PBS Headquarters in Arlington Ready for 'Downton Abbey' Season 5

In just a few weeks, season 5 of the hit PBS series Downton Abbey returns to MASTERPIECE on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Until then, Washingtonians can get a glimpse of what’s to come for the highest-rated drama in PBS history by looking no further than PBS headquarters in Arlington.

In partnership with PBS, Vornado and the Crystal City Business Improvement District, a giant banner featuring Lady Mary has been wrapped around the PBS headquarters in Crystal City.

Metro riders on the blue and yellow lines from Crystal City, commuters on Route 1, and passengers flying in to Reagan National airport will all be greeted by Lady Mary throughout the month of December.

Season 5 kicks off in 1924: The United Kingdom has its first Labor Party prime minister; the radio is the latest technical marvel; and Downton’s traditional ways are besieged on all fronts, according to a PBS spokeswoman.

Viewers can expect to follow plot threads left dangling from last season, including Lady Mary’s courtship contest, Lady Edith’s trials as a secret single mother, Thomas’ scheming against Mr. Bates, Robert’s battles against modernity, and Tom’s quest to be true to his ideals.

Here’s a preview to see what’s in store in Downton Abbey, Season 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIDtbNtCxFc