Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) take up the cause for England as World War I rages in "Downton Abbey.""Downton Abbey" has proven to be a huge hit for PBS, and local affiliate WTCI-TV 45 is hoping to benefit even more.
The station is hosting separate events today, Jan. 3, including a bridal dessert tea and preview parties in anticipation of Season 3, that premieres Sunday.
At 1 p.m., the station will host a bridal dessert tea with champagne cocktails in honor of the upcoming wedding of Lady Mary Josephine Crawley. Admission is $40 with proceeds going to the station. The event will be followed by a free screening of the first 60 minutes of "Downton Abbey, Season 3."
A separate reception and screening is planned beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the screening to begin at 6 p.m., according to station publicist Jennifer Crutchfield.
"Downton Abbey" had 17.1 million viewers last year," she said. "It is the most watched show in PBS and Masterpiece history. The evening show is almost half full."
In honor of the upcoming Downton Abbey wedding guests are invited to don hats, gloves or period attire.