In 2010, a quintessential British historical show premiered and took the world by storm with its breathtaking sets, unforgettable storylines, beloved characters, and unmatched dialogue. This show is none other than Downton Abbey.
Set in the early 20th century, the series tells the story of the aristocratic Crawley family, along with the people who serve them, as they navigate historical changes that not only altered the world in which they lived but also shaped the history of humanity in unforeseen ways. Throughout its run, it was met with critical acclaim, rave reviews, multiple awards, and won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
While it had its ups and downs, especially after its highly controversial third season, the show continued to cement its place as one of the best series ever created. After the show finished airing in 2015, many fans thought that would be the last time we would see the Crawleys, the Bates, the Carsons, and the rest of the phenomenal cast. Fortunately, three sequel films were released in the following years, which also received positive reviews.
In case anyone has forgotten the key points of every season and film, actors Jim Carter (Charles Carson) and Phyllis Logan (Elsie Hughes) recapped the series' most pivotal moments before the premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. With their wit, charm, and chemistry, Carter and Logan discuss the spirit of the series while also providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look into their favourite series.
All in all, after 15 years, six seasons, three films, several Christmas specials, and multiple heartbreaks, the Downton Abbey era has come to an end. Here is the ultimate ranking from worst to best of all of Downton Abbey's chapters.
9. Downton Abbey season 5
Technically, Downton Abbey doesn't have a "worst" season, per se, but if there were one that had the weakest plotlines overall, it would be this one. At this point in the series, Anna Bates can't catch a break as Mr Green's death is still being investigated. Hadn't Anna gone through enough? It was still despicable what happened to her in the previous season, so dragging it out in this season was too much.
Another contentious storyline was Thomas's, as he tries to find a cure for his personal preferences. While it was essential to highlight the raging homophobia of the times and how men like Thomas pursued these alleged cures when there was nothing wrong with them in the first place, it also draws out Thomas's agony and already painful journey thus far. Also, the writers decided to make Isis sick and eventually pass away, and while it's the circle of life, as a dog lover, it was too painful to watch.
The season's highlights included Edith's journey to independence as she inherited Michael Gregson's publishing company and reunited with her daughter, Marigold; witnessing the Dowager Countess being courted, although to unhappy results; and, of course, Carson and Mrs Hughes getting engaged. Lady Rose's wedding was a nice touch, particularly in how the interfaith element was handled.
8. Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
The second film in the Downton Abbey franchise is the weakest of the trilogy for a few reasons. On the one hand, with such a large cast, it was bound to happen that not all of them would receive proper screen time, and it was excruciating to see so many being pushed to the side in favour of the core favourites. Several storylines also felt repetitive and, frankly, slightly underwhelming.
However, the most impactful storyline was Lady Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, portrayed by the iconic and dearly missed actress Dame Maggie Smith. In the film, Lady Violet experiences turmoil and unexpected events, and sadly, ultimately passes away due to her illness, which was previously revealed. The scenes where she shares time with her family tug at every viewers heartstrings as her departure can be early felt, but her watchful eyes upon the wellbeing of the Crawleys and everyone at Downton can still be felt even as the credits roll.
7. Downton Abbey season 4
Season 4 was a tricky season to place, as this was the season that had to deal with the terrible losses the Crawleys, their friends, and servants had to go through during the previous season. Matthew and Sybill Crawley's absences are intensely felt by their family and by the audience, and had this season handled their losses differently, this could've been the last Downton season. Fortunately for us, it wasn't.
During this season, we see significant character development with a grieving Lady Mary taking charge of Downton and later becoming even closer to Anna after the latter's terrible ordeal; and with Lady Edith starting her journey as a writer, falling in love, getting pregnant, and ultimately having to give up her daughter for being an unwed mother.
However, the most traumatising event of the whole series takes place during this season as Anna is violently assaulted and has to deal with the psychological trauma afterwards. It is heartbreaking and infuriating to see such a beloved character go through that, and Joanne Froggatt's performance truly deserves all possible recognition for undertaking this formidable task.
6. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)
This film marked the conclusion of the Downton Abbey franchise, a feat which wouldn't be easy to achieve satisfactorily in everyone's eyes. However, the film proved worthy of being the final entrance, as it wrapped up the missing storylines and gave our favourite characters a much-deserved happily ever after.
As previously mentioned, one of the particularities that made Downton Abbey the global phenomenon it was was its characters, particularly Lady Violet. Fans loved her for her impeccable comedic timing, razor-sharp one-liners, and unmatched sass. Dame Maggie Smith's character passed away in the previous film, and her absence is palpable throughout the saga's conclusion.
This film also explored interesting topics, such as the experiences of divorcees in the 1930s, particularly women; the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash and its global impacts; and, most importantly, the overall journeys the characters have undergone since the beginning.
5. Downton Abbey season 6
Upon its airing, we all thought this was the last we would see of the iconic Downton Abbey residence and its inhabitants, both upstairs and downstairs. As a "final" season, it handled well the plotlines that had happened up to that point, and it delivered enough closure to give a satisfactory conclusion.
The highlights were undoubtedly Lady Mary's relationship with Henry Talbot, which is now defunct; Lady Edith's life taking leaps both professionally and personally; Carson's personal journey into retirement, Thomas deciding to change the course of his life outside of Downton, and Daisy and Andy's relationship flourishing and culminating with their marriage.
4. Downton Abbey (2019)
When it was announced that the series would continue, but now in film format, many fans were excited to see the characters and sets once more, yet wary that it could ruin the ending that season 6 had handled so well beforehand. Fortunately, any misconceptions were erased once the Downton Abbey film premiered.
This was the best film in the franchise, as it felt like an immediate continuation of the series; in other words, it almost felt like the seventh series. The story revolves around the Crawleys awaiting a royal visit, which causes mayhem for the family and the downstairs people. As everyone preps for the imminent royal arrival, both groups reinforce their proper places and laughs aren't scarce with all the chaos around them.
This film had absolutely everything that made Downton Abbey so loved: witty comebacks, proper character development, even in such a short amount of time, and an exciting event which sent disarray all around. The scene where Tom Branson and Lady Mary's plot to kill the king fails was also exhilarating and fierce.
3. Downton Abbey season 3
To say this season was joyful, heartbreaking, and changed the overall perception of the whole series is an understatement. From marriages, babies, financial crises, and unimaginable losses, no one gave a second of Downton Abbey for granted ever again. This season was contentious and controversial for multiple people, as no one saw coming what happened throughout it.
Sybill and Matthew Crawley were both pivotal characters from the beginning, as the youngest and most rebellious daughter, and the unwanted and later beloved heir of Downton, respectively. To losing them both was a breaking point for many, and most thought the series would never recover, and though it did, their absences permetaed the rest of the series.
2. Downton Abbey season 1
The season where it all began and where we were first introduced to a set of characters who would grace our screens for the next fifteen years. The majestic Downton residence demonstrated its grandeour thanks to its inhabitants, both upstairs and downstairs, and navigated historical events which shifted and carried the world throughout the first quarter of the 20th century.
The series begins with the sinking of the Titanic, setting the plot in motion as the Downton heir had been aboard. While the Crawleys were a British aristocratic family of their time, they were also vulnerable, candid, and we couldn't help but to root for them to succeed. The heart of the series was also the downstairs servants, as they took their duty to the house and to the Crawleys as knights to their country, but also had their personal journeys and dreams ahead, which were highly exciting to watch.
1. Downton Abbey season 2
Undoubtedly, the second series was the epitome of Downton Abbey. The storylines, character development, historical events/historical accuracy, as well as the emotional rollercoaster, critical acclaim, and viewership, were at their peak, showcasing what this series was capable of portraying.
The season covered what the characters went through during the devastating First World War and the Spanish Influenza, which altered their perspectives, lives, and relationships. The season also changed the dynamics between them, as they stopped being divided by classes at times and showed what humans are capable of when they set aside their differences and overcome unimaginable events.
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