MASTERPIECE and PBS announced today that, following the ratings success of Mr. Selfridge in the U.S., the second season will air on MASTERPIECE on PBS in 2014.
Jeremy Piven will return as the flamboyant American entrepreneur who founded the famous Selfridge’s department store during the 2014 MASTERPIECE Classic season on PBS.
Pivens’ role as Harry Selfridge in the first season of Mr. Selfridge
Said Piven:
“I’m absolutely delighted that MASTERPIECE viewers welcomed Mr. Selfridge into their homes. Mr. Selfridge is a true ensemble piece, and audiences can look forward to seeing the return of their favorite characters and some intriguing new faces.”
MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton added:
“It is clear from our audience’s reaction that they want more of Harry Selfridge, his family and department store shopping! We’re happy to have Jeremy and the rest of the talented Mr. Selfridge cast in the MASTERPIECE family.”
The first season of Mr. Selfridge reached nearly 15 million viewers over its eight episodes, with an average viewing audience of 4 million people an episode. An ITV Studios/MASTERPIECE co-production, the season also had strong online viewing numbers, totaling over 1.1 million views during the season’s run. In addition, Mr. Selfridge was recently honored with an Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series.
Currently filming in the UK, the second season picks up the story in 1914, as the store celebrates its fifth anniversary in business. With World War I imminent, the lives of everyone at Selfridge’s will inevitably be affected.
“We are very excited to bring a second season of Mr. Selfridge to PBS stations nationwide,” said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS. “This department store drama has charmed audiences with wonderful performances, intriguing plots and beautiful costumes, bringing a sparkle of glamour to our Sunday night lineup.”
In addition to Piven, returning cast members includes Frances O’Connor as Selfridge’s wife Rose, Aisling Loftus as Agnes Towler, Katherine Kelly as Lady Mae, Grégory Fitoussi as Henri Leclair, Trystan Gravelle as Victor Colleano, Amanda Abbington as Miss Mardle, Tom Goodman-Hill as Roger Grove, and Ron Cook as Mr. Crabb.
Additions to the ensemble cast include Polly Walker (John Carter, Rome), Cal Macaninch (Downton Abbey, Wild at Heart), and Aidan McArdle (Garrow’s Law, Jane Eyre).
The premiere date for Mr. Selfridge: Season 2 has not yet been announced, so stay tuned.
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