Downton Abbey (2010 — 2015)

Downton Abbey (2010–2015), a British period drama set in the early 20th century, was created and co-written by Julian Fellowes. It premiered on ITV in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2010 and on PBS in the United States as part of its Masterpiece Classic series on January 9, 2011. The series consisted of six seasons and fifty-two episodes, including five holiday specials. Set on the fictional Yorkshire estate of Downton Abbey from 1912 to 1926, it follows the aristocratic Crawley family and their household staff during the post-Edwardian era. The show explores how major historical events shape their lives and reflect changes in British society’s social hierarchy.

Season 1 (2010). The initial seven episodes of the show focus on the fictitious Crawley family and their servants. The main plot revolves around the strict inheritance laws that favor male heirs for title and property among the aristocracy. In order to rectify his father’s financial troubles, Robert Crawley, son and heir to the Earl of Grantham, married an affluent American woman named Cora Levinson. However, despite incorporating her substantial dowry into the family’s estate, they are faced with a challenge as they only have three daughters and no sons. As the eldest daughter, Lady Mary agrees to wed her second cousin Patrick, who was originally set to inherit until his untimely death aboard the sinking RMS Titanic in 1912. The first episode takes place on April 15th, the day after the tragic event.

Season 2 (2011). In the second installment, consisting of eight episodes, Downton Abbey transforms into a convalescent facility for military officers during World War I. Matthew, now a British Army officer, is engaged to Lavinia Swire, the niece of a Liberal minister. Meanwhile, William Mason, the second footman, is drafted despite efforts by the Dowager Countess of Grantham to prevent it. He is later taken under Matthew’s care as his personal orderly. Amidst the harsh realities of trench warfare and facing deadly weapons, both men sustain injuries from an exploding shell. Tragically, William passes away from his wounds after marrying Daisy, the kitchen maid, on his deathbed. Though Daisy initially denies her love for him, a conversation with the Dowager Countess opens her eyes to her true feelings.

Season 3 (2012). In the third series’ first episode, set in 1920 to 1921, preparations for Mary and Matthew’s wedding are in full swing. Tom and Sybil Branson come from Ireland, where they now reside, to attend. Cora’s mother, Martha Levinson, also arrives from America for her granddaughter’s big day. Robert (Lord Grantham) receives unsettling news that the family fortune has been squandered due to his impulsive investment in the Grand Trunk Railway. Meanwhile, Edith has taken a liking to Sir Anthony Strallan, but Robert disapproves of their age difference and his crippled arm. Despite Robert’s objections, Edith convinces him to welcome Sir Anthony into the family. However, at the altar, Sir Anthony backs out of the wedding because he cannot bear the Grantham family’s disapproval. This devastates Edith and Sir Anthony disappears without a trace. On a different note, Bates faces another threat in prison when a fellow inmate plants a small surgical knife in his bedding. Luckily, another prisoner informs Bates before he can be caught with it.

Season 4 (2013). During series four, covering 1922 to 1923, O’Brien departs to serve Lady Flintshire in British India. In her place, Cora hires Edna Braithwaite, who had previously been fired for her interest in Tom. However, this decision causes trouble and Phyllis Baxter is brought in as a replacement. Meanwhile, Mary is deeply grieving Matthew’s death. Luckily, a letter from Matthew surfaces stating that Mary will inherit his share of the estate until their son George comes of age. Encouraged by Tom, Mary takes on a more active role in managing Downton. Two new potential suitors, Lord Gillingham and Charles Blake, arrive at Downton but Mary is still not ready to open her heart again. As for Edith, she falls in love with Michael Gregson, a magazine editor. Unfortunately, he cannot divorce his mentally ill wife due to British laws. In an attempt to solve their situation, Gregson travels to Germany but is tragically killed during riots by Hitler’s Brownshirts. Edith faces yet another challenge when she discovers she is pregnant and considers an illegal abortion before ultimately changing her mind at the last minute.

Season 5 (2014). In series five, set in 1924, a Russian exile, Prince Kuragin, wants to rekindle his romance with the Dowager Countess (Violet). However, Violet locates his wife in British Hong Kong and reunites them. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard and local police are investigating Green’s death. In a surprising turn of events, Violet discovers that Marigold is actually Edith’s daughter. This poses a problem for Mrs Drewe, who feels resentful towards Edith’s frequent visits but is unaware of Marigold’s true parentage. Charles Blake hatches a plot to bring back Gillingham and his former fiancée Mabel in hopes of winning over Mary. Following the inheritance of Michael Gregson’s publishing company by Edith, she removes Marigold from the Drewes’ care and moves to London. The arrival of Simon Bricker, an art expert interested in one of Downton’s paintings, reveals his true intentions towards Cora and leads to him being thrown out by Robert. This creates a temporary rift between the couple.

Season 6 (2015). In the sixth series, Downton Abbey experiences further changes as the middle class gains more influence and aristocrats struggle to maintain their large estates. The survival of Downton is at stake, leading to discussions about staff reductions and Barrow having to search for employment elsewhere. Despite forming a strong connection with young George, Barrow feels unwelcome at the estate. Mary stands up to a blackmailer and receives support from Robert. With Tom’s departure for Boston, Mary takes on the role of estate agent. Edith takes on a more active role in managing her magazine and hires a female editor. Violet and Isobel clash once again as the government considers taking over the local hospital. Mary begins a relationship with Henry Talbot, a race car driver, while Edith starts seeing Bertie Pelham, who happens to be related to the owner of Brancaster Castle. Meanwhile, Anna experiences multiple miscarriages until finally receiving treatment from a specialist and becoming pregnant again.