Downton Abbey

Template:Country2nationality TV series or program

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Also known as
Genre	Historical drama
Created by	Julian Fellowes
Inspired by
Developed by
Written by
Screenplay by
Story by
Directed by

Downton Abbey is a British historical drama television series created by Julian Fellowes and co-produced by Carnival Films and Masterpiece. The series first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2010 and on PBS in the United States, which supported the production of the series as part of its Masterpiece anthology.

Overview

Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era—with the great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy. Events depicted throughout the series include news of the sinking of the Titanic in the first series; the outbreak of World War I, the Spanish influenza pandemic, and the Marconi scandal in the second series; the Irish War of Independence leading to the formation of the Irish Free State in the third series; the Teapot Dome scandal in the fourth series; and the British general election of 1923 in the fifth series.

Characters

The series features an ensemble cast led by Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham, and Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham. Other notable characters include Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley, Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley, and Jim Carter as Charles Carson.

Production

Downton Abbey was created by Julian Fellowes, who also wrote the screenplay for the series. The series was produced by Gareth Neame and Rebecca Eaton. The series was filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and Ealing Studios in London.

Reception

The series received critical acclaim and won numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. It was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011.

Cultural Impact

Downton Abbey has been credited with reigniting interest in the Edwardian era and has inspired a range of merchandise, including books, clothing, and homeware. The series has also been adapted into a feature film, released in 2019, with a sequel released in 2022.

Also see

• Julian Fellowes
• Highclere Castle
• Edwardian era
• British aristocracy
• Historical drama