May 05, 2016

Amazon has acquired streaming rights to British period drama series "Doctor Thorne," adapted by "Downton Abbey" creator Julian Fellowes, in a deal with the Weinstein Company.

The series is slated to premiere May 20 on Prime Video in the U.S. "Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne," based on the classic 1858 novel by Anthony Trollope, is the latest series from the Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer. Directed by Niall MacCormick, the series stars Tom Hollander ("Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation") as Doctor Thorne, Ian McShane ("Ray Donovan") as Sir Roger Scatcherd, and Alison Brie ("Mad Men") as Miss Martha Dunstable.

The Weinstein Company
picked up North American rights to series from Hat Trick International last year. Amazon Prime members will be able to watch the entire first season of "Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne" using the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, mobile devices, or online.

Amazon Prime Video currently offers all six seasons of Fellowes' "Downton Abbey," which aired on PBS in the U.S. According to the e-commerce company customers have streamed nearly double the number of hours of the show year-over-year.

"'Doctor Thorne's' multilayered storytelling coupled with an outstanding ensemble cast is an exciting addition to our lineup," said Roy Price, VP of digital video and Amazon Studios. "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."

"Amazon Prime is the perfect home to bring Fellowes' beautiful, smart, and creative world to US audiences," added Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of the Weinstein Company. "Amazon's millions of fans who tuned into Downton Abbey will love this new show."

Each episode of "Doctor Thorne" will feature a special introduction from Julian Fellowes. The series is executive produced and written by Fellowes, Weinstein Company's Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Hat Trick's Mark Redhead, Christopher Kelly and Ted Childs. Helen Gregory ("The Catch") serves as producer.

The story centers on Dr. Thomas Thorne (Hollander), who lives a quiet life with his niece Mary (played by Stefani Martini, "Endeavour") in the English village of Greshambury, which is ruled with an iron fist by Lady Arabella Gresham (Rebecca Front, "Humans"). But Lady Arabella's world is changed forever when she learns that her beloved son is planning to elope with common-born Mary, rather than follow through on his arranged marriage to the rich American heiress Martha Dunstable (Brie).

"Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne" also stars Phoebe Nicholls ("Fortitude") as Countess de Courcy, Gwyneth Keyworth ("Game Of Thrones") as Lady Augusta Gresham, Kate O'Flynn ("No Offence") as Lady Alexandrina de Courcy, Harry Richardson ("Looking for Grace") as Frank Gresham, Cressida Bonas ("Tulip Fever") as Patience Oriel, Danny Kirrane ("Critical") as Mr. Moffatt, Janine Duvitski ("Benidorm") as Lady Scatcherd, and Tom Bell ("Humans") as Lord Porlock.