ENCORE'S "THE BIG MINISERIES SHOWCASE" PRESENTS: "SHOGUN" ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH AND "THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH" ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH

Following the U.S. television debut of "The Crimson Petal and the White" on September 10, ENCORE's "The Big Miniseries Showcase" continues with the premiere of the East meets West classic, "Shogun" on Monday, September 17th at 8pm ET/PT on ENCORE. The six-part miniseries will air each night through Saturday, September 22.

"The Pillars of the Earth," the Emmy(R) nominated Original miniseries which originally debuted on STARZ, will air the following week on Monday, September 24 - 27 at 8pm. "The Big Miniseries Showcase" is a weekly programming destination of fan favorites and classic titles, premiering every Monday night.

SHOGUN Synopsis - Premieres Monday, September 17 - 22 at 8pm

(followed by a marathon on Sunday, September Sept. 23rd beginning at 10am)

Richard Chamberlain stars as Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, a British sea captain who becomes an honored Samurai after being shipwrecked in 17th century Japan. Blackthorne is confronted by the two most powerful men in Japan. "Shogun" is a blend of politics, romance, history, culture, religion and high adventure. Based on the James Clavell best-seller, "Shogun" also features cast members Toshiro Mifune (as Toranaga), Yoko Shimada (as Lady Toda Buntaro - Mariko), John Rhys-Davies (Vasco Rodrigues), Damien Thomas (Father Alvito), Frankie Sakai (as Yabu), Leon Lissek (Father Sebastio), Alan Badel (Father Dell'Aqua), Sir Michael Hordern (Frair Domingo) (1980 release).

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH Synopsis - Premieres Monday, September 24-27 at 8pm (followed by a marathon on Sunday, September 30th beginning at 12pm)

The EMMY(R) nominated miniseries which originally debuted on STARZ, is a sweeping epic tale of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. This sensuous, spirited and passionate story is set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles during the great Anarchy of 12th century England (2010 release) and is based on the bestselling novel by Ken Follett.