Downton Abbey

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Season 1
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 357 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 326 out of 357
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 357
  3. Negative: 19 out of 357
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User Reviews

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  1. AncientAmber
    Mar 16, 2023
    6
    After over a decade I decided to give this series a go. I get why it's popular, it's very comforting and safe. But for anyone who likes real depth, complexity and edge to their media, I don't think it will hit the spot.

    I have given up after 4.5 episodes. The back-breaking straw was the music. It would just. Not. Stop. Also, the characters kept giving very soapy "meaningful" looks that    After over a decade I decided to give this series a go. I get why it's popular, it's very comforting and safe. But for anyone who likes real depth, complexity and edge to their media, I don't think it will hit the spot.

    I have given up after 4.5 episodes. The back-breaking straw was the music. It would just. Not. Stop. Also, the characters kept giving very soapy "meaningful" looks that are just not true to life. They are there for the audience, but I don't need such obvious signals to imagine what characters are feeling.

    There's another reason I'm less sure about, but I find it more concerning. That is, the sort of glamourisation of rigid class divide. The show doesn't explicitly celebrate the hierarchy, but makes it seem quaint and harmless. I suspect it doesn't do enough to reflect the dismal reality for many servants. The idealism of so many characters simply did not ring true for me.

    Downton delivers an imagined version of the past for the comfort of modern nostalgics. A better, truer show would be nastier, but more human.    … Expand
  2. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    Huge fan of downtown abbey have watched every episode and the movie and never got bored of it.
  3. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    Oh dear, 'Downton abbey' first season was so enjoyable, the casting is so good.
  4. Justinavery7074
    Oct 2, 2018
    9
    Sharp writing and great characters make this show. Fairly innocuous but very compelling
  5. BumbleBee18
    Sep 10, 2017
    9
    Very entertaining and sometimes suspenseful British drama that follow the stories and lives of servants and their high society employers. It can be slow moving at times, but consistently holds my attention with a look into the language, manners, fashion, rituals, politics, and hierarchy from that day and age. If you like shows that have murder, adultery, sibling rivalry, gossip, scandal,Very entertaining and sometimes suspenseful British drama that follow the stories and lives of servants and their high society employers. It can be slow moving at times, but consistently holds my attention with a look into the language, manners, fashion, rituals, politics, and hierarchy from that day and age. If you like shows that have murder, adultery, sibling rivalry, gossip, scandal, dinner parties, comedy, weddings, babies, and great one-liners...this is for you! It's all wrapped up in this very intriguing story. The only downfall - they stopped after 6 seasons. But rumor has it there is a DA movie on the horizon (I sure hope so that's true)!!!!!… Expand
  6. alejandro970
    May 26, 2017
    9
    Smart adaptation of beginnings of 20th century, showing the intimacy and daily routine of a british family of ancestry. The histories are made with the accurate dose of solemnity, humor and tragedy. Remarkable Maggie Smith.
  7. marco86
    Mar 15, 2016
    9
    I still don't actually know why Downton Abbey is such a big thing. It's a costume drama telling a story about one family with the most common problem of all. How the characters cope with life. But somehow Julian Fellowes and the cast managed to bring this simple plot to life and creates so much of an entertainment, for 6 seasons.
    It kept millions of people entertained till the end. Great    I still don't actually know why Downton Abbey is such a big thing. It's a costume drama telling a story about one family with the most common problem of all. How the characters cope with life. But somehow Julian Fellowes and the cast managed to bring this simple plot to life and creates so much of an entertainment, for 6 seasons.
    It kept millions of people entertained till the end. Great script, Great cast.
    Downton Abbey ended as one of the most watched TV Series around the world in history.
    Well done indeed.    … Expand
  8. MikeMorris
    Mar 9, 2016
    10
    This show blew me away, I began watching it much later than everyone else (right around when season five came out) I have nothing bad to say about this show, it was simply amazing. While I never cried, there were many moments that were tear-jerkers. This show really makes you care for the characters so you always feel there pain. The finale of the whole show, the last episode of seasonThis show blew me away, I began watching it much later than everyone else (right around when season five came out) I have nothing bad to say about this show, it was simply amazing. While I never cried, there were many moments that were tear-jerkers. This show really makes you care for the characters so you always feel there pain. The finale of the whole show, the last episode of season six, was brilliantly done and brought closure to the story. This is one of the only shows I have ever seen to end stronger than it started. Unlike many shows and movie series, this one just got better and better as it progressed. A combination of amazing actors, great attention to detail, historical accuracy, beautiful sets, stunning costumes, and a truly dazzling story makes Downton Abbey one of if not the best show to ever air.… Expand
  9. DowntonAbbey
    Jul 9, 2015
    5
    Not really into this television. It is really slow and nothing ever really happens. Plus the fans can't take reality. Thank God they are stopping the show after this season. downton abbey season 6
  10. squintlicker
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    As an historian, I love the world. As a viewer, I love the characters. Because that's what this show is. It's a full set of genuine characters set in the 1910-1920s. You get a great view of how things were even just 100 years ago, and you end up feeling like part of the Downton family.
  11. AnasAlmanna3
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Layers of people in the embodiment of British stately.. classical drama wonderful and expressive, and the emergence of a well-meaning aristocracy in all its aspects ", especially between floors"
  12. Lara-
    Aug 7, 2014
    10
    Whenever BBC production is on, there is no doubt it would be successful. Downton Abbey is the most sophisticated, intelligent, heartwarming series on TV nowadays. Personally I'm getting tired and repulsed by the shows involving so much blood, sex scenes and slang. Finally these series stand up to all those non-sense the viewer watches. Julian Fellowes is a brilliant writer. He even has anWhenever BBC production is on, there is no doubt it would be successful. Downton Abbey is the most sophisticated, intelligent, heartwarming series on TV nowadays. Personally I'm getting tired and repulsed by the shows involving so much blood, sex scenes and slang. Finally these series stand up to all those non-sense the viewer watches. Julian Fellowes is a brilliant writer. He even has an Academy Award to prove it. It also takes a skillful cast to create a masterpiece. The acting of Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Dan Stevens, Allen Leech, Jim Carter, Penelope Wilton and the unbelievable Dame Maggie Smith complete the high quality of the series. If you are a connoisseur of art, in this case - the cinema, you'll enjoy and look forward to every episode of Downton Abbey.… Expand
  13. MichaelNault
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    Put simply, this strikes me as the most perfect single season of television that I have ever seen. It has a beautiful setting, a range of memorable characters, and dramatic situations that are plausible and not over the top (as would infect later seasons). What I like best about DA, Season 1 is that it is basically a sober yet interesting take on life. It's appeal isn't about relishing aPut simply, this strikes me as the most perfect single season of television that I have ever seen. It has a beautiful setting, a range of memorable characters, and dramatic situations that are plausible and not over the top (as would infect later seasons). What I like best about DA, Season 1 is that it is basically a sober yet interesting take on life. It's appeal isn't about relishing a bunch of ugly characters in outrageous and sordid settings and situations. Like one article writer said, it's mostly a bunch of people with both virtues and flaws doing the best they can in an imperfect and far away world to which we all nevertheless can relate. It's too bad that the show very soon afterward began to jump the shark.… Expand
  14. dierregi
    Apr 6, 2014
    9
    By chance, I watched an episode from the 4th series on TV and since then I was hooked. I had to get the full package and watched it all from the start. I find this an outstanding series, from the opening credits with the great music down to the most insignificant detail. In fact I thought it was going to be pretentious and silly, but I found it most engaging.

    The story starts with the    By chance, I watched an episode from the 4th series on TV and since then I was hooked. I had to get the full package and watched it all from the start. I find this an outstanding series, from the opening credits with the great music down to the most insignificant detail. In fact I thought it was going to be pretentious and silly, but I found it most engaging.

    The story starts with the tragedy of the Titanic in the background and how the death of the heir to Dowton will affect the lives of many people. Even if it is hard to sympathize with the problems of the upper class, the characters are quite vivid and decent. The “staff” is also portrayed in a captivating way.

    Costumes are magnificent and really makes one feel nostalgic for a time when women were so much better dressed than nowadays.    … Expand
  15. espu
    Jan 27, 2014
    9
    Wonderful, easy to watch period drama. The sets, the language and the general atmosphere provide a show that is captivating and very enjoyable. Excellent entertainment.
  16. bulger_paul
    Aug 15, 2013
    10
    Whoever knew that the upstairs-downstairs set up of a traditional upper class household about the intertwining lives of pristine aristocratic families and their large staff of servants in the early 1900s on the brink of changing times could be so wonderfully addictive? Downton Abbey is a soap opera, yes, but it's soap done right, with excellent performances, writing, and intriguingWhoever knew that the upstairs-downstairs set up of a traditional upper class household about the intertwining lives of pristine aristocratic families and their large staff of servants in the early 1900s on the brink of changing times could be so wonderfully addictive? Downton Abbey is a soap opera, yes, but it's soap done right, with excellent performances, writing, and intriguing characters you can't help but pull for, even in their darkest times.… Expand
  17. skalb84
    Jul 1, 2013
    10
    I love this show soooooo much. Even though they kill off a lot of main characters it's still a great show. It makes it more real. I hate when you watch a show and no one ever dies. Let's make it a little more real life! So glad I started watching this show. It's amazing!
  18. jaime829
    Mar 10, 2013
    9
    There was no one more surprised then me to find out how awesome this show is. As a rule I don't like British shows, I don't watch PBS,and historical romance isn't my "thing". But I kept hearing about this show so one night I decided to order episode one on my kindle. I stayed up all night watching the first season.
  19. Slam
    Feb 14, 2013
    10
    I love the restrained way of British film TV. The storytelling is sometimes a bloody mess, but it's the costumes, the sets, the unintentionally hilarious to this American dialogue. I LOVE this show.
  20. MikeGale
    Feb 1, 2013
    10
    What a great piece of entertainment! The location, cast, plot, awesome old cars, clothes and mannerisms make for "Must Watch" television. Well done to all involved.
  21. Pcm501994
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    Well after a good year of hearing about this show from my folks and sister and shrugging it off I decided to give it a shot. I couldn't be happier to have started watching this show. I started watching the series this past Sunday and I'm almost caught up to where it's at for this season. It's a phenomenal show that couldn't be done any better than it is. The dialogue that the writers haveWell after a good year of hearing about this show from my folks and sister and shrugging it off I decided to give it a shot. I couldn't be happier to have started watching this show. I started watching the series this past Sunday and I'm almost caught up to where it's at for this season. It's a phenomenal show that couldn't be done any better than it is. The dialogue that the writers have for this ensemble cast couldn't be any better. Along with the breath taking imagery of the period that's being depicted it couldn't go any better. Also you have to give two thumbs up to Maggie Smith as always. I wasn't to familiar with her work besides her being in Harry Potter, but seeing her in something new is riveting because she's such a splendid actor. Keep up the good work Downton Abbey and don't quit on us anytime soon.… Expand
  22. rasbury4
    Jan 9, 2013
    7
    I'm a huge DA fan. However, I think we fans were shortchanged in the Season 3 premier concerning Mary and Matthew's wedding and definitely on the honeymoon to the south of France. We had to find out about the honeymoon from Anna visiting Bates in prison. Seriously, this is the best they could do? Where's the romance? It's not just about eating dinner and dressing. Occasional undressing,I'm a huge DA fan. However, I think we fans were shortchanged in the Season 3 premier concerning Mary and Matthew's wedding and definitely on the honeymoon to the south of France. We had to find out about the honeymoon from Anna visiting Bates in prison. Seriously, this is the best they could do? Where's the romance? It's not just about eating dinner and dressing. Occasional undressing, although tasteful, would be very welcomed. Julian Fellows--please take note!… Expand
  23. maclaughlin
    Oct 8, 2012
    3
    Although the sets, the costumes, the music, and the direction all work to create a captivating world, the writing is sloppy and is more in the realm of a soap opera or a cartoon than an intelligent drama. Instead of showing the lives of convincing characters, the people of Downton Abbey are often one-dimensional and far too repetitive. The show's villains are entirely without motivation,Although the sets, the costumes, the music, and the direction all work to create a captivating world, the writing is sloppy and is more in the realm of a soap opera or a cartoon than an intelligent drama. Instead of showing the lives of convincing characters, the people of Downton Abbey are often one-dimensional and far too repetitive. The show's villains are entirely without motivation, worse than the moustache-twirling villains from Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons. The plots, somehow, are both predictable and absurd, and the characters complain, for years, about problems that are far too easy to resolve.… Expand
  24. seancriswell
    Aug 23, 2012
    8
    A great opening season to an extremely well written and great looking show. It is very hard to navigate a show effectively with such a large cast and numerous story lines. Downton Abbey does this very well. Their are many interesting characters here with great arcs. In addition the show has a great feel, written so that you truly feel transformed into this world. A great piece ofA great opening season to an extremely well written and great looking show. It is very hard to navigate a show effectively with such a large cast and numerous story lines. Downton Abbey does this very well. Their are many interesting characters here with great arcs. In addition the show has a great feel, written so that you truly feel transformed into this world. A great piece of television that I am hopeful will continue as effectively as it has begun.… Expand
  25. heyitsmegrif4
    Jul 19, 2012
    9
    It is extremely well acted and complex. Heartbreaking and emotionally resonant. And it could for some people be very hard to sit through. Notwithstanding this is a great show.
  26. MagnificentM
    Jun 10, 2012
    8
    An excellent look at both the upstairs and downstairs residence of an early 20th century English manor. Downton Abbey has a compelling story of love, marriage, and inheritance and it's handled by an all-star cast. The series also boasts amazing production design and costumes.
  27. Giggleflower
    May 29, 2012
    2
    If you like or miss soap operas this is a good choice, it is well written, acted and the characters are likable or even lovable. But I don't like soap operas
  28. emseebee
    Apr 8, 2012
    10
    I absolutely love this show (and I'm your typical, feet up on the coffee table, "Quiet, I'm watching the footy" kinda guy).
    Really looking forward to season 3
  29. Amadigi
    Mar 30, 2012
    10
    We loved this tv show : actors, all the life's details in the castle, the difference between nobles and the employees , and the bridges between them
    Very high quality and hope to watch the season 3
  30. faelmonlogh1
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    Watched both seasons in 2 days, and didn't stop to watch it for anything. That's how caught up I was in the show's story.Watched both seasons in 2 days, and didn't stop to watch it for anything. That's how caught up I was in the show's story. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best TV Season of 2010
8
#8 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. San Antonio Express-News
    Reviewed by: Jeanne Jakle
    Jan 14, 2014
    80
    There are plenty of jolts throughout: bigotry, rape, a possible murder. However, as is normally the case with Downton, it's the quieter moments that shine brightest.
    Read full review
  2. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Jan 10, 2014
    80
    If some plot elements in the third season seemed forced (and they did), then Fellowes seems to have completely regained his balance in the fourth season. And that balance means expertly bouncing between the upstairs and downstairs worlds of Downton, letting the plot turns flow naturally, carrying us along joyously for the posh ride.
    Read full review
  3. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Feb 14, 2011
    60
    Now, I wouldn't say I loved it. Parts of it I didn't even like. I became quite engaged with what was going on downstairs with the servants, while I found virtually everything having to do with the Granthams (at least the parts unrelated to how they dealt with the staff) a chore to get through.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »