King Center to Host Free DOWNTON ABBEY Preview Screening, 2/16

The King Center for the Performing Arts and WUCF TV, Central Florida's PBS station, are hosting a free screening of the first hour of Season 4 British drama "Downton Abbey" before it airs January 5th on television stations around the country.

Fans can enjoy the first hour of Season 4 at a free premiere on Monday, December 16, at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. This event is open to the public at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for best-available seating, and dress as their favorite "Downton Abbey" character or in period attire for the events.

Season 4 "Downton Abbey" premieres at 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, on WUCF TV and airs over eight Sundays through February 23. The most-watched drama in PBS history enters its fourth season with the whole world waiting to learn how beloved characters deal with a shocking tragedy.

All who tuned in last season know that Matthew Crawley - heir to Downton Abbey, husband to Lady Mary and brand-new father to a baby boy and successor - lies dead on a country road next to his overturned roadster. On top of this, the family is still grieving over the death in childbirth of Sybil, Mary's youngest sister, who also left a baby behind.

Season 4 opens six months later during the 1920s. The acclaimed ensemble is back together with returning guest star Academy Award-winner Shirley MacLaine and new guest star Paul Giamatti. Also joining the cast this season are Harriet Walter, Gary Carr, Joanna David and Tom Cullen. Viewership and social media buzz have been soaring since the series launched in January 2011. Season 3 reached a record 24.1 million viewers, more than any other drama in the history of PBS, and the season had the highest Twitter buzz ever for public television.

Written and created by Julian Fellowes, "Downton Abbey" Season 4 is a Carnival/MASTERPIECE Co-Production. The series' many accolades include nine Emmys, two Golden Globes and a coveted Screen Actors Guild Award for the ensemble cast.