Linney to Host 'Masterpiece' on PBS

PBS just announced that Laura Linney will be hosting this season of "Masterpiece: Classic," which begins on January 4, 2009, with a new adaptation of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." The actress, from "John Adams," "The Savages," and -- classic cred alert! -- "The House of Mirth," is picking up the job from Gillian Anderson.

The "Masterpiece" season looks like a good one, with a focus on Charles Dickens novels. Last season's Jane Austen-themed run was a huge success for the series.

Here's the schedule:

January 4 and 11
"Tess of the D'Urbervilles" (a new 4-hour mini-series)

January 18 and 25
"Wuthering Heights" (a new 2.5-hour mini-series)

February 15 and 22
"Oliver Twist" (a new 3-hour mini-series)
Starring Timothy Spall and Sophie Okonedo

March 15 and 22
"David Copperfield" (a repeat of the 3-hour 1999 mini-series)
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Bob Hoskins, and Ian McKellen

March 29 to April 26
"Little Dorrit" (a new 8-hour mini-series)
Adapted by screenwriter Andrew Davies of "Bleak House"

May 3
"The Old Curiosity Shop" (a new 90-minute movie)
Starring Derek Jacobi and Gina McKee