Downton Abbey proves a hit for PBS

ITV1’s hit period drama Downton Abbey has also won over US fans. NBCU acquired Carnival Films, the UK studio behind the show, in 2008, before Downton had aired on British screens.

In the UK, Downton (which debuted in 2010) regularly attracts audiences of more than 10 million viewers.

The drama sits on PBS’s Masterpiece franchise in the US. Season two debuted on Sunday with 4.2 million+ viewers, doubling the average PBS prime-time ratings.

However, as the UK audience eagerly awaits the third series, which is currently in production, NBCU International Television Distribution is generating revenue by selling the rights to the drama, having reportedly secured deals in more than 200 territories.

NBCU also hopes that Netflix will provide a major revenue source as each episode is streamed. Netflix launched in the UK this week.

The Downton franchise is now thought to be worth tens of millions of dollars. NBCU paid around $45 million for Carnival.

Read the full MediaPost article here.