Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey, British historical drama series created by Julian Fellowes that ran for six seasons, from 2010 to 2015. Set primarily on a sprawling estate in Yorkshire, England, the show captures the daily rhythms and routines and larger trials and tribulations of members of the British aristocracy and their household staff in the early 20th century. Premiering on September 26, 2010, the ITV show, telecast in the United States by PBS, was widely popular as well as critically lauded, winning a Guinness World Records title in 2011 for the highest critical review ratings for a television show.

A masterful re-creation of life in the Edwardian era and the 1920s in and around the fictional Downton Abbey estate, the story showcases the elegant lifestyle of the English elite alongside domestic staff and working-class people through a lens that humanizes the characters beyond class identities. The scenery, set design, and costumes reflect the period with historical accuracy and are visually rich, and the layered melodrama and romance add depth, playing a key role in the show’s success.

(The following discussions may contain spoilers.)

Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.

SIGN UP

" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">

Thank you for signing up!"

Back to homepage

By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Characters

The world of Downton Abbey is largely divided into two distinct spheres of the house—the family and the staff—with equal narrative attention given to both. Brought to life by an acclaimed ensemble cast, the characters reflect a symbiotic relationship both within and between these groups. Here are some of the main characters:

Story

Much of Downton Abbey’s appeal lies in its presentation of a microcosm of society and detailed social dynamics. Upstairs, the Crawleys grapple with inheritance laws, shifting class structures, and personal upheavals, such as the heartbreaking loss of heirs and the turbulence in relationships. Downstairs, members of the domestic staff—the butler, housekeeper, footmen, maids, cooks, and valets—have their own dramas, ambitions, and loyalties. Beginning with the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, the show interweaves major historical events, including World War I, the Spanish influenza pandemic, the rise of socialism, and women’s suffrage, into its plots.

• Season one (2010): Set in 1912–14, the season begins with the Crawleys facing a crisis as the sinking of the Titanic leaves them without a clear heir. Distant cousin Matthew Crawley arrives, and with him both tension and romantic possibilities. In the world belowstairs, where the staff works, rivalries and romance stir up. Thomas and O’Brien scheme against Bates for influence, while Anna and Bates begin a quiet, tentative relationship.
• Season two (2011): Set during World War I, the season follows the characters facing harsh realities at the front and at home. Downton Abbey becomes a convalescent hospital as the war reshapes relationships and social structures. Sybil and Tom marry, upsetting established class norms. Among the staff, Bates faces legal trouble, and his relationship with Anna deepens.
• Season three (2012): The season explores postwar changes, family milestones, and upheavals. Mary and Matthew marry, but Matthew dies in a car accident shortly after the birth of their son. Sybil’s death from complications of childbirth adds further emotional weight. Bates is sent to prison, accused of having murdered his wife, but is later released. Thomas’s feelings for a male colleague spark tension and consequences.
• Season four (2013): The focus shifts to mourning and transition, with Mary stepping into estate leadership. Edith is secretly pregnant out of wedlock. Among the staff, Anna is raped by a visiting valet, a secret she keeps from Bates. Newer characters, such as cousin Rose and lady’s maid Baxter, introduce fresh dynamics.
• Season five (2014): Social and political issues such as land reform and changing gender roles create tensions at Downton. Bates finds himself accused of murder once again, but suspicion eventually shifts to Anna, leading to her arrest. Thomas attempts a secretive treatment to change his sexuality, affecting his mental and physical health. On a brighter note, Carson proposes to Mrs. Hughes, who happily agrees to marry him.
• Season six (2015): The final season brings resolution to many arcs. Mary and Edith find closure in their personal lives. Anna gives birth, and she and Bates are cleared of past charges. Thomas, facing isolation and uncertainty about his future, attempts death by suicide but survives. The series ends on New Year’s Eve 1925 with marriage, farewells, and the suggestion of a new social order.

Major awards

Here is a look at the multiple awards and recognitions that Downton Abbey received.

• Emmy Awards: Downton Abbey received 69 nominations and 15 wins, including awards for outstanding directing, outstanding music composition, outstanding costumes, and outstanding supporting actress, awarded to Maggie Smith.
• Golden Globe Awards: The series bagged three wins—including best actress in a supporting role (Smith in 2013 and Joanne Froggatt in 2015) and best television limited series—out of 11 nominations.
• BAFTA: In 2015 the show was honored with a Special Award by the BAFTA, and the show won the awards for best costume design in 2014 and best director and best sound in 2011.
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: The show is a three-time winner of the award for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series. In addition, Smith won outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series.

Films

After the series ended Downton Abbey continued its saga on the big screen. The first film with the eponymous title was released in 2019 and focused on a royal visit from King George V and Queen Mary, maintaining the series’s charm and drama. Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) followed the family to the south of France while a film crew visited Downton, reflecting the dawn of the motion picture age. The third and last movie—Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale—hit screens on September 12, 2025. Directed by Simon Curtis, it saw the return of the cast and beloved characters and introduced some fresh faces, including Alessandro Nivola and Simon Russell Beale.

Explore Britannica Premium!

The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.

SUBSCRIBE