PBS has ordered season two of their Mr. Selfridge TV series. The period drama stars Jeremy Piven as the American entrepreneur who founded the UK’s Selfridge department store.
The program’s first season averaged about four million viewers per episode and has been sampled by about 15 million people over the course the first eight episodes.
Season two is currently filming in the UK and will air on PBS’ Masterpiece Classic sometime in 2014.
Here’s their press release:
“Mr. Selfridge” Season II to Air on MASTERPIECE on PBS
Jeremy Piven Returns in Highly-Rated Drama
Boston, MA, July 22, 2013 – Following its ratings success in the U.S., MASTERPIECE and PBS have announced a second season of Mr. Selfridge, starring Jeremy Piven as the flamboyant American entrepreneur who founded the famous Selfridge’s department store. Season II will air on MASTERPIECE Classic in 2014.
The first season of Mr. Selfridge reached nearly 15 million viewers over its eight episodes, with an average viewing audience of 4 million people an episode. An ITV Studios/MASTERPIECE coproduction, the season also had strong online viewing numbers, totaling over 1.1 million views during the season’s run. In addition, Mr. Selfridge was recently honored with an Emmy(R) nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series.
Mr. Selfridge marked Jeremy Piven’s return to television after his Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R)- winning performance in the hit series Entourage.
“I’m absolutely delighted that MASTERPIECE viewers welcomed Mr. Selfridge into their homes,” said Piven. “Mr. Selfridge is a true ensemble piece, and audiences can look forward to seeing the return of their favorite characters and some intriguing new faces.” MASTERPIECE executive producer Rebecca Eaton said, “It is clear from our audience’s reaction that they want more of Harry Selfridge, his family and department store shopping! We’re happy to have Jeremy and the rest of the talented Mr. Selfridge cast in the MASTERPIECE family.”
Currently filming in the UK, the second season picks up the story in 1914, as the store celebrates its fifth anniversary in business. With World War I imminent, the lives of everyone at Selfridge’s will inevitably be affected.
“We are very excited to bring a second season of Mr. Selfridge to PBS stations nationwide,” said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS. “This department store drama has charmed audiences with wonderful performances, intriguing plots and beautiful costumes–bringing a sparkle of glamour to our Sunday night lineup.”
In addition to Mr. Piven, the returning cast includes Frances O’Connor as his wife Rose, Aisling Loftus as Agnes Towler, Katherine Kelly as Lady Mae, Grégory Fitoussi as Henri Leclair, Trystan Gravelle as Victor Colleano, Amanda Abbington as Miss Mardle, Tom Goodman-Hill as Roger Grove, and Ron Cook as Mr. Crabb. Additions to the ensemble include Polly Walker (John Carter), Cal Macaninch (Warriors, Wild at Heart) as Mr Thackeray and Aidan McArdle (Jane Eyre, Einstein’s Big Idea).
Funding provided by Mr. Selfridge is a Co-Production of ITV Studios and MASTERPIECE and based on “Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge” by Lindy Woodhead. Kate Brooke heads-up the writing team on the second season working alongside Kate O’Riordan, Dan Sefton and Andrew Davies.
The season will be produced by Cherry Gould (Lightfields, Above Suspicion), and executive produced for ITV Studios’ by Kate Lewis alongside Kate Brooke, Kate O’Riordan, Andrew Davies and Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE. Jeremy Piven is Producer. The director of episodes 5, 6 and 7 of season one, Anthony Byrne (Silent Witness, Single Handed) will return to direct the first two episodes.
MASTERPIECE on PBS is presented by WGBH Boston. Rebecca Eaton is executive producer. Funding for MASTERPIECE is provided by Viking River Cruises and Ralph Lauren Corporation with additional support from public television viewers and contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust, created to help ensure the series’ future. pbs.org/masterpiece
What do you think? Have you watched Mr. Selfridge on PBS? Are you glad to hear that it’s coming back next year?
I am so excited to see one of my Favorite shows returning. I look forward each week to the beautiful costumes with beautiful hats an dresses on the Mr.Selfridge series. I think Jeremy Piven does a wonderful job I can not see anyone else playing t his charachter. I’m am hoping that you bring back the Paradise. I loved this series. I watched every episode just as I have me Selfrige. Please bring the paradise back. I love mater piece theatre and the quality shows you present in taste. I believe the Masterpeice theatre has shown that people are tired… Read more »
Happily surprised at a 2nd season of Mr. Selfridge. Hope that happens with Paradise, too. Because the American mother is American, it would be difficult not to have some of her family from America come over. They’ve already done so with her mother & brother. I’ve watched Masterpiece Classic (formerly Masterpiece Theatre) & Mystery for many many years. Wish they could also broadcast on another night like they did for Downton Abbey last season. there are so many other shows I also like on Sunday nights!
Happily surprised at a 2nd season of Mr. Selfridge. Hope that happens with Paradise, too. Because the American mother is American, it would be difficult not to have some of her family from America come over. They’ve already done so with her mother & brother. I’ve watched Masterpiece Classic (formerly Masterpiece Theatre) & Mystery for many many years.
I love Downton abbey. It has a lot of Class…..Hopefully they will not put any American
actors from Hollywood in this fine story, otherwise all the class will be gone.
I prefer English acting and storylines.
Thank You.
I agree!
Masterpiece provides quality entertainment looking forward to new seasons Mr.Selfridge Downton Abbey and thank s for the ON DEMAND
Thank you pbs for another series of mr selfridge. The best tv shows are on pbs. I love call the midwife, the paradise, downton abbey please keep them coming.
Masterpiece theater is one of the very best shows on television ask anyone and they will agree with me it makes watching t.v. a good thing with great shows. Please keep it up.
Love, love, love mr. Selfridge. Pbs has become the tv i look forward to watching. Between mr. Selfridges and Dalton Abbey and the Paradise i feel as if im looking back in another time….. Thanks pbs!!!
Love the series, so happy it has been renewed. Best series since downton abby.
Absolutely loved the Mr. Selfridge series..so happy it will be back in 2014.
Would like to know when in 2014 it’ll be airing!
Love it! I am so glad it’s been renewed for a second season.
Loved Mr. Selfridge Season 1. Happy to hear it is coming back!
Thank you for brining back a classic…I downloaded Session 1 on my computer and could not stop watching. Masterpiece you truly know how to produce programs worth watching.
Thanks!
LOVE Mr Selfridge! Between Downton Abbey, Call the Midwives and Mr Selfridge..I cant make up my mind which I love the best! Thanks you PBS!
I love British drama and Mr. Selfridge ranks among the best. I find myself watching less of the major networks and more of Masterpiece dramas and mysteries. Keep up the excellent productions!
My Sunday nite is very lonely without Mr. Selfridges and the cast. Looking forward. MK