Watch Downton Abbey

Enter the world of Downton Abbey, an award-winning British period drama that aired from 2010 to 2015 on PBS. Set during the early 20th century, the show explores the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants who reside in the titular estate, located in the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton. The show's ensemble cast includes a mix of established actors and rising stars, with standout performances from Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, and Maggie Smith, whose portrayal of the sarcastic Dowager Countess of Grantham earned her multiple awards.

Throughout its six-season run, Downton Abbey garnered critical acclaim for its stunning production design, intricate costumes, and compelling storylines that reflected the sweeping changes happening in British society at the time. From the sinking of the Titanic to World War I, the show's characters navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world while grappling with their own personal struggles and romantic entanglements.

At the center of the series is Lady Mary Crawley (Dockery), the eldest daughter of the Crawley family who struggles to balance her reputation and desire for independence. Her father, Robert Crawley (Bonneville), the Earl of Grantham, tries to preserve his family's status and reputation while adapting to the changing social climate. Meanwhile, Lady Mary's sister, Lady Edith (Carmichael), faces her own challenges as she strives to find love and purpose in a world that undervalues women.

As the Crawleys navigate their own upper-class dramas, the show also delves into the lives of the estate's dedicated servants, including head butler Mr. Carson (Carter), housekeeper Mrs. Hughes (Logan), and cook Mrs. Patmore (Nicol). Each episode weaves together both the upstairs and downstairs storylines with expert precision, creating a rich tapestry of 20th-century British life.

Over the course of six seasons, Downton Abbey became a cultural phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers worldwide with its emotional storytelling, complex characters, and grandiose settings. The show's final season brought a sense of closure to its many intertwined storylines, offering a satisfying conclusion to one of the most beloved period dramas in recent memory.

In summary, Downton Abbey is a captivating period drama that follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants as they navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. With its all-star cast, intricate production design, and compelling storylines, the show captivated audiences worldwide and left an enduring legacy as one of the greatest TV dramas of our time.

Downton Abbey is a series that ran for 6 seasons (57 episodes) between September 26, 2010 and on PBS