On March 26, 2015 Carnival Films and PBS MASTERPIECE announced that Season 6 will be the final season of the hit drama series Downton Abbey. Let’s talk about what Season 6 needs to include!
Fellow Downton fans, this has been a conversation that I know many of us have had—given how historical events are integral to the show, how much longer can Downton Abbey go on? We’ve already experienced World War I and the Roaring 20’s…would we see Downton experience the Great Depression or even World War II? Well in real life, many of the great manor houses and country estates didn’t survive the 1930’s (sold off by families to pay debts, etc.). And though it would have been interesting to see the Crawleys weather such a storm, yesterday (March 26), Carnival Films and PBS MASTERPIECE announced that Season 6 will be the show’s final season.
According to Gareth Neame, Carnival’s Managing Director and Downton Abbey Executive Producer:
“Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and ‘Downton’ is no exception. We wanted to close the doors of ‘Downton Abbey’ when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up…”
Julian Fellowes, writer and creator of Downton Abbey shared similar sentiments:
“The ‘Downton’ journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea. Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience. I suspect the show will always be a principal marker in most of our careers as we set out from here, and if so, I consider that a blessing and a compliment.”
It’s certainly better for a TV show to come to its end at a high point, but that doesn’t mean we won’t miss Downton! With that said, we still have one more full season AND a Christmas Special to look forward to, and by all accounts, they’re going to be a fulfilling. Cast and creators are already hard at work, and shared two photos from a Season 6 read through:
Maggie Smith (Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham) and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley) are the best! Is it too early to start getting emotional?
I started watching Downton Abbey toward the end of the second series and have been hooked ever since. When I think about what I’d like to see as the show ends, a few things come to mind: I’d like for Mary and Edith (Laura Carmichael) to FINALLY put their differences aside and at least be cordial to one another. I’d also like Edith to be able to publicly claim Marigold, even though that’s unlikely. Perhaps she could even fall in love and not have the situation end in catastrophe.
I’d like for Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle) to have their HEA with no more drama in sight…maybe even have children. It would also be nice to see Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) and Mrs. Hughes’ (Phyllis Logan) wedding. And I really, REALLY don’t want Branson (Allen Leech) and Sibby to leave for Boston!
What do you think of the news of Downton‘s ending? Is there anything in partciular you want included in Season 6? Share your thoughts in comments!
