The doors to Downton Abbey will officially close after season 6 of the hit British period drama. Masterpiece on PBS made the official announcement on Thursday, March 26, that Downton Abbey’s sixth season would be its last.
“Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years,” Carnival Films’ managing director and the executive producer of Downton, Gareth Neame, said in a statement. “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.”
Season 5 of the beloved series was seen by more than 25.5 million viewers, and the show has been a critical and commercial success since it debuted in 2011. In total, Downton has scored three Golden Globe wins and eleven Emmys.
It has been praised for tackling sensitive topics like rape, class distinction, and the stigmas attached to having a child out of wedlock. Downton stars Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, and a massive British cast.
“PBS and our member stations have been so proud to be the home of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece in the United States," said Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS in the statement. “We, like the fans, simply cannot wait to see what will happen to the Crawley family and their beloved staff as this incredible series culminates in Season 6. The series has enjoyed such success over the past five seasons and we'll certainly be working alongside Carnival, Masterpiece and PBS member stations to make Season 6 the biggest yet. Until then, Sunday nights on PBS continue to offer fans a full slate of must view British and, soon, American historical drama."
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