MASTERPIECE Studio

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Two of Grantchester Season 11.

For the past two seasons of Grantchester, actor Rishi Nair has portrayed Reverend Alphy Kottaram through highs and lows, from the confrontational meeting with Geordie upon his arrival at the vicarage, to finally finding a place of belonging. But nothing compares to the roller coaster that is his new relationship with his birth mother, Mira. In this episode, Rishi takes us through Alphy’s latest trials, and how learning the truth about his past shakes him to his very core.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of Grantchester Season 11.

Grantchester head writer and executive producer Daisy Coulam has spent over a decade working on this beloved mystery drama creatively exploring murders, developing long life arcs for her characters, and navigating three vicar transitions, all while managing to deliver a sense of joy, belonging, and found family. Today, Daisy returns to the podcast to dissect the first episode of Season 11 — the beginning of the end of Grantchester.   

This interview with Grantchester head writer and executive producer, Daisy Coulam, was recorded two weeks after the 11th and final season of Grantchester finished filming. But rest assured: there are no spoilers for Season 11 ahead as Daisy takes a look back at what Grantchester has meant to her. This conversation was originally recorded on video. To watch this special MASTERPIECE Studio interview, head to YouTube.com/masterpiecepbs and click on Podcasts.

The 8th Countess of Carnarvon wears many hats including author, chartered accountant, social media influencer, gin magnate, and impeccable hostess. Lady Carnarvon and her husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, are the latest stewards of the historic Highclere Castle, which you may recognize as the primary filming location for Downton Abbey. In this episode, Lady Carnarvon discusses her new book, A Year At Highclere: Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey, and shares what it’s like to call this piece of living history home, as well as all things ghosts, gardens, King Tutankhamun, Downton Abbey, and more.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for The Forsytes Season 1.

With Season 2 of The Forsytes coming to MASTERPIECE in 2027, we wanted to give you a taste of what to expect from the next installment of this gripping family saga. In this episode, we’re joined by actors Susan Hampshire, Millie Gibson, Joshua Orpin, Tuppence Middleton, Stephen Moyer, Jack Davenport, and writer and executive producer, Debbie Horsfield to look back at Season 1, and peer into the future of the Forsyte clan.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of The Forsytes Season 1.

On screen, actors Stephen Moyer and Jack Davenport play brothers and bitter rivals Jolyon Forsyte Sr. and James Forsyte. But off screen, the two couldn’t be closer. In this episode, we talk with Stephen and Jack about being neighbors, playing golf, raising children, and how their off-screen friendship of 35+ years informs their on-screen dynamic.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of The Forsytes Season 1.

For actor Tuppence Middleton, Frances Forsyte is a complex character. Her heart may be in the right place, but when faced with an impossible situation, she makes some questionable decisions out of self preservation. In this episode, Tuppence shares how her character does all she can to hold together her marriage, the family, and her daughter’s future amidst emotional devastation. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of The Forsytes Season 1.

When preparing for a role, actor Joshua Orpin opens his heart to the human being behind the character and tries to understand why they are the way they are. In this episode, Joshua talks about getting into the mind of the controlling and possessive Soames Forsyte in Season 1 of The Forsytes, and how his character is shocked back into reality while honeymooning in Paris.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of The Forsytes Season 1.

Actor Millie Gibson joined The Forsytes cast as the artistic and free spirited ballet dancer, Irene Heron. In this conversation, Millie discusses how her character takes a leap of faith — a leap that promises her a world far beyond anything she could have ever dreamt.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of The Forsytes Season 1.

Screenwriter Debbie Horsfield was last on the podcast in 2019 to talk about the series finale of her adaptation of Poldark. Today we welcome her back to talk about her latest project, The Forsytes. In this episode, Debbie discusses the choices she made reimagining John Galsworthy’s novels about the landmark British family saga for a modern audience.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of The Forsytes Season 1.

For acting legend Susan Hampshire, playing Fleur in the 1967 adaptation of The Forsyte Saga was a huge moment in her career. Now, nearly 60 years later, she returns to the story as the wealthy Lady Carteret in The Forsytes. In this conversation, we talk about how Susan approached playing Lady Carteret, as well as her decades long career. 

The Forsytes is a modern reimagining of John Galsworthy’s landmark novels which chronicle the lives and loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family. Written by Debbie Horsfield, who also wrote MASTERPIECE’s 2015 adaptation of Poldark, this new series depicts the tensions between tradition and self-sacrifice, and personal happiness and the pursuit of love. In preparation for The Forsytes, coming to MASTERPIECE on Sunday, March 22, we’re joined by MASTERPIECE mainstay, actor Tom Durant-Pritchard, who plays Montague Dartie, to take a sneak peek at this highly anticipated upcoming drama.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 7 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.

With the war over, Darrowby’s residents are eager to indulge in the merriment of the holidays. For some, this will be the happiest Christmas yet. But for many others, it serves as a painful reminder of the loved ones who never made it back. In this episode, actors Callum Woodhouse and Gaia Wise reflect on how their characters, Tristan Farnon and Charlotte Beauvoir, simultaneously handle loss and celebration in this poignant Christmas episode of All Creatures Great and Small.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.

At the start of Episode 6, Eliza Scarlet and Alexander Blake are told they cannot work together and be romantically involved. But things have a way of working out for Eliza Scarlet. In this bonus episode, actor Kate Phillips and writer Rachael New return to the podcast to look back on this riveting season, and glance towards the future where all the stars seem to be aligned for our favorite Victorian-era private detective. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.

In this season of All Creatures Great and Small, actor Callum Woodhouse’s Tristan Farnon arrives back in Darrowby on leave from the war. While his sense of humor and playful spirit are still intact, it’s clear something is eating away at Tristan. In this conversation, Callum talks about how Tristan has been changed by the war and the struggles he faces, but also how those experiences deepened his relationship with Siegfried and enabled him to bond with his new love inte...

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.

For actor Sam Buchanan’s Detective George Willows, Episode 5 of Miss Scarlet is a baptism by fire, as he and Tom Durant-Pritchard’s Inspector Blake team up on a dark and stormy night to keep things at Scotland Yard under control amidst strange and mysterious circumstances. Sam discusses joining the cast and how he approached playing the loyal and hardworking detective. Plus, Tom returns to the podcast to discuss this high-stakes bottle episode of Miss Scarlet.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.

Miss Scarlet writer and creator Rachael New likes to have fun with her Victorian-era mystery series. Whether it’s having Eliza out of her element in a new relationship, or watching Moses and Clarence team up on a jewelry caper, Rachael delights in juxtaposing these moments of humor alongside serious crimes. In this episode, Rachael explores the twists and turns in this labyrinthine season of Miss Scarlet.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 6.

Actor Gaia Wise joins the cast of All Creatures Great and Small this season playing the down to earth Charlotte Beauvoir. In this conversation, Gaia shares what it was like being welcomed onto set, what she shares with her character, and how Charlotte and Tristan bond over their shared experiences in the war. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.

For actor Tom Durant-Pritchard, Eliza Scarlet and Alexander Blake’s new relationship is delightfully complicated. In this conversation, we hear about Blake’s side of this relationship and how he maintains a level head while keeping his romance with brilliant private detective Eliza a secret.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of Miss Scarlet Season 6.

Actor Kate Phillips joins us today to discuss how her character, Eliza Scarlet, deals with all of the new challenges in Season 6 and how she balances the professional with the private.

December 16, 2025 marks a special day in the world of arts and culture; the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. Here at MASTERPIECE, we are admirers of Jane Austen. Through interviews with historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley, Miss Austen novelist Gill Hornby, screenwriter Andrew Davies, and MASTERPIECE’s Senior Series Producer, Erin Delaney, we’re looking back at Austen’s life, her legacy, and what her novels mean to us. Now join us in the drawing room as we gather round to celebrate our beloved Jane Austen in this special episode.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1 of The Gold.

In preparation for Season 2 of The Gold, coming to MASTERPIECE in 2026, we wanted to wrap up Season 1 with this special postscript episode. You’ll hear first from The Gold writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth about a few final details of the real-life story, followed by actor Hugh Bonneville who shares his thoughts on the surprising reveal at the end of Season 1. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Maigret.

Actor Benjamin Wainwright is no stranger to MASTERPIECE audiences, having appeared in Endeavour, World on Fire, and Unforgotten. Today, he joins the podcast to talk about his latest MASTERPIECE role as the lead actor in a new production of Maigret. In this conversation, we discuss stepping into the long line of Maigrets, and how his character balances solving crime with his personal duty to the social contract. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 1, Episode 5 of The Gold.

Actor Hugh Bonneville is a familiar face here at MASTERPIECE, having appeared in Downton Abbey, Miss Austen Regrets, The Cazalets, and more. Today, Hugh joins us to talk about The Gold and playing the ethical, determined, and legendary DCI Brian Boyce. Hugh shares what he took away from meeting the real-life Boyce to inform his stunning performance. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 4 of Maigret.

Actor Stefanie Martini’s Louise Maigret may just be the most patient woman in Paris, forever adjusting to her husband Jules Maigret’s demanding work schedule. But she’s a professional in her own right, working as a psychiatric nurse helping those in need. In this conversation, Stefanie returns to the podcast to discuss themes of hope, loss, and new beginnings through her character, Madame Maigret.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of The Gold S1.

For actor Stefanie Martini, getting into character to play Marnie Palmer involved doing away with her drama school style of speaking, and pulling out her native Bristolian accent. Today, Stefanie talks about portraying the real life Marnie Palmer, and what it was like to be stuck in a 1980s time warp while shooting The Gold.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Maigret

When adapting Georges Simenon’s Maigret for the screen, lead writer, director, and executive producer Patrick Harbinson wanted to bring the classic character into the modern day. In this conversation, Patrick talks about the decisions he made to showcase Maigret as a younger detective with something to prove, and what we can expect from the rest of the season.

The Gold writer and creator Neil Forsyth returns to the podcast in this special episode for an in-depth discussion on details of the larger-than-life heist. He explains the massive social transformation in 1980s Britain, why three tons of gold was at the Brink’s-Mat warehouse, the rumors of police corruption, and more. After this conversation, we guarantee you’ll be able to appreciate every “truth is stranger than fiction” nuance of The Gold.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of The Gold. 

Writer and executive producer Neil Forsyth had his work cut out for him when adapting the larger-than-life true story of the Brink’s-Mat robbery. Too big for a single film adaptation, Neil decided this vast web of characters, plot, and conspiracy would be best told as a drama series. In this conversation, Neil talks about Episode 1 of The Gold and the decisions he made weaving together countless hours of research with compelling character arcs and dialogue to create this pulse pounding drama.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Season 2 of The Marlow Murder Club. 

For actor Jo Martin, returning to Marlow for a second season of The Marlow Murder Club felt like returning to a new family. And for her character, dog walker turned sleuth Suzie Harris, a new family is being forged with her friends Judith and Becks. In this conversation, we talk with Jo about drawing on her real-life experiences as a mother, embracing the beauty of Marlow, and grappling with themes of parenthood, friendship, and of course, murder.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Two of The Marlow Murder Club Season 2. 

Author Robert Thorogood returns to the podcast to discuss writing the first two episodes of The Marlow Murder Club Season Two, based on his novel, Death Comes to Marlow. Robert shares his thoughts on locked room mysteries, the importance of humor, and what’s in store for Season 3.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of The Marlow Murder Club Season 2. 

Author Robert Thorogood fell in love with murder mysteries at a young age when he stumbled across an Agatha Christie novel at his great aunt’s house. Since then, he’s been determined to write his own golden age style murder mysteries. In this conversation, we talk with Robert about his life, creative process, and the inspiration and backstory to The Marlow Murder Club. 

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Eight of Grantchester Season 10. 

Head writer and executive producer Daisy Coulam and actor Rishi Nair join us once again to wrap up this beautiful season of Grantchester. Daisy and Rishi reflect on the heartfelt themes of belonging, family, and parent-child dynamics.  

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Six of Grantchester Season 10. 

Actor Bradley Hall joined the Grantchester cast in Season Four, originally for just two episodes, as the young copper Larry Peters. Seven seasons later, Larry has emerged as a fan favorite and Grantchester staple. Today, Bradley makes his MASTERPIECE Studio debut and talks about his friendship with Miss Scott on and off screen, the dynamic between Larry and Geordie, and how his character has transformed from station rookie to married man.

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode.

The chance to play legendary American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one big reason for Kyle MacLachlan to sign on to Atlantic Crossing. But it was the story of the young Norwegian Royal Family at the heart of the miniseries that made him commit to the role. MacLachlan explores Roosevelt, Agent Dale Cooper and wine with lifelong Twin Peaks fan, MASTERPIECE Studio host Jace Lacob.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Four of Grantchester Season 10. 

For actor Rishi Nair, just like his character Alphy Kottaram, returning to Grantchester for another season feels like coming home. In this episode, Rishi explores questions of identity, friendship, and found family for Alphy, as he revisits a formative part of his past and reflects on the advice given to him as a young man, “Don’t look back.”

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode Three of Grantchester Season 10. 

Head writer and executive producer Daisy Coulam joins the podcast this week to discuss relationship dynamics, balancing murder with morality, and how she continues to keep Grantchester fresh and captivating after 10 heartwarming seasons.

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode.

Norwegian Crown Princess Martha was born in Sweden, but Swedish actor Sofia Helin didn’t know her story until she signed on to play the quiet Royal in Atlantic Crossing. But after coming on board the miniseries, Helin helped shape the story of the little-known Princess, bringing a surprising light to her powerful story. Helin talks royalty, FDR, and Saga Noren of Broen in a new interview.

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode.

For American viewers, the story of Norway’s Crown Princess Märtha is likely mostly unknown. But the Crown Princess’ World War II influence was a surprise even for Atlantic Crossing co-writer and director Alexander Eik, who spent almost seven years researching his miniseries. Eik explains how he found the key to Märtha’s story, and what viewers should anticipate in the next seven episodes, in a new interview.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Miss Austen.

Writer Gill Hornby has been a fan of Jane Austen’s work since she first read Mansfield Park as a teenager. But it wasn’t until Gill moved to the village of Kintbury that she became surrounded by and interested in Jane’s life. In her novel, Miss Austen, Gill explores the deep bond between Jane and her loving sister Cassandra. In this episode, Gill talks about writing this heartfelt novel, redeeming Cassandra Austen’s legacy, and why she thinks Cassandra burned so many of Jane’s letters.