Downton Abbey Sets Record for Season 4 Premiere

10.2 million people watched the PBS period drama

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Nick Briggs / PBS

Despite the untimely deaths of two of the show’s stars last season, Downton Abbey set a viewership record during its Season 4 premiere on Sunday night. Over 10 million American viewers tuned in to the British period drama that airs on PBS, up 22% from the Season 3 premiere, according to Deadline Hollywood.

The series, which ran for two-hours on Sunday, is the highest rated show in PBS history.

More U.S. viewers watched the premiere than Britons, when the show aired across the pond earlier this fall: In the United Kingdom, 9.5 million tuned in for the show’s Season 4 premiere. The Nov. 10 finale garnered 9.8 million viewers.

MORE: Downton Abbey Watch: Death and Taxes

[Deadline Hollywood]