Amazon Prime Video Picks Up Period Drama Doctor Thorne

SEATTLE: Amazon has struck a deal with The Weinstein Company to add the period drama Julian Fellowes Presents Doctor Thorne to its lineup of original series.

The drama will debut on Prime Video in the U.S. on May 20. Doctor Thorne is the latest series from Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey). It is directed by Niall MacCormick (Complicit, The Song of Lunch). Based on the book series by Anthony Trollope, the series stars Tom Hollander (Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation) in the title role, alongside Ian McShane (Ray Donovan) and Alison Brie (Mad Men).

The Weinstein Company had previously picked up the North American rights to the series from Hat Trick International earlier last year.

“Doctor Thorne’s multilayered storytelling coupled with an outstanding ensemble cast is an exciting addition to our lineup,” says Roy Price, the 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.”

“Downton Abbey captivated audiences for six incredible seasons and it’s a tremendous thrill to be part of creator Julian Fellowes’ next endeavor, Doctor Thorne,” said Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company. “Amazon Prime is the perfect home to bring Fellowes’ beautiful, smart and creative world to U.S. audiences. Amazon’s millions of fans who tuned into Downton Abbey will love this new show. Each episode will feature an exclusive, special introduction from Julian Fellowes himself. And we hope this is the first of many Julian Fellowes Presents that we plan on creating with Amazon and our U.K. partner at Hat Trick.”