January 14, 2013 • 4:33 p.m.

'Downton Abbey' gets early iTunes showing

By The Associated Press

Shirley MacLaine stars in "Downton Abbey." (AP photo)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Select "Downton Abbey" fans are in for an early viewing treat and bragging rights.

Apple said Monday that people in North America who hold iTunes season passes will be able to see this season's last three episodes of "Downton" before they air.

The period drama's second season was the best-selling TV series on iTunes last year, Apple said, without disclosing the numbers. The exclusive preview of a TV series is the first for iTunes, the company said.

The third season of "Downton Abbey" began Jan. 6 with an episode that drew nearly 8 million viewers, quadrupling PBS' average prime-time audience. The drama about British landed gentry and their household servants stars Hugh Bonneville, Dan Stevens and Michelle Dockery.

Episodes are available beginning Jan. 29 on iTunes.