The Daily Beast: "<i>Masterpiece</i>, Icon of PBS, Turns 40 Today"

PBS' venerable anthology series Masterpiece celebrates its 40th birthday today.

Over at The Daily Beast, in my latest feature ("Masterpiece, Icon of PBS, Turns 40 Today"), I talk with Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton, who has been in the top job since 1985, about the 40th anniversary, the 2008 rebrand, and looking toward the future of this franchise.

I also pick 12 of the best shows from the last four decades of Masterpiece, no small feat given the thousands of hours produced, co-produced, and acquired by the PBS series.

(I could easily pick 50 of my favorites, so, yes, there are quite a few worthy ones that didn't get selected.)

I am curious to know: what are your memories of Masterpiece (and Masterpiece Theatre)? What does the franchise mean to you? And what are your favorite Masterpiece programs from the last four decades?