Why Does Laura Linney Introduce 'Downton Abbey'?

Every episode Laura Linney introduces "Downton Abbey" ... but why? The Huffington Post took that question to Masterpiece, "Downton Abbey's" producers.

"Alistair Cooke, the longtime host of Masterpiece Theatre, used to describe himself as the headwaiter, leading guests to a fabulous meal," Rebecca Eaton, Masterpiece executive producer, said in a statement. "We feel that hosts create an atmosphere and provide context for the programs that follow. When Masterpiece did its rebranding in 2008, the series was divided into three seasons. We decided that having a different host for each season would help to differentiate the programming for the audience. Laura Linney is an elegant and classic as the dramas she introduces."

Watch Laura Linney introduce the "Downton Abbey" Season 3 premiere below.

"Downton Abbey" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on PBS.

Watch Downton Abbey Season 3, Episode 1 on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

• Downton series 3 episode 1

  Downton's new footman Alfred Nugent

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  Lady Mary, Lady Sybil and Anna

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  Earl Of Grantham, Robert

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  Alfred Nugent

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  Mrs Hughes

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  Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson

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  Dinner downstairs

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  Mrs Hughes and O'Brien

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  Alfred Nugent

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  Mr Carson

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  Mr Carson

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  O'Brien

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  O'Brien

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  Tom Branson

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  Anna Bates and Thomas Barrow

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  Carson and O'Brien

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  Daisy

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  Thomas and Daisy

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  Alfred Nugent

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  Robert

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  Robert

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  Robert and Carson

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  Robert and Carson

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  Lady Edith

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  Anthony Strallan

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  Lady Edith and Anthony Strallan

• Downton series 3 episode 1

  Lady Edith

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  Anna and Bates

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  Bates

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  Anna

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  Anna

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  Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson

• Downton series 3 episode 1

  Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson

• Downton series 3 episode 1

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• Downton series 3 episode 1

• Downton series 3 episode 1

• Downton series 3 episode 1

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• Downton series 3 episode 1

• Downton series 3 episode 1

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• Downton series 3 episode 1

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/07/laura-linney-downton-abbey_n_2426321.html

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