Courtesy A Carnival/Masterpiece Co-Production (C) Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2013 for MASTERPIECE.

Great news for Downton Abbey fans: a fifth season of the MASTERPIECE drama is in the works.

“As American audiences ready themselves for the January 5th premiere of Season 4, our devoted Downton fans will rest easy knowing that a fifth season is on the way,” says MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton confirming the news in a statement.

Downton Abbey wrapped its fourth season on the U.K. drawing 11.8 million average viewers. It was Britain’s highest-rated television drama in 2013. That’s probably due to the jaw-dropping plot twists in each episode that I won’t expose here.

Be sure to watch the premiere with us on January 5, 2014 at 9 p.m. on GPB.

How to Get Your Downton Fix Now

Really missing Downton Abbey? Here are ways to get your Crawley family fix.

  • While you are waiting for the season debut, relive seasons 1-3 every Thursday at 9 p.m. on GPB as we are airing back episodes.
  • In December get preview of season four through the special Return to Downton Abbey hosted by Susan Sarandon.
  • Celebrate the upcoming season by joining us for a screening and gala on December 17.

    Check out the new trailer. And yes that's Edith getting close to Michael Gregson!

    WYSIWYG: EMBEDDED VIDEO