By Bob Sirott, FOX 32 News at Nine Co-Anchor - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing, about one of last night's most watched TV shows. You were either one of the millions of people anxiously counting the days until Sunday night's third season premiere of "Downton Abbey" on PBS' masterpiece theatre, or you still think it's a show called "Downtown Abbey."
Almost 8 million people watched last night; that's four times PBS' average nightly audience. After winning over the U.K., the lush, British mini-series has become a surprise pop culture phenomenon in the U.S.
All the hype resulted in double the ratings of last year's "Downton Abbey" premiere.
Based on my informal poll in the FOX 32 newsroom today, most women get hooked on this show immediately--citing the period costumes of the 1920's, and the soap opera saga of one family.
The show's creator and head writer, Julian Fellowes, says he always admired the energy of American shows like "Sex and the City," "Madmen," and "Glee."
Shirley MacLaine has joined Maggie Smith in the cast. I heard someone call "Downton Abbey" "The Real Housewives of Great Britain."
As for me, I prefer Sherlock Holmes. Just let me know when "Breaking Bad" starts again.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Country crooner Rick Monroe is on the Jagermeister country tour, which stops in Bloomington and South Bend this week. He performed his new single "Just the Same" for Good Day Chicago on Monday!
Country crooner Rick Monroe is on the Jagermeister country tour, which stops in Bloomington and South Bend this week. He performed his new single "Just the Same" for Good Day Chicago on Monday!
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
Leslie Zemeckis, wife of Oscar winning director Robert Zemeckis, has released her new book, "Behind the Burly Q: The History of American Burlesque." She explains where it all started - with a documentary.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX's Bill Zwecker shares photos from "The Hangover Part III" premiere after party in Las Vegas, and sat down with stars Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms to get their take on the film.
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
FOX entertainment guru Bill Zwecker reviewed "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "The Ice Man" starring Michael Shannon in the Screening Room Friday. Both are must-see movies, and they open this weekend! Don't miss out!
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
Candice Glover was named the nation's favorite singer on "American Idol" Thursday night, after singing with Aretha Franklin and Chicago native and "Idol" alum Jennifer Hudson. She never, ever gave up on her dream.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:33:23 GMT
A Merrillville police officer shot a man Monday afternoon when the two got into a fight in the parking lot of the Merrillville Planned Parenthood office.
A Merrillville police officer shot a man Monday afternoon when the two got into a fight in the parking lot of the Merrillville Planned Parenthood office.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:52 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:52:14 GMT
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
