Masterpiece (formerly known as Masterpiece Theatre) is a drama anthology television series produced by WGBH Boston. It premiered on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on January 10, 1971, making it America's longest-running weekly prime time drama series. The series has presented numerous acclaimed British productions. Many of these are produced by the BBC, but the line-up has also included programs shown on the UK commercial channels ITV and Channel 4.
I love this show which I have watched on and off since I was a child. As previous reviewers have noted, there have been some 'clunkers' here and there. But there are many great productions as well. The new version of the Forsyte Saga was truly excellent, as were The Lost Prince, and Bleak House. These were series that I simply could not get enough of, and was sad to see end. One problem that I have with Materpiece Theatre these days is the absence of a host. There was something delightful about visiting with the host each week to hear something interesting, insightful, or even trivial about the production which was to follow. Cook and Baker both did a superb job of this. I implore the producers of this show to bring back the job of host. Find someone knowledgeable and credible, and put them back in that leather armchair by the fireplace amid the books and other curiosities.