Amazon has scored a new original series that seems sure to appeal to fans of Downtown Abbey. From the same creator as the hit period drama, Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne shares many of its predecessor’s themes, chief among them love, money, and obligation.
Amazon announced its acquisition of Doctor Thorne today, along with plans to bring it to Prime Video in the U.S. this month. Members will be able to stream the series for free with their Prime subscription, and all episodes will be released at once. The company has reason to believe Doctor Thorne will be a success, based on how well Downton Abbey has performed over the past several years.
“Prime members have loved having access to Downton Abbey, making each season a top streamed show on Prime Video since 2011, and we hope to make Prime Video the home for even more of Julian Fellowes’ future projects,” said Roy Price, vice president of digital video, in a press release.
Price also sang the praises of Doctor Throne, calling its storytelling “multilayered” and highlighting its “outstanding ensemble cast.” Its stars are impressive indeed. Tom Hollander (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation) plays Doctor Thorne, Ian McShane (Ray Donovan) stars as Sir Roger Scatcherd, and Alison Brie (Mad Men) portrays Miss Martha Dunstable.
Based on the book Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope, the series centers on the English village of Greshambury, where the distinguished Greshams reside. While the family has plenty of prestige, it lacks funds; in fact, the estate has become dependent on loans from Sir Roger Scatcherd, a drunken millionaire. In order to solve their financial woes, matriarch Lady Arabella (played by Rebecca Front) plans to have her son marry an American heiress (Brie). Little does she know, he’s in love with the sweet but poor Mary Throne (Stefani Martini).
The series is directed by Niall MacCormick and executive produced and written by Julian Fellowes, The Weinstein Company’s Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Hat Trick’s Mark Redhead, Christopher Kelly, and Ted Childs. Helen Gregory produces.
Doctor Thorne begins streaming in the U.S. on May 20.
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