WTCI, Chattanooga’s community PBS station, will host a special Downton Abbey-inspired VIP reception at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 9, followed by a free preview screening of the premiere episode of Downton Abbey Season 5 on Masterpiece.
The Feb. 23 finale of Downton Abbey, Season 4 captured an average audience of 8.5 million viewers. (Nielsen Fast National data, 5.4 household rating.) The eight-week run averaged a 5.1 Fast National household rating and 8.3 million viewers (Nielsen Fast National, Live+SD data).
WTCI supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy hors d’oeuvres from 212 Market Restaurant, wine and tea at the VIP reception at 5:30 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. preview screening of the first hour of the Downton Abbey Season 5 premiere. Reservations are required.
“Our ‘Downton’ audience has stayed true to the end, watching the fourth season in record numbers,” said WTCI President and CEO Paul Grove. “We are grateful to Carnival Films and Masterpiece for another must-see year of dramatic twists and turns. We are eagerly awaiting Season 5 and appreciate Barnett and Company, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport and Payroll Professionals for sponsoring this exciting premiere event.”
The Masterpiece production announced Richard E. Grant (Gosford Park, Doctor Who), Anna Chancellor (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Rade Sherbedgia (Eyes Wide Shut, 24) as new cast members joining Season 5 of the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning hit drama. The season will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 9 p.m. on Masterpiece Classic on PBS.
“We are so pleased with the passionate support US audiences have shown ‘Downton Abbey’ throughout this season,” said Masterpiece Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton. “I know that Season 5 will meet the high expectations of the show’s millions of loyal fans.”