“Downton Abbey”! It’s a runaway hit by PBS standards. And, really, by premium cable drama standards. Which is … weird. Especially if you, like, me grew up under the specter of PBS shame, thanks to your love of “Square One.”

• “Downton Abbey” and its surprising viewership (and, more surprisingly how many people are talking about it on Facebook  and Twitter)
• Some theories on why “Downton Abbey” is so popular
• Julian Fellowes, “Downton Abbey” and “Gosford Park”
• “Downton Abbey” and its soap opera roots, which somehow seems redeemed in some people’s eyes by its patina of legitimacy
• Some things we liked and loved in the season 3 premiere
• Prettiness
• More prettiness
• Broad appeal in a period dress
• The Titanic sank in 1912.
• The show’s mediation of social conditions that were in place at the time
• The “Downton Abbey” seasons 1 and 2 recap
• Rich vs. poor dynamics in “Downton Abbey” and today
• Static soap opera characters vs. (many) “Downton Abbey” characters
• Whether Maggie Smith was ever a child
• The “Haunted Mansion” movie
• Listener mail! From Ked, commenting on so many episodes, but in particular we talk about How to Build a Gay Character for your TV Show or Movie
• Episode link: The Snobby Soapiness of ‘Downton Abbey’

My research:

• Zen and the Art of Adaptation
• “Downton Abbey: Why We Love It – And Where It Went.” British Heritage, Sept. 2012.
• “Downton Abbey: Participatory Culture and the Future of Serialized Narratives,” Marion C. Wrenn, Princeton University, presented at the PCA/ACA National Conference in 2012.

Holly’s research:

• Why ‘Downton Abbey’ is a hit in America
• Why do we love Lady Mary, the Dowager Countess, and Mr. Bates the valet so?
• Downton Abbey Scores Ratings Hit In US as 7.9 Million Tune In For Season Three Premiere
• ‘Downton Abbey’ Ratings: Season 3 Premieres To 7.9 Million Viewers
• Five reasons why Downton Abbey is so popular

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