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WORLD ON FIRE On MASTERPIECE is an adrenalized, emotionally gripping and resonant World War II drama that follows the intertwining fates of ordinary people in five countries as they grapple with the effects of the war on their everyday lives. Set in Britain, Poland, France, Germany and the United States, the events of the seven-hour series take place during the first year of the war.
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The stellar cast includes Academy Award®-winner Helen Hunt ("As Good As it Gets," MAD ABOUT YOU), Sean Bean (GAME OF THRONES), Academy Award®-nominee Lesley Manville ("Phantom Thread"), Jonah Hauer-King (LITTLE WOMEN On MASTERPIECE, HOWARD'S END) and Blake Harrison (A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL).
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EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1 - When war breaks out, young translator Harry vows to help his Polish lover Kasia flee Warsaw, but how will he explain this to his sweetheart Lois, waiting for him at home in Manchester?
Episode 2 - A month into war and with Warsaw destroyed, Harry is desperate for news, while Kasia joins the Polish resistance.
Episode 3 - Tom faces the fight of his life aboard HMS Exeter, while Harry and Lois have a more personal battle to fight.
Episode 4 - Harry’s courage is tested at Louvain, while Kasia’s resistance activity in Warsaw intensifies.
Episode 5 - Harry and his unit reach Dunkirk, with the odds stacked against them.
Episode 6 - Paris falls to the Nazis, and Webster and Albert’s lives are turned upside down.
Episode 7 - Harry has a second chance at saving Kasia from Warsaw. In Manchester, could Lois be set for happiness at last?
WATCH ON YOUR SCHEDULE: Seasons 1and 2 are available to stream with KPBS Passport, a member benefit that unlocks exclusive shows and extra content on the PBS app.
LISTEN TO OUR SEASON 1 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Transport yourself back to the 1930s with our all new WORLD ON FIRE Season 1 playlist on the MASTERPIECE on PBS Spotify account. Share the playlist with friends and follow the MASTERPIECE on PBS Spotify account.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION: MASTERPIECE is on Facebook, Instagram @masterpiecepbs on X #MasterpiecePBS #WorldOnFirePBS
CREDITS: A Mammoth Screen (part of ITV Studios) production for the BBC and MASTERPIECE. It is written by Peter Bowker, developed by Mammoth’s Creative Director Rebecca Keane and executive produced by Peter Bowker, Damien Timmer, and Helen Ziegler for Mammoth Screen, Lucy Richer for the BBC, and Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE. The Series Producer is Chris Clough. Adam Smith ("Trespass Against Us") is directing episodes one and two, Thomas Napper ("Jawbone") is directing episode three, Chanya Button ("Burn Burn Burn") is is directing episodes five and six, and Andy Wilson (UNFORGOTTEN) is directing episodes four and seven. ITV Studios Global Entertainment handles global distribution.
