TV Type: Unaired 'Downton Abbey' episodes can be downloaded starting Jan. 29
BY RITA SHERROW World Television Editor
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
1/16/13 at 3:06 AM
"Downton Abbey" fans who just can't wait to find out what happens are getting a gift.
Fans will be given a chance to see the final three episodes of this season before the hit series wraps up Feb. 17.
Starting Jan. 29, those who buy a "season pass" through Apple's iTunes will be able to download the final three episodes, according to Apple.
According to a BBC.com story, fans who have been avoiding online plot spoilers are expected to take iTunes up on the offer. Season 3 of the soap opera aired in England three months before it debuted in the United States, and numerous websites are offering spoilers.
"Downton" was the best-selling TV series on iTunes last year and set a PBS record with nearly 8 million viewers with its season premiere Jan. 6, according to the website. The season 3 offer is the first of its kind for iTunes, which has previously offered previews but not advance episodes.
"We're not punishing our viewers," PBS President Paula Kerger told members of the Television Critics Association on Monday in Los Angeles. She was reportedly referring to the delay between the British debut of the show's third season Sept. 16 and the recent American premiere.
Pitting the Edwardian drama against the entire field of new American series in the fall would not have served the show or its audience, she said, according to the website.
The show begins production on season 4 next month, but there's no word yet on which actors have signed for the next season.
"Downton Abbey" airs at 8 p.m. Sundays on PBS, channel 11 in Tulsa.
Original Print Headline: 'Downton' fans can get early look at final episodes of season 3
Associated Images:
A mysterious conspiracy keeps Anna and Bates (Brendan Coyole, left) apart in "Downton Abbey," airing at 8 p.m. Sunday on PBS, channel 11. Carnival Film & Television / Courtesy
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