Season 4 of 'Downton Abbey' to premiere in the U.S. Jan. 5

NEW YORK, May 14 (UPI) -- The fourth season of the British drama series "Downton Abbey" is to begin airing in the United States Jan. 5, PBS announced Tuesday.

The public television network posted a countdown clock on its website to remind fans when to tune in.

Created by writer-producer Julian Fellowes, the show follows the triumphs and tragedies of a wealthy family -- and the the men and women who serve them -- in the early 20th century on an English estate. It stars Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton.