Have I mentioned how much I love the winter time? There’s the holidays and lots of family time of course. And taking shelter from a cold day and curling up with a hot cup of tea or coffee, a warm blanket, and a good book that takes me to a faraway time is one of my favorite things to do when the weather gets chilly. I also, of course, enjoy getting into a great historical movie. I’ve posted a list of many historical movies to look forward to this year in theaters (with a look at what’s coming in 2011), but if you don’t feel like waiting and want to enjoy a full season of period films within the comfort of your own home, then be sure to check out reason #3 why I love the winter season: Masterpiece Classic hosted by Laura Linney on PBS. Masterpiece Classic airs on Sundays at 9pm, and encore showings are aired throughout the week (check your local listings).
Here is the 2010 schedule posted on the Masterpiece Classic website (go there to view episodes online for free!):
December 20, 2009-January 3, 2010, 9pm
Cranford (Encore Presentation)
Three episodes (Episode one 120 minutes; episode two 60 minutes; episode three 120 minutes)
The Emmy-nominated drama about a small English village in 1842 on the brink of change — where some find romance and opportunity, and others fear the breakdown of social order.
January 10-17, 2010, 9pm
Return to Cranford
(Two 90-minute episodes)
The construction of a new railroad line is at once thrilling and threatening to the residents of Cranford. This sequel stars Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Julia McKenzie. New faces include Jonathan Pryce and Tim Curry.
January 24-February 7, 2010, 9pm
Emma
Three episodes (Episode one 120 minutes; episodes two and three 60 minutes)
A new adaptation of Jane Austen’s comic tale of a headstrong young woman’s failed matchmaking schemes. Starring Romola Garai, Michael Gambon and Jonny Lee Miller.
February 14, 2010, 9pm
Northanger Abbey (Encore Presentation)
One 90-minute episode
In a medieval house that appeals to her most lurid fantasies, romance addict Catherine Moreland (Felicity Jones) begins a relationship with the younger son of the estate in this adaptation of the Jane Austen novel.
February 21, 2010, 9pm
Persuasion (Encore Presentation)
One 90-minute episode
Sally Hawkins plays Jane Austen’s Anne Elliot, a woman destined for spinsterhood after refusing a proposal eight years earlier. Then her spurned suitor reappears.
February 28, 2010, 9pm
The 39 Steps
One 90-minute episode
Secret agent Richard Hannay battles German spies on the eve of World War I in a riveting and romantic new version of the thriller by John Buchan. Rupert-Penry Jones (Persuasion) stars as Hannay.
March 28, 2010, 9pm
Sharpe’s Challenge
One 120-minute episode
Soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India. Sean Bean returns as the swashbuckling hero of this series based on Bernard Cornwell’s novels. Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi guest stars.
April 4, 2010, 9pm
Sharpe’s Peril
One 120-minute episode
The adventures of Colonel Richard Sharpe continue as he leads a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India, with the murderous army of an opium lord in hot pursuit.
April 11, 2010, 9pm
The Diary of Anne Frank
One 120-minute episode
The most accurate adaptation of Anne Frank’s account of hiding from the Nazis stars newcomer Ellie Kendrick as the maturing teenager undergoing an extraordinary ordeal. The Diary of Anne Frank airs on Holocaust Remembrance Day, 2010.
April 18-25, 2010, 9pm
Small Island
Two 90-minute episodes
When an ambitious Jamaican woman moves to gritty post-war London, she finds that the “Mother Country” is not the land of opportunity she had imagined. Starring Naomie Harris, Ruth Wilson and Benedict Cumberbatch.
I LOVE Masterpiece Classic! I can't wait to see the new Emma.
I've already got these set on my DVR! I just love the ladies of Cranford.
What an excellent lineup this season
Maxine, I'm so excited for the new Emma too! I am so glad they are showing a bunch of Austens right in a row.Elizabeth, I had never watched Cranford until this season, but I only caught Return to Cranford last Sunday. It was enjoyable, but I think I need to get into it a bit more to really like it, as I'm not invested in the characters at all at this current point. But I'll be watching tomorrow night!A Bookshelf Monstrosity, I agree! They definitely are showing some good ones this year – renewing old favorites and bringing in some new ones too!
Lots of good viewing there! I wish we had some kind of Masterpiece Theatre where you knew you could find all this kind of great viewing in one place
Oh Wow! all these Austen ones that I love! I didn't know – so Thanks for the heads- up:)
Unfortunately I missed Cranford:( But I can't wait for the rest of this season. LOVE Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
Thanks for the post, I know what I will be watching!!!
What a great post! I love Masterpiece Theater. Cranford is a favorite and I'm so looking forward to the others. Thank you!
Thank you for this really helpful round up, I'm off to make my calendar. Plus anything period with Sean Bean, I'm down with.
I'm so glad everyone enjoyed this post so much.. you should also check out the list of historical movies coming to theaters in 2010. Some very exciting viewing coming out way this year! I think period dramas and history in pop culture in general is making a huge comeback!Jenny Girl, I've never seen either of those too – really looking forward to it though!! Katie, I do the same thing when good movies are scheduled to come on TV for our viewing pleasure (mark them off on my calendar!).
Allie I just wanted to come back and say THANKS.. I had seen this in my Google Reader on Sunday.. and sure enough.. I watched the last episode of Return to Cranford on Sunday PM, and I loved it =)I would like to record the rest of them but my dear husband has Ax Men, & Taboo already recording at that time. FIGURES!!!!!!!!!So I'll just have to remember to watch Masterpiece Classic instead of my Cold Case =)Thanks for the post.