PBS & Masterpiece are not dissimilar from the commercial networks in that ratings do matter. In the US, most PBS stations initially aired Selfridge in the DA 9pm slot once the DA season ended. Selfridge simply didn't do that well in retaining DA viewers. In fact, Mr Selfridge's ratings fell consistently from the S1 premiere to S4.
Critics & ratings aside, ultimately it's a matter of personal taste. In terms of ratings & cultural popularity, DA was the blockbuster that no other PBS drama could touch. Personally, I think DA was well done, but overrated. For me, the reason Selfridge was a better show is that, story wise, it offered more than just a soap opera within the context of a historical setting.
It was also the story about how the institution of Selfridge's came to be, the inner workings of the retail industry, and the sweeping cultural changes (i.e. the changing role of women, the effects of World War I) that transpired during the years the business ascended.
reply
share