Downton Abbey - Third series approved, second series begins Jan.8 on PBS

ITV has commissioned another round of the British series, which premieres on U.S. television in January.

The second season of British series Downton Abbey hasn't hit television screens yet in the U.S., but another season has already been ordered.

ITV announced on Thursday that it has commissioned a third round of the period drama and it will be set in 1920 and 1921, covering a period of 18 months in the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them.

According to the official announcement, Downton Abbey has lured an average of 11.5 million viewers to ITV -- which broadcasts the series in the U.K. on Sunday nights -- making it one of the top British shows in more than a decade.

"The show's impact has been greater than anyone could have ever imagined. When Downton was originally conceived, it was mapped out across three series,” executive producer and MD of U.K. production for NBCUniversal International TV Gareth Neame, who launched the show through Carnival Films, which has since been acquired by NBCUniversal told The Hollywood Reporter in October. “But with ratings continuing to reach 11.4 million viewers, our expectations have obviously changed and there is no reason why the show won't run and run, as long as there is still an audience for it."

In the U.S., the second season of Downton Abbey is set to premiere on PBS on Sunday, Jan. 8.


The Hollywood Reporter