History of Downton Abbey in Timeline
Downton Abbey is a British historical drama TV series created by Julian Fellowes, set in the early 20th century. It premiered in the UK on ITV in September 2010 and in the US on PBS in January 2011. The series, comprising fifty-two episodes over six seasons with Christmas specials, portrays the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in a sprawling Yorkshire country estate. The show explores themes of class, social change, love, and loss against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as World War I and the changing social landscape of post-war Britain.
April 1912: Sinking of the RMS Titanic
On April 15, 1912, news reaches Downton Abbey that James Crawley and his son Patrick have died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic, setting off a chain of events that changes the line of inheritance.
1912: Setting of Downton Abbey
In 1912, Downton Abbey is set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey and depicts the lives of the Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era.
August 1914: Outbreak of the First World War
In August 1914, the series ends just after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the outbreak of the First World War.
1916: Battle of the Somme
In 1916, the second series of Downton Abbey begins during the Battle of the Somme.
1918: Spanish Flu Pandemic
In 1918, the Spanish flu pandemic occurs during the second series of Downton Abbey.
1920: Preparations for Mary and Matthew's Wedding
In 1920, the first episode of the third series of Downton Abbey covers the preparations underway for Mary and Matthew's wedding.
1921: Wedding of Mary and Matthew
In 1921, preparations are underway for Mary and Matthew's wedding in Downton Abbey.
1922: O'Brien Leaves Downton
In 1922, O'Brien leaves Downton Abbey to serve Lady Flintshire in Bombay.
1923: Hiring and Firing of Edna Braithwaite
In 1923, Cora hires Edna Braithwaite, who is eventually fired and replaced by Phyllis Baxter.
1923: British General Election of 1923
In 1923, The British general election is depicted in Downton Abbey, showing the effects on the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants.
1923: Post 1923 General Election events in Downton Abbey
In 1923, following the results of the 1923 general election, the Crawleys auction off a della Francesca painting, hire a second footman, Andy, and Tom announces he is moving to Boston with daughter Sybil. Also, Mr Carson proposes marriage to Mrs Hughes.
1924: Events in Downton Abbey Series 5
In 1924, events in Downton Abbey series five include Prince Kuragin's renewed affection for the Dowager Countess, Violet reuniting the Prince and his estranged wife, Scotland Yard's investigation into Green's death, Violet learning of Marigold's true parentage, and News of Gregson's death in the Beer Hall Putsch reaches Downton. After Edith inherits Michael Gregson's publishing company, she removes Marigold from the Drewes and relocates to London.
1925: Events of the Series Finale
In 1925, series finale events include Lord Merton's diagnosis and recovery from anaemia, Isobel's decision to care for and marry him, Robert's admiration for Cora's hospital presidency, Henry and Tom's business venture, Mary's pregnancy, Molesley's teaching position, Daisy and Andy's acknowledgement of feelings, Carson's retirement due to palsy and Barrow's return as butler. Edith and Bertie marry, and Anna and Bates have a son on New Year's Eve 1925.
1926: Downton Abbey Setting Timeframe
In 1926, Downton Abbey is set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey and depicts the lives of the Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era.
1981: Most Successful Costume Drama
In 1981, Downton Abbey became the most successful British costume drama since the 1981 television serial of Brideshead Revisited.
February 2009: ITV Launched Whitechapel
In February 2009, ITV launched Whitechapel, a drama series. It was the most successful new drama on any channel since Whitechapel.
2009: PBS Ratings Since 2009
In 2009, the second series of Downton Abbey gave PBS its highest ratings since 2009.
September 2010: First Aired on ITV
On September 26, 2010, Downton Abbey first aired on the ITV network in the United Kingdom.
September 2010: Downton Abbey First Aired on ITV
On September 26, 2010, Downton Abbey, a British historical drama television series created by Julian Fellowes, first aired in the United Kingdom on ITV.
2010: Alastair Bruce Hired as Historical Advisor
In 2010, Alastair Bruce was hired as the historical advisor for Downton Abbey, guiding the production on state and court rituals and ensuring social conduct accuracy.
January 2011: Downton Abbey Broadcast on PBS
In January 2011, Downton Abbey was first broadcast in the United States on PBS as part of the 40th season of Masterpiece.
January 2011: Downton Abbey Aired on PBS in the US
On January 9, 2011, Downton Abbey aired in the United States on PBS as part of its Masterpiece Classic anthology, which supported the show's production.
February 2011: Broadcast on ITV3
In February 2011, Downton Abbey received its first Britain-wide broadcast when shown on ITV3.
February 2011: First Series Aired on TV3 in Ireland
In February 2011, the independent television channel TV3 in Ireland completed airing the first series of Downton Abbey, which began in January.
May 2011: First series broadcast on Seven Network in Australia; First series airing on Prime in New Zealand
In May 2011, the first series of Downton Abbey began broadcasting on the Seven Network in Australia. Also in May 2011, Prime in New Zealand began airing the first series on May 10th.
July 2011: STV Announces Airing of Downton Abbey
In July 2011, STV announced that it would show the first and second series of Downton Abbey as part of its autumn schedule after initial backlash for opting out.
September 2011: The World of Downton Abbey Book Released
In September 2011, "The World of Downton Abbey", a behind-the-scenes look at Downton Abbey and the era in which it is set, written by Jessica Fellowes, was released on September 15th.
September 2011: Downton Abbey Becomes Highest Selling DVD Boxset on Amazon
In September 2011, Amazon.com reported that the first series of Downton Abbey had become the highest-selling DVD boxset of all time on their website, surpassing programs like The Sopranos, Friends, and The Wire.
September 2011: VisionTV Begins Airing Downton Abbey in Canada
In September 2011, VisionTV in Canada began broadcasting Downton Abbey.
September 2011: Downton Abbey Soundtrack Released
In September 2011, a Downton Abbey soundtrack featuring music from the series and new songs, including music by John Lunn and Don Black, with vocals by Mary-Jess Leaverland and Alfie Boe, was released by Decca.
September 2011: Second Series Premiere in Britain
In September 2011, the second series of Downton Abbey premiered in Britain on September 18th, attracting an average audience of 9 million viewers on ITV1.
September 2011: Soundtrack Suite Release
On September 19, 2011, a suite version of the Downton Abbey soundtrack was released in the UK.
October 2011: Second series airing on Prime in New Zealand
In October 2011, Prime in New Zealand began airing the second series of Downton Abbey, starting on October 18th.
December 2011: Downton Abbey Broadcast on TMC in France
In December 2011, Downton Abbey began broadcasting on TMC in France, starting on December 11th.
December 2011: Soundtrack Suite Release in the US
On December 13, 2011, a suite version of the Downton Abbey soundtrack was released in the US.
2011: Downton Abbey Receives Guinness World Record
In 2011, Downton Abbey earned a Guinness World Record for "Highest critical review ratings for a TV show", based on Metacritic's average score of 91. Later in 2011, Breaking Bad surpassed Downton Abbey's record, making Downton Abbey the second highest rated show of the year.
2011: Guinness World Records Recognition
In 2011, Downton Abbey was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series.
2011: Daily Telegraph Profile of Alastair Bruce
In 2011, the UK's Daily Telegraph highlighted Alastair Bruce's role, stating "Downton's authenticity, it seems, is in safe hands."
January 2012: PBS Premiere of Second Series
In January 2012, the PBS premiere of the second series of Downton Abbey attracted 4.2 million viewers, more than double the network's average primetime audience.
May 2012: Second Series Broadcast on Seven Network in Australia
In May 2012, the second series of Downton Abbey was broadcast on the Seven Network in Australia, starting on May 20th.
September 2012: The Chronicles of Downton Abbey Book Released
In September 2012, "The Chronicles of Downton Abbey", a guide to the show's characters through the early part of the third series, written by Jessica Fellowes, was released on September 13th.
September 2012: Third Series Premiere in the UK
In September 2012, the third series of Downton Abbey premiered in the UK on September 16th, attracting an average of 9 million viewers.
October 2012: Third series airing on Prime in New Zealand
In October 2012, Prime in New Zealand began airing the third series of Downton Abbey, starting on October 18th.
November 2012: Second Downton Abbey Soundtrack Released
In November 2012, a second Downton Abbey soundtrack, titled "Downton Abbey: The Essential Collection", was released on November 19th.
2012: Inveraray Castle as Duneagle Castle
In 2012, Inveraray Castle in Argyll, Scotland, doubled as "Duneagle Castle" in the Downton Abbey Christmas special.
2012: Criticism over Matthew Crawley's Death
In 2012, the death of Matthew Crawley in the Christmas special drew criticism. Julian Fellowes defended the decision, while Dan Stevens expressed regret over his character's death on Christmas Day.
January 2013: Third Series Premiere in the US
In January 2013, the third series of Downton Abbey premiered in the US, averaging 11.5 million viewers.
February 2013: Third Series Finale in the US
In February 2013, the finale of the third series of Downton Abbey aired in the US on February 17th, drawing 12.3 million viewers and becoming the night's highest-rated show.
February 2013: Third Series Broadcast on Seven Network in Australia
In February 2013, the third series of Downton Abbey was broadcast on the Seven Network in Australia, beginning on February 10th.
September 2013: Fourth Series Premiere in the UK
In September 2013, the fourth series of Downton Abbey premiered in the UK on September 22nd, averaging 9.5 million viewers.
October 2013: Viewers Complain about Anna Bates Rape Scene
In October 2013, the third episode of the fourth series, which aired on October 6th, included a warning about violent scenes. The rape of Anna Bates led to over 200 complaints to Ofcom and 60 to ITV.
November 2013: Ofcom Decides Not to Take Action Over Rape Scene
On November 4th, 2013, Ofcom announced it would not take action regarding the controversial rape scene in Downton Abbey, citing the warning given, the late screening time, and that the rape occurred 'off-screen'.
2013: Downton Abbey Ranked by Writers Guild of America
In 2013, Downton Abbey was ranked the 43rd most well-written TV show of all time by the Writers Guild of America.
2013: Lancaster House as Buckingham Palace
In 2013, Lancaster House in London stood in for Buckingham Palace in the Downton Abbey Christmas special.
2013: Equality (Titles) Bill Introduced in UK Parliament
In 2013, the Equality (Titles) Bill, nicknamed the "Downton Abbey law", was introduced in the UK Parliament but was ultimately unsuccessful. The bill aimed to allow equal succession of female heirs to hereditary titles.
January 2014: Fourth Series Premiere in the US
In January 2014, the fourth series of Downton Abbey premiered in the US on January 5th, attracting at least 10.2 million viewers.
2014: Alnwick Castle Used for Brancaster Castle
In 2014, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland was the filming location used for Brancaster Castle in the Downton Abbey Christmas special.
March 2015: Aaron Schock Resigns Following Downton Abbey Inspired Redecoration Controversy
In March 2015, US Representative Aaron Schock resigned after scrutiny of his Downton Abbey-inspired congressional office redecoration. He repaid the $40,000 cost following questions about his use of public money.
March 2015: Announcement of Downton Abbey's Final Series
On March 26, 2015, Carnival Films and ITV announced that the sixth series of Downton Abbey would be the last.
September 2015: Airing of the Sixth and Final Series
On September 20, 2015, the sixth and final series of Downton Abbey began airing on ITV.
November 2015: End of Downton Abbey Sixth Series
On November 8, 2015, the sixth and final series of Downton Abbey ended on ITV.
December 2015: Final Episode Broadcast
On December 25, 2015, the final episode of Downton Abbey, which was the annual Christmas special, was broadcast.
2015: Continuation of Filming at Alnwick Castle
In 2015, Alnwick Castle continued to be used as the filming location for Brancaster Castle in the Downton Abbey Christmas special.
January 2016: Third Downton Abbey Soundtrack Released
In January 2016, a third and final Downton Abbey soundtrack, titled "Downton Abbey: The Ultimate Collection", was released on January 15th, containing two discs and featuring music spanning all six seasons of the series.
2016: Final Season Aired on PBS
In 2016, the final and sixth season of Downton Abbey aired on PBS in the United States.
July 2018: Feature-Length Downton Abbey Film Confirmed
On July 13, 2018, a feature-length Downton Abbey film was confirmed, with production commencing mid-2018. It was written by Julian Fellowes and directed by Michael Engler.
July 2018: Confirmation of Downton Abbey Film Adaptation
On July 13, 2018, a film adaptation of Downton Abbey, serving as a continuation of the series, was confirmed.
September 2019: The Guardian Ranks Downton Abbey Among the Best TV Shows
In September 2019, The Guardian ranked Downton Abbey 50th on its list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century, praising it as a comforting and elegantly realized escape into the past during a time of austerity.
September 2019: Release of Downton Abbey Film
In September 2019, the Downton Abbey film was released in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2019, and in the United States on September 20, 2019.
September 2019: Downton Abbey Film Released in the UK
In September 2019, the Downton Abbey film was released in the United Kingdom on September 13th.
2019: Publication of Downton Abbey Cookbooks and Cocktail Book
In 2019, "The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook" featuring Edwardian dishes researched by Dr. Annie Gray and "The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book" were published.
2019: Filming Locations for the 2019 Film
In 2019, the Downton Abbey film used television locations like Highclere Castle and Bampton, as well as Beamish Museum for exterior shots and the North York Moors Railway for railway scenes.
2020: Publication of Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook and Afternoon Tea Cookbook
In 2020, "The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook" by Regula Ysewijn and "The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook" were published.
2020: NBCUniversal Takes Over US Broadcasting Rights
In 2020, NBCUniversal took over the US broadcasting rights for Downton Abbey for its streaming service Peacock.
April 2021: Filming Begins for Downton Abbey Sequel
In April 2021, filming of a sequel to the Downton Abbey film began.
June 2021: Downton Abbey Available on Netflix
In June 2021, the entire Downton Abbey series became available on Netflix.
2021: CBC Television Repeats Downton Abbey in Canada
In 2021, CBC Television in Canada repeated the entire Downton Abbey series.
2021: Downton Abbey Available on Netflix
In 2021, Downton Abbey became available on Netflix.
April 2022: Downton Abbey: A New Era Film Released in the UK
In April 2022, the film Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in the UK on April 29th.
April 2022: UK Release of Downton Abbey: A New Era
On April 29, 2022, Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in the United Kingdom by Universal Pictures.
May 2022: US and Canada Release of Downton Abbey: A New Era
On May 20, 2022, Downton Abbey: A New Era was released in the United States and Canada by Focus Features.
2022: Downton Abbey Aired on E!
In 2022, Downton Abbey also aired on the E! network.
2022: The Gilded Age Debuts on HBO
In 2022, Julian Fellowes's The Gilded Age, portraying New York in the 1880s, debuted on HBO. Fellowes hinted that some Downton Abbey characters could appear in the new show.
March 2024: Announcement of a Third Downton Abbey Film
In March 2024, Imelda Staunton revealed on BBC Radio 2 that a third and final Downton Abbey film is in development.
May 2024: Cast Additions for Third Downton Abbey Film Announced
On May 13, 2024, it was announced on social media and the Focus Films website that a third Downton Abbey film is planned, with Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan joining the cast.
June 2024: Release Date Announced for Third Downton Abbey Film
On June 26, 2024, it was announced that the third Downton Abbey film would be released in cinemas on September 12, 2025.
September 2025: Release Date for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
In September 12, 2025, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to be released in the UK.
September 2025: The third Downton Abbey film is planned to be released.
The third Downton Abbey film is planned to be released on September 12, 2025.
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