PBS adds 'Arthur & George' and 'Home Fires' to 'Masterpiece' lineup for 2015

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- PBS says it will add two new series -- Arthur & George and Home Fires -- to its Sunday night Masterpiece programming slate later this year.

Several shows, including the wildly popular Downton Abbey and Sherlock, air on the network under the Masterpiece banner.

"For Masterpiece to be the No. 1 show on PBS in its 44th year is historic," executive producer Rebecca Eaton said in a statement. "We are proud of the work of our British partners and grateful to all of our American supporters."

Masterpiece is presented by WGBH Boston.

Arthur & George is a three-part adaptation of Julian Barnes' novel about Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle as played by actor Martin Clunes.

"How perfect that Arthur & George will air on PBS, as public television has been such a wonderful home to Doc Martin," Clunes said in a statement. "I'm sure that our new series will be a treat for Doc Martin fans, and for everyone who enjoys a terrific drama."

Home Fires stars Samantha Bond and Francesca Annis as part of "a remarkable group of women living in a small rural village during World War II."

"Separated from husbands, fathers, sons and brothers for years at a time -- some permanently -- they find themselves under extraordinary pressures in a rapidly fragmenting world," a synopsis said.

Other programs scheduled for broadcast in 2015 are the previously announced mystery series Grantchester and Wolf Hall, an adaptation of Hilary Mantel's historical novels.