Behind the MASTERPIECE: A Season Preview (Ep. 60)

PBS MASTERPIECE Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer Susanne Simpson previews the historical dramas for the 2024-2025 season with a spotlight on two new series: THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT based on the final novel in Dame Hilary Mantel’s (1952-2022) multi award-winning trilogy about Thomas Cromwell and Henry the VIII; and MISS AUSTEN, a series adapted from Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel inspired by the real-life literary mystery involving Cassandra Austen who burned her famous sister Jane Austen’s letters after Jane’s death. 2025 will be the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The iconic award-winning MASTERPIECE and MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! dramas can be enjoyed Sundays on PBS (check local listings).------TIMESTAMPS0:01 - annual preview of MASTERPIECE and MYSTERY! PBS series2:16 - Welcome Susanne Simpson, executive producer6:43 - Update on MISS SCARLET, formerly MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE8:36 - WOLF HALL, THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT, Hilary Mantel novel adaptation12:31 - MISS AUSTEN, Gill Hornby novel adaptation, and women's financial fragility23:24 - Generic Break23:28 - Impact of historical drama on modern audiences28:09 - Challenges and changes in historical drama production35:17 - Impact of streaming services and changes in the industry44:03 - Securing the MASTERPIECE legacy48:30 - Support for PBS stations and looking toward future podcasts49:32 - Closing remarks and final thoughts52:02 DisclaimerSUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite podcast platformENJOY⁠ past podcasts and bonus episodes⁠SIGN UP⁠ for our mailing listSUPPORT this podcast ⁠ SHOP THE PODCAST⁠ on our affiliate bookstoreBuy us a Coffee! You can support by buying a coffee ☕ here — ⁠buymeacoffee.com/historicaldramasisters⁠Thank you for listening!