James Norton in a scene from "War and Peace"

Master'peace': One of the most celebrated works of literature is headed to the screen. Although it was first published way back in 1869, Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" is still often considered the greatest novel ever written. Of course, this won't be the first time that it's been given the small screen treatment -- far from it -- but this special television event should be one to watch out for.

Premiering Monday, Jan. 18, the limited event series is set to be simulcast across A&E, Lifetime and History during its four-week run.

Of course, when a story is considered to be one of the greatest ever told, the casting couldn't be more important. Luckily, with such a huge cast of characters, there's a lot of space for a lot of talent, including Golden Globe, Oscar and BAFTA winner Jim Broadbent ("Gangs of New York," 2002) and Golden Globe winner Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files").

Paul Dano ("Little Miss Sunshine," 2006), Lily James ("Cinderella," 2015), James Norton ("Rush," 2013) and Tuppence Middleton ("The Imitation Game," 2014) are just a few of the faces that round out the huge and diverse cast on the screen.

Set during Napoleon's invasion of Russia, "War and Peace" is the story of five aristocratic families rising and falling during the twilight years of imperial Russia. This worldwide television event began airing in the U.K. earlier this month, and is lined up to broadcast in Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Israel and Greece, among others.

It may be a Russian story, but "War and Peace" is a tale that's loved around the world. This four-night event premieres Monday, Jan. 18, on A&E, Lifetime and History.

Portland's own: It started out as the little sketch comedy show that could, but "Portlandia" sure has grown, and now it's back for a sixth season.

Premiering Thursday, Jan. 21, on IFC, the new season of "Portlandia" has a huge list of guest stars lined up to join in on the satirical look at life in Portland, Oregon.

Of course, the two stars of the three-time Emmy-winning show won't be missing in action. Both Carrie Brownstein ("Carol," 2015) and Fred Armisen ("Saturday Night Live") are back.

In "Portlandia," Brownstein and Armisen take on the roles of a diverse array of recurring characters in short sketches (think "Saturday Night Live") alongside a revolving door of guest stars. The show has been a darling with critics, who have praised both Brownstein and Armisen's ability to seemingly effortlessly switch between characters.

As for the guest stars, "Portlandia" has never had trouble attracting talent, and this season is no exception. Confirmed so far are comedian Louis C.K. ("Louie"), Golden Globe winner Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire"), Emmy-winning producer Mitchell Hurwitz ("Arrested Development"), Natasha Lyonne ("Orange Is the New Black"), Alia Shawkat ("Arrested Development"), actor-comedian Kumail Nanjiani ("Franklin & Bash") and Golden Globe winner Kyle MacLachlan ("Desperate Housewives").

It started out as a small show on a cable channel, but "Portlandia" has grown into an acclaimed sketch comedy series that has even featured the city's real-life mayor on occasion. The sixth season's laughs get underway Thursday, Jan. 21, on IFC.

I spy: It's the classic tale of romance: two people from opposite walks of life have a chance encounter and fall head over heels in love. What happens, though, when one of them turns up dead and is revealed to be someone other than who he claimed to be?

"London Spy," premiering Thursday, Jan. 21, on BBC America, delves into the shadowy and sinister world of espionage. Ben Whishaw ("Skyfall," 2012) stars as Danny, a hard-partying and hedonistic young man who has a chance meeting with Alex (Edward Holcroft, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," 2014), a man as introverted and asocial as Danny is outgoing.

The two become lovers, but when Alex turns up dead, Danny discovers that the Alex he thought he knew was a lie -- and that he may have, in fact, been a spy.

Also starring Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent ("Cloud Atlas," 2012), Samantha Spiro ("From Hell," 2001) and Lorraine Ashbourne ("King Kong," 2005), "London Spy" is the story of a young man not only fighting to prove his own innocence, but fighting to prove to himself that intimacy doesn't have to end in despair.

"London Spy" aired on BBC Two in the U.K. late last year, where it received almost universal acclaim from critics, especially for Whishaw's performance. Now, audiences on this side of the pond get their chance to witness the romantic espionage. "London Spy" premieres Thursday, Jan. 21, on BBC America.