Budiey
Love, Power and Lust take precedence on DIVA Universal with Emmy nominated hit Brit miniseries Downton Abbey
Kuala Lumpur, 23 August 2011 – From Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey is a witty British period drama that has chalked up an impressive 11 Emmy nominations this year. Premiering on 8th September @ 11pm only on DIVA Universal (Astro Channel 702) this seven-episode miniseries is set to spice up the screens with its dramatic storylines.
Apart from being the top drama series on UK television in 2010, Downton Abbey has scored nods beyond home – it was the highest-rated scripted series on PBS in the US and achieved outstanding viewership numbers in Australia, Denmark, and Spain.
Set in the year 1912 in a magnificent Edwardian chateau, Downton Abbey is a story about love, betrayal and power in the aristocrat Crawley family. Apart from the scintillating plot and stunning cinematography, the show also boasts a talented cast, namely Elizabeth McGovern and Maggie Smith, whose stellar performances are up for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries respectively at the Emmys this year.
McGovern plays the role of Countess of Grantham who has to protect her family in a time where politics of inheritance loomed in the home. Depicting a protective wife and mother, she tries to save her daughters’ inheritance from going to the next male kin by allying with her uppity mother-in-law. McGovern’s performance in the show has won her more recognition since.
Perhaps best remembered as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter, Smith’s famous air of authority lends grandiose to her role as Dowager Countess of Grantham. Her brilliant delivery of the script produced many memorable scenes, such as one in which she asked, “what is a weekend?â€, giving viewers a glimpse of what life was like in the uppermost echelons of society during the early 1900s.
Behind the scenes, Downton Abbey’s competent production crew has also secured Emmy nominations for directing, casting, art direction, costumes, and single picture in the miniseries category.
Downton Abbey premieres exclusively on 8th September @ 11 pm
 DIVA Universal (Astro Channel 702)
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About Universal Networks International
Universal Networks International, the global channels division of NBCUniversal, is one of the world’s premier entertainment networks, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 387 million subscribers in over 150 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. The portfolio includes the brands – Syfy Universal, DIVA Universal, Studio Universal, Universal Channel and 13th Street Universal and now also, with the acquisition by Comcast Corporation, E! Entertainment Television, The Style Network and Golf Channel. These brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe. Universal Networks International also operates Movies 24 and has an interest in the KidsCo joint venture.
Universal Networks International is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.
