-downton-abbey-a-masterpiece-special/.
2. The Forsytes premieres March 22
Desire, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of this costume drama, The Forsytes. Set in 1880s London, the series chronicles the trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and the personal pursuit of happiness. Tune in Sunday, March 22, at 9pm on CET or stream on the PBS app. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-forsytes-official-preview-vzgabl/.
Inspired by John Galsworthy’s celebrated Forsyte Saga novels, The Forsytes portrays events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books. You can go behind-the-scenes of the series with The Forsytes: An Inside Look, available with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-forsytes-an-inside-look-y72gt5/.
3. The Count of Monte Cristo is nowavailable with Passport
Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons star in this bold new TV adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic French novel, one of the greatest revenge stories ever told. Edmond Dantès, a young sailor falsely accused of treason and imprisoned, emerges as the Count of Monte Cristo to take revenge on those who have wronged him. Tune in Sunday, March 22, at 10pm on CET or stream on the PBS app. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-okuwwf/.
As of March 1, the full series is available to stream on the PBS app with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/the-count-of-monte-cristo/.
Find more period dramas and historical series to stream on the PBS app below:
Tom Jones on Masterpiece
Two lovers follow their hearts in this adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel, set in 18th century London. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/tom-jones/.
Poldark on Masterpiece
A dashing redcoat returns home after the American Revolution to find wrenching change in Cornwall. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/poldark/.
Sanditon on Masterpiece
A spirited young woman travels from her rural English home to an up-and-coming seaside resort town to reinvent herself. Watch it now: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/sanditon/.
Marie Antoinette
An Austrian teenager travels to Versailles to marry the dauphin of France, where she must follow the rules of the French Court. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/marie-antoinette/.
Victoria on Masterpiece
A young Queen navigates scandal and corruption in 19th century London, soon becoming the most powerful woman in the world. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/victoria/.
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light on Masterpiece
This Tudor-era series, a sequel of Wolf Hall, follows royal power broker Thomas Cromwell during the cruel reign of Henry VIII. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/wolf-hall/.
