Downton Abbey Series Exclusive ((free)) Jun 2026

: The ensemble expands with newcomers Joely Richardson , Alessandro Nivola , Simon Russell Beale , and Arty Froushan . 2. The Original Series Returns to PBS

Creator Julian Fellowes spent years developing the show after being struck by the lack of nuanced portrayals of the British aristocracy in the early 2000s. He initially pitched it as a spiritual successor to Upstairs, Downstairs (1970s) but with sharper class conflict. Multiple networks rejected it as “too British.” downton abbey series exclusive