At the PBS portion of the TCA Summer Press Tour, PBS chief Paula Kerger said that season four of Downton Abbey will air here in the states starting Sunday, January 5th. The popular program will be shown in the UK later this year.

When asked why the US and UK schedules aren’t more in sync, Kerger said that the UK airings actually help create “promotional buzz” for the PBS showings in the states.

She noted that word of mouth travels across the pond and reminded reporters that it’s the network’s biggest show. “We kind of don’t want to mess with that,” Kerger said.

What do you think? Will you be tuning in for season four of Downton Abbey? Do you think the program should air simultaneously in both countries?