Masterpiece, PBS' showcase for UK programming, has acquired the Channel 4 miniseriesAlice & Jackand will air it next year. The quirky romance starsAndrea RiseboroughandDomhnall Gleeson.Deadline reportsthatAlice & Jack, a reunion of two of the stars ofNever Let Me Go, will premiere next year on the public broadcaster’s Sunday-nightMasterpieceprogram after debuting at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival.
A story of love at first sight and its complications, with Riseborough and Gleeson as the titular lovers, it will also starAisling Bea(Home Sweet Home Alone),Aimee Lou Wood(Sex Education), andSunil Patel(Documentary Now!) in supporting roles.MasterpieceexecutiveSusanne Simpsoncalls the show an “exceptionally beautiful and profound series that we are proud to add to our lineup", and Fremantle’sLisa HonigcallsMasterpiece"the perfect home for this high-quality drama that explores the complexities of love and features moving performances from award-winning actors Andrea Riseborough and Domhnall Gleeson."
What is ‘Masterpiece’?
Originally titledMasterpiece Theaterand hosted by British-American journalistAlistair Cooke,Masterpieceis PBS' flagship Sunday-night series, known for presenting acclaimed British productions to American audiences.I, Claudius,Prime Suspect,Upstairs, Downstairs, and the original UK version ofHouse of Cardsare among the notable programsMasterpiece Theaterbrought over the Atlantic over the years. In 2008 it dropped the second word from its title, becomingMasterpiece, and merged with fellow PBS seriesMystery!; it has since been hosted by various luminaries, includingLaura Linney,Alan Cumming, andDavid Tennant. Since then, it has continued to broadcast a number of British TV favorites, includingDownton Abbey,Victoria, andSherlock. Among its upcoming programs isNolly, which will starHelena Bonham Carteras British TV personalityNolly Gordon.
Alice & Jackwas created and written byVictor Levin(Mad About You,Mad Men).Juho Kuosmanen(Compartment No. 6) andHong Khaou(Monsoon) directed the series. Executive producers include Levin, Riseborough, Gleeson, Kuosmanen,Richard YeeandKrishnendu Majumdarfor Me + You Productions,Michael LondonandShannon Gauldingfor Groundswell,Lorenzo De Maiofor De Maio Entertainment, andRebecca DundonandHilary Martinfor Fremantle.Tracy O’Riordanproduced for Me + You Productions.
Alice & Jackwill premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall, and will debut on PBS’Masterpiecenext year. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates, and watch Collider’s interview with Domhnall Gleeson below.
