PBS’ new Masterpiece drama series Victoria, premiering January 2017, follows Victoria (Jenna Coleman) for the first three years from the time she is crowned Queen in 1837 at age 18.
But is it more difficult to become a teenage queen than it is to inherit the slot vacated by megahit Downton Abbey on the PBS schedule?
Before two Masterpiece panels today (Season 2 Poldark and Victoria) series executive producer Rebecca Eaton stressed the importance of both shows in filling the drama gap left by Downton.
But during the Victoria panel featuring Coleman, Tom Hughes (who plays Prince Albert), creator/writer/executive producer Daisy Goodwin and Eaton, questions revolved around the story, not PBS programming strategy.
Cast and producers talked about relying on Victoria’s lengthy prolific diaries and drawings to create the story. Goodwin says that while she found herself reading between the lines as one would with any teenager’s diary, her job was to bring out what was actually there. “It’s basically true,” she says of what is depicted in the series.
Possibly with Downton success in mind, questioners wanted to know whether PBS sees long-term potential in Victoria. “Victoria was on the throne for 63 years, so the first series covers 3 years…I don’t know, you do the math,” deadpanned Goodwin. “I think there is more than enough story to take us quite a long way if that’s what the audience wants…but I don’t want to make any assumptions.”
Goodwin was equally coy when asked whether Britain’s Royal Family has reacted to the upcoming series. “I know people who know people who’ve said things,” she said. Goodwin and Eaton confirmed the Royals are aware of the series but are not unhappy about it.
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