“Masterpiece” to Focus on Graphic Novels in 2010
In an exciting announcement, a spokesperson for “Masterpiece” from PBS said that starting next year, the decades-old beloved series will cease covering classic works of literature and instead focus on today’s new classics — graphic novels.
“To tell you the truth, we’re completely bored with the classics,” said Cholmondeley Rodriguez, spokesperson for WHAH, the heretofore unknown PBS station in Poughkeepsie. “All those bonnets, carriages, and British accents? They don’t fit with today’s consumer’s needs.”
What does fit with those needs, Rodriguez says, are graphic novels. “We want to introduce the faster storytelling pace of modern graphic novels. We’re working on a completely authentic version of Watchmen right now. None of that Zack Snyder superficial stuff. We didn’t simply build an Owlmobile; we went back in time to make sure we constructed it only of materials that Alan Moore could have envisioned during the 1980s.”
Projects in development include Hellboy, starring Hugh Laurie; The Dark Tower, starring Colin Firth; and The Sandman, starring Derek Jacoby. All female characters will be portrayed by Helen Mirren.
There has been much jockeying for the coveted position of “Masterpiece!!! Graphix” host. Rodriguez admits that great consideration was given to Neil Gaiman, but the host will be Michael Palin. “He’s still under contract for an unfinished series about soccer hooliganism and its effects on Cotswolds gardens, so he’s cheap,” says Rodriguez.
Happy April Fool’s Day from Bethanne!
on April 1st, 2009 at 11:20 am
[...] wasn’t so gullible when I read that the PBS series, Masterpiece will switch from their traditional focus on the classics to graphic novels this [...]
on April 1st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
This is fantastic! But please don’t forget the lesser known graphic novels, including “Gemma Bovary” by Posy Simmonds, something that might just be up the proverbial alley for Masterpiece Theatre!
on April 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
This was GREAT!!!!! HAhahah!
on April 1st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Palin is on the plane …
on April 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 am
Joanne, you’re right about the Simmonds (and others); there are lots of graphic novels that would work beautifully for the Masterpiece demo. Thanks, S., for your kind words. Don, I am laughing…
But serious question, now: What “masterpieces” aren’t getting filmed that should be?
on April 9th, 2009 at 5:26 am
[...] wasn’t so gullible when I read that the PBS series, Masterpiece will switch from their traditional focus on the classics to graphic novels this [...]
on August 9th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Well, you have gone the way of idiotic TV. I have lived for Masterpiece Theater and Mystery. What a pity!!!
on August 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
OOpS–April Fool’s Joke, I suppose, and hope!!!
on September 5th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Эта блестящая фраза придется как раз кстати
on September 13th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Well, is this an April Fools Joke or not? I can’t believe that PBS would sacrifice the classics for stupid television like Hellboy??? Bring back the bonnets and carriages!! No market? Have you looked at the sales for Regency and Historical romance novels? They sell more books than any other genre. PBS is our only resource for these types of movies. What are you thinking?