Rebecca Eaton

Rebecca Eaton serves as the Executive Producer at Large of "Masterpiece Theater," renowned for spearheading the American broadcast of eminent British dramas such as "Downton Abbey," "Sherlock," "Victoria," "Poldark," "Prime Suspect," "The Forsyte Saga," and "Wolf Hall." Since taking leadership of "Masterpiece Theatre" and "Mystery!" in 1995 and managing the 2008 relaunch of "Masterpiece," she has significantly influenced the landscape of television drama. Her tenure witnessed "Downton Abbey" becoming the most-watched drama in PBS history, a testament to her impactful curation and vision.

Eaton's extensive career began after graduating from Vassar College, followed by a period at the BBC World Service, before joining PBS station WGBH Boston. Her deep insights and experiences in television are encapsulated in her memoir "Making Masterpiece," which delves into the nuances and backgrounds of the iconic series she helped bring to life. Furthermore, she provides audiences a rare glimpse into the creation of these beloved series through her engaging live event.

Throughout her illustrious career, Eaton's leadership has garnered "Masterpiece" an impressive tally of 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, 16 Peabody Awards, six Golden Globes, and two Academy Award nominations. Her contributions to broadcasting were recognized in 2011 when she was named one of Time's 100 most influential people and were further honored with an honorary OBE (Officer, Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. These accolades underscore her pivotal role in shaping the narrative and appreciation of British drama in America.