At least in part, your feelings about the new PBS Masterpiece series "Mr. Selfridge" may depend on how you feel about Jeremy Piven, the former "Entourage" actor who stars in the title role.

Piven, an actor with a somewhat mercurial reputation (pun intended), can't help but bring a little of his wheeler-dealer Ari Gold character to the Selfridge part. (But to be fair, both Gold and Selfridge do seem to possess the same Showboat strand of DNA.)

The eight-part series, debuting Sunday at 9, tells the story of the Wisconsin native who took his retail talents to London in 1908 and founded one of the city's most fantastic and most famous department stores: Selfridge & Co. -- a truly innovative store still operating in the same location on Oxford Street in London.

Selfridge, who got his professional start at Marshall Fields in Chicago, was a forward-thinking retail genius, and for that reason alone, the series is fascinating for its look at how he helped transform the way people shop.

But Selfridge was also a man who lived as grandly as he dreamed, so his flawed personal life plays a big part in this story. A serial philanderer, Selfridge repeatedly gives in to an almost primal appetite for showgirls, practically drooling as he watches stage star Ellen Love (Zoe Tapper) prance around during performances. Those appetites have a profound impact on both his new business and his family, which has recently relocated to London from Chicago.

Despite those moral flaws, Selfridge is also portrayed here as a family man, but one more loyal -- and more attentive -- to his work family than to those who share his last name.

I've checked and it's against international law to write about any Masterpiece series these days without mentioning "Downton Abbey," so I'll add that like "Downton" (which began its story in roughly the same time period), "Mr. Selfridge" does a fine job of demonstrating the "upstairs/downstairs" aspect of the Selfridge & Co. narrative. This is Selfridge's story, no doubt, but nearly as much time is devoted to the lives of the clerks, waiters and various other employees at the landmark store. The result is a look at class lines similar to what we see in "Downton," just moved to the grittier big city setting. (And an interesting wrinkle here is that the American Selfridges, though very wealthy, were not fully accepted by the sentries of London's upper class.)

Still, while I admit that "Mr. Selfridge" the series grew on me as I watched more episodes (I've seen four total, which includes Sunday's two-hour debut), Mr. Selfridge the character always feels a little too much like Ari Gold with a time machine.

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Watch "Mr. Selfridge" beginning Sunday night at 9 on UNC-TV.

The long wait is almost over. Season 3 of the addictive British soap "Downton Abbey" returns to PBS Sunday night, and fans of the Crawley clan -- and their colorful staff -- are practically drooling in anticipation.

And with good reason. The series' third installment is just great.

The entire cast returns for the season and Shirley MacLaine is even tossed into the fray, playing the rich American mother of Lady Cora Elizabeth McGovern. Though she has a few good moments with Maggie Smith, who plays Lady Violet just as brilliantly as ever, MacLaine's much anticipated guest turn is a dull disappointment. (Don't expect too much and you might not be let down.)

I don't want to say anything too specific about the season for fear of giving away important plot points. But to speak in general terms, all the usual soap opera crises are present: romantic woes, money problems, untimely deaths (and murder trials, of course), sexual shenanigans, health scares and back-stabbing. Classing up the soap genre just a bit, "Downton" tosses in (as usual) a generous dose of class and gender struggles. It is 1920s England, after all.

There are also plenty of heartwarming storylines and a little more character development with some of the staff this season, including Mrs. Patmore, the grumpy Downton cook. If Mrs. Patmore, played by Lesley Nicol, doesn't emerge as a favorite this season, I worry for your cold heart. And speaking of cold hearts, a certain Downton baddie shows an unexpected side as the season progresses. That arc is one of the many delightful surprises of this latest run.

And sure, there are a few too-convenient plot devices here and there, and you'll see them coming from a mile away. But they are forgivable. Overall, the third season is a delight, and much better than the wildly inconsistent Season 2 (no amnesia!).

You will laugh, and you will cry. You will cry.

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The "Downton Abbey" two-hour premiere airs on Sunday night at 9 p.m. on UNC-TV.

UNC-EX will run a marathon of the entire second season of the Masterpiece Theatre hit series "Downton Abbey" starting Saturday (May 19) at 1 p.m. The marathon concludes with the wonderful season finale Christmas episode at 9:15 p.m.

If you haven't seen this yet, I encourage you to make some time for it.

UNC-EX is available over-the-air on channel 4.3 and on channel 173 if you have Time Warner Cable. If you have satellite, check your local channel guide.

60 Minutes (7pm, CBS) - Tonight, a tribute to longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Mike Wallace, who died last week at the age of 93.

Titanic (9pm, ABC) - The conclusion to Julian Fellowes' miniseries based on the sinking of the Titanic.

The Good Wife (9pm, CBS) - Alicia is forced back into the public spotlight by Peter's latest political rival.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (9pm, UNC-TV) - An adaptation of Charles Dickens' unfinished story about an opium-addled choirmaster (played by Matthew Rhys, who was Kevin Walker on "Brothers & Sisters") who believes his nephew stands between him and the woman he fancies. When the nephew goes missing, the question is, did the uncle murder him or did someone else?

Nurse Jackie (9pm, Showtime) - Carmelo Anthony has a small part in tonight's episode, which focuses on Jackie's stint in rehab.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - Clay is still in the game. Tonight, the teams must design two original puppets and perform an improvisational show with a Henson Alternative troupe. Expect: drama drama drama.

NYC 22 (10pm, CBS) - A new series about six NYPD rookies trying to balance their personal lives with work. Tonight, rookies go on their first patrol and try to prevent a gang war and a domestic murder. Here's Adrienne's review.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Tonight's cryptic episode summary: Lane makes an interesting friend and Pete plays host to an assortment of guests.

Girls (10:30pm, HBO) - In the premiere of a new comedy about a group of twentysomething women navigating life in New York, Hannah (Lena Dunham) gets shattering news from her parents and then loses her unpaid internship. This series is crazy good. Here's my full review.

Once Upon a Time (8pm, ABC) - Tonight we get the backstory of how Snow White met Prince Charming. Meanwhile, Emma and Henry encourage Mary Margaret to read to the comatose John Doe from the fairy tale storybook.  

Trashopolis (8pm, Smithsonian Channel) - The premiere of a new five-episode series that looks at how major cities like New York and Paris have risen and flourished because of their garbage. Tonight's episode focuses on New York City. Subsequent weeks look at Cairo, Paris, Rome, and London.

Mistletoe Over Manhattan (8pm, Hallmark) - In this new Hallmark movie, Mrs. Claus takes a job as a nanny for a couple going through a divorce. While she attempts to repair the duo's marriage, she also tries to prove that the Christmas spirit still exists to her own husband.

Page Eight (9pm, UNC-TV) - This Masterpiece Contemporary offering is about an aging MI5 analyst (Bill Nighy) who discovers information about a possible international scandal in a top secret file that his best friend and boss (Michael Gambon) shares with him. At the same time, his suspicions are aroused by a beautiful neighbor (Rachel Weisz) and the over-eager would-be suitor (Tom  Hughes) pursuing her. Felicity Jones also stars.

John Sandford's Certain Prey (9pm, USA) - Police chief Lucas Davenport (Mark Harmon) hunts down a mysterious hit woman while being pursued himself by a serial killer. Based on the novel by John Sandford.

Boardwalk Empire (9pm, HBO) - Margaret has a family reunion and Van Alden must come to terms with the hierarchy of the law.

The Walking Dead (9pm, AMC) - Shane's deadly sacrifice leads to some understandably strange behavior. I don't think you come back from something like that...

Hell on Wheels (10pm, AMC) - The pilot episode of a new series about a former Confederate soldier (Anson Mount) and his quest for revenge on the Union troops who killed his wife. In tonight's episode, the soldier heads west to take a job helping to build the first transcontinental railroad. It pains me to say I didn't care for it.

Madagascar (8pm, Animal Planet) - A new Animal Planet special in which conservationists examine the biodiversity of Madagascar and its unique plants and animals. Lemurs!!!

Undercover Boss (9pm, CBS) - The Season 2 finale features Tim White, the chancellor of University of California, who works undercover on his own campus.

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (9pm, USA) - Goren and Eames are back for the final season! In tonight's Season 10 premiere, the two beloved detectives team up to investigate the death of a call girl that takes a weird turn with a Charlie Sheen-type character (played by Jay Mohr). The probe soon leads to a hard-partying designer and the heads of a fashion house, who may have gone to great lengths to protect the business.

Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - On one hand, Donald Trump. On the other hand, NeNe Leakes to Star Jones: "You talked a good game, now bring your street game. Now, where's Barbara Walters?" I'm sorry. I have to watch.

Who Killed Chandra Levy (9pm, TLC) - TLC calls this a "docudrama" about the 2001 disappearance and death of Washington, D.C. intern Chandra Levy.

South Riding (9pm, UNC-TV) - 'Upstairs Downstairs' just ended and already Masterpiece Theatre has a new three-part series to keep us hungry for British culture. Tonight is part one of an adaptation of Winifred Holtby's 1936 novel about a teacher (Maxwell Martin, left)) who returns home to Yorkshire to apply for the headmistress position at a girls' school, and butts heads with a landowner (David Morrissey) who dislikes her social agenda and pacifist views. You can watch a preview of 'South Riding' at PBS.org.

In Plain Sight (10pm, USA) - In the Season 4 premiere, Mary seeks help from a witness to help clear Brandi of grand theft auto charges.

The Killing (10pm, AMC) - A suspect's family, neighbors and friends are grilled by Sarah and  Holder. Rosie's funeral is held, and Stan intensifies his own investigation into his daughter's murder.

Brothers & Sisters (10pm, ABC) - Sarah confronts Brody over the fact that he's her real father, which creates a dilemma for Nora, who is in love with him.

Treme (10pm, HBO) - Toni helps a Massachusetts man who wants to know what happened to his son after Katrina, and Albert plans to cook a Thanksgiving turkey whether or not he has a place to do it.

Grammy Awards (8pm, CBS) - The 53rd Annual event is live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Eminem leads nominations with ten, followed by Bruno Mars with seven. Both are scheduled to perform. Also performing: Justin Bieber, Usher, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, and most importantly, The Avett Brothers with Bob Dylan (and Mumford & Sons)!

William & Kate: A Royal Love Story (8pm, TLC) - Prince William's courtship with Kate Middleton is explored. This is followed by a two-hour special at 9pm on Queen Elizabeth.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - Lynette's mother (Polly Bergen) asks her and the rest of the Scavos to pose for a family picture that includes her obnoxious new husband, played by Larry Hagman. Also, Bree continues to keep Keith in the dark about the fact that he's to be a dad.

Masterpiece Classic: Any Human Heart (9pm, UNC-TV) - Part 1 of 3 of a feature adapted by William Boyd from his 2002 novel about the eventful life of writer, lover, art dealer and spy Logan Mountstuart. Part 1 opens with the elderly Logan sifting through memories, beginning in the 1920s and including his friendship with Ernest Hemingway.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - Bill's success in the senate is offset by new roadblocks set up by the Mormon church, and Barb's frustration with her internship prompts a life-changing decision.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - Beverly suspects Sean is having an affair with Morning, so she prepares to leave him and return to London. But on her way to the airport she runs into Matt, which puts a wrinkle in her plans.

Shameless (10pm, Showtime) - Fiona scrambles to spruce up the house for an impending visit from Carl's teacher and Lip makes some extra cash by taking tests for his less-intelligent classmates.

Rogue Justice (8pm, CNN) - A new documentary examining trouble in the North Carolina state justice system. This repeats at 11pm.

Screen Actors Guild Awards (8pm, TNT and TBS) - Outstanding film and TV performances are honored in the 17th annual gala from Los Angeles. Ernest Borgnine will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. And for you sensitive types, no snarky Brits will be hosting.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The conclusion of the first season of this excellent Masterpiece Theatre series finds a surprising heir alternative to Matthew (Dan Stevens, right) coming to the fore. Also, Sybil's secret political life causes her harm, Anna investigates Mr. Bates' past while in London with Mrs. Patmore, Mary meddles with Edith's romantic plans, and Thomas plans his exit strategy.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - Christmas becomes a trying time for the Henricksons in the face of shocking disclosures from Barb, Margene, and Adaleen. Meanwhile, Cara Lynn digs deeper into the disappearance of her father, and Lura goes to extremes to avoid Alby's purification measures at Juniper Creek.

The Lost Valentine (9pm, CBS) - A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie about a dogged TV reporter (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who finds her own love life changed when she profiles a World War II widow (Betty White) who continues to honor the memory of her Navy pilot husband 65 years after he was declared missing in action. Also stars Billy Magnussen, a 2007 graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts. See our review.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Hank learns from his attorney that his statutory rape case is going to trial. Meanwhile, Karen and Marcy buy a home-pregnancy test to see if Marcy is with child.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - Beverly and Sean rescue a drunken Matt from a bar outside of LA and attempt to shield him from the paparazzi.

Golden Globe Awards (8pm, NBC) - Maybe the best awards show of the season, mostly because the attendees sometimes get a little drunk before making their speeches. In addition to awards in movies and television, Robert DeNiro will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award. Raleigh native Michael C. Hall (left) is nominated for his starring role in "Dexter" (Hall won the award last year). Hosted by Ricky Gervais, who promises after tonight, the Globes will never invite him back. We'll be live-blogging here, so check in.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - In part two (of four) of this excellent Masterpiece series, Mary continues to entertain suitors, including a Turkish diplomat. Also, much to his dismay, the former life of Mr. Carson is revealed, and Mr. Bates risks his health in order to keep his post as valet.

Desperate Housewives (9pm, ABC) - Lynette tries to stop her mom (Polly Bergen) from marrying an odious man (Larry Hagman). Also, Bree learns some trouble things from Keith's ex-girlfriend, Carlos worries about Gaby's obsession with a doll, and Susan befriends a depressed and curmudgeonly dialysis patient.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Hank's efforts to mend things with Becca by taking her to a guitar store run by musican Zakk Wylde fail. Hank later takes a meeting with Oscar-winning actor Rick (Rob Lowe, doing his best Brad Pitt), who is set to play him in the film of his novel.

Big Love (9pm, HBO) - In the fifth season premiere, which picks up in the ugly aftermath of Bill's election victory and his revelation of polygamy, the Henrickson family suffers indignities and scorn wherever they go. Also, Alby returns to Juniper Creek from his exile in the desert.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - Sean and Beverly are wined and dined at Merc's elegant house party, and Sean is flattered by a very smooth Matt LeBlanc. Matt also flirts a little with Beverly, who discovers too late that it's better to be on the star's good side than be his enemy.

Ted Haggard: Scandalous (10pm, TLC) - TLC continues its examination of the sordid with a profile of disgraced pastor Ted Haggard, founder of Colorado's New Life Church who left the ministry in 2006 following a sex and drugs scandal. The TLC show follows Haggard as he tries to start a new life and new church.

Denis Leary & Friends: Douchebags and Donuts (10pm, Comedy Central) - Leary performs at New York City's Town Hall with help from comedians Whitney Cummings, Lenny Clarke, and Adam Ferrara.

Bob's Burgers (8:30pm, Fox) - A new animated series about a family man who opens a burger joint. Read Adrienne's review here.

Downton Abbey (9pm, UNC-TV) - The "Masterpiece" season premiere features the engrossing four-part drama that begins in 1912, when the sinking of the Titanic   punctures the succession plans of Lord Grantham, the father of three daughters, and inspires his wife (Elizabeth McGovern) and mother (Maggie Smith) to push him to separate his title from his estate, which are legally entailed to pass only to a man.

The Cape (9pm, NBC) - The pilot of a weak new action drama from NBC about an ex-cop (David Lyons) who takes on a superhero persona and fights crime.

Californication (9pm, Showtime) - Season 4 finds Hank getting bailed out of jail and discovering he's the toast of the town thanks to his involvement in the literary sex scandal. On the downside, he's facing a lawsuit and Karen and Becca want nothing to do with him.

Episodes (9:30pm, Showtime) - The premiere of a new sitcom which stars former "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc as himself, landing a role in a sitcom and hoping to make a comeback. British comedy veterans Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig, who play the married screenwriting team, are wonderful. Definitely check it out (read more in our review).

Shameless (10pm, Showtime) - A strange new drama (?) with William H. Macy as a shiftless alcoholic who lets his six motherless children fend for themselves while he drinks away all their money and treats them like crap. Here's my conflicted, somewhat rambling review.

Louis C.K.: Hilarious (10pm, Comedy Central) - Louis C.K.'s latest stand-up act offers reflections on his divorce and life as a single father in his forties.