‘Downton Abbey’ season four to start in January on PBS, months after the U.K.

Downton Abbey fans are still going to have to try to stay away from U.K. chatter for months while they wait for the start of season four on PBS. The network announced that the season won’t start until January, while U.K. audiences get the show in the fall.

Indiewire reports that the show will start up again on ITV in the U.K. in September, but the season will not premiere on PBS until Jan. 5, 2014. The season will run eight weeks, finishing on Feb. 23.

While some may question PBS motives, since BBC America tries to air shows like Doctor Who at the same time as the BBC across the pond, the network has had stunning success with Downton Abbey. The season three finale in February drew an incredible 8.3 million viewers.

Season four will feature some new faces, notes THR. In addition to returning guest star Shirley MacLaine, Tom Cullen, Nigel Harman and Dame Harriet Walter are joining the cast.

PBS also announced British import Last Tango in Halifax, which will premiere on Sept. 8.

image: Amazon