So now we’re in the post-Downton era.
The “Downton Abbey” movie has arrived, drawing an expected rush of praise and an unexpectd rush of money. Now viewers wonder what else can capture that British-style charm and class.
Experts had guessed the “Downton” movie would bring $20 million in its North American debut. It got $31 million – topping the predictions (and the next-highest movie) by more than 50 per cent.
As expected, it has style, class, deep characters and some dashes of humor. Where can we go for more? I’d suggest:
— Two streaming services, Britbox and Acorn. As it happens, Acorn now has is gem – each Thursday, a new episode of the drolly charming “Doc Martin.”
— At times, a third streamer. On Nov. 17, Netflix launches the third season of the splendid “The Crown.”
— And PBS’ “Masterpiece” … which is where “Downton” began. On Sunday (Sept. 29), two seasons begin – the light and amiable “Durells in Corfu” at 8 p.m. and the sweeping saga of “Poldark” at 9. Add them together and you have a sort of Downton-plus