Season 1
Mildred Pierce is an American television mini-series adapted from James M. Cain's 1941 novel and directed by Todd Haynes which depicts an overprotective, self-sacrificing mother during the Great Depression who finds herself separated from her husband, opening a restaurant of her own and falling in love with a new man, all the while trying to earn her narcissistic daughter's love and respect.
The series aired in the USA on HBO from 27 March to 10 April, 2011. There are five hour-long episodes in the series.
The series originally aired in South Africa on M-Net and DStv's M-Net HD channel from 5 January to 2 February, 2012, on Thursdays at 21h30. It later aired on DStv's M-Net Series channel. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Mildred Pierce premiered on M-Net Series on Sunday 3 June 2012, at 22h30. New episodes broadcast weekly.
Synopsis
Directed by Todd Haynes from a script by Haynes and Jon Raymond, Mildred Pierce is the epic story of a proud single mother struggling to earn her daughter's love during the Great Depression in middle-class Los Angeles.
The five-part miniseries, produced in association with MGM, follows the story laid out by James M. Cain in his 1941 novel of the same name.
Glendale, California, 1931: Mildred Pierce, a young mother with a talent for baking, is left a "grass widow" after throwing her husband, Bert, out of the house.
Forced to hunt for work to support herself and her two young daughters, 11-year-old Veda and seven-year-old Ray, Mildred visits an employment agency, only to encounter job opportunities she feels are beneath her.
Amidst her job search, she receives dating advice from her friend and neighbour, Lucy Gessler, and begins an unexpected affair with an ex-business partner of her husband's, Wally Burgan.
When Mildred receives a call from the agency regarding an opening as a housekeeper to a wealthy socialite, she reluctantly agrees to meet with her.
After cutting the acerbic interview short, Mildred seeks refuge at a local diner, Cristofor's Café, where fate, and a waitress named Ida, will play a role in shaping her future.
Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler, John Wells and Todd Haynes executive produce; Ilene Landress co-executive produces.
Seasons
There are five hour-long episodes in one season
Season 1
Channel: M-Net | Premiere: 5 Jan 2012 | Finale: 2 Feb 2012 | Thursdays, 21h30
Channel: M-Net HD | Premiere: 5 Jan 2012 | Finale: 2 Feb 2012 | Thursdays, 21h30
Channel: M-Net Series | Premiere: 3 Jun 2012 | Finale: 1 Jul 2012 | Sundays, 22h30