I guess the sesquicentennial took a few years to register in the minds of TV and movie producers, but they’re throwing their lot in now.  In addition to the less-than-promising shows mentioned last week, this is a PBS production backed by some Hollywood clout.  I’ll post more news as I see it; this has some serious promise!

After being wedded for so long to British-centric scripted series, including the mega-hit “Downton Abbey,” America’s public-television giant has plans to do a Civil War drama shot in Virginia.

The news was announced last week during the Television Critics Association Press Tour.

Based on true stories, the six-part series, which is yet to be titled, will follow two volunteer nurses on opposite sides of the conflict — one a staunch New England abolitionist and the other a young Confederate belle.

The series is being produced by Ridley Scott and David Zucker, and is scheduled to air this winter.

via Brit-centric PBS planning Civil War drama – Lowell Sun Online.