MASTERPIECE ON PBS: THE BEAUTIFUL PERIOD DRAMA ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ RETURNS

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Set to make a return engagement on Masterpiece on PBS is the famed period drama Downton Abbey. The drama, which first made its debut on Masterpiece PBS back in 2011 followed the old wealth Crawley family who go through a multitude of ups and downs. It’s now returning to its origin roots (at least in the US!) this month, so naturally we have to take a look back on why we love this beautiful period drama.

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MASTERPIECE ON PBS: THE BEAUTIFUL PERIOD DRAMA ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ RETURNS. See the return of the beloved drama #DowntonAbbey airing again on #MasterpiecePBS. Share on X

The story begins on the brink of WWI in the immediate aftermath of the Titanic sinking. This event causes the family to lose the expected heir. The current Earl, Lord Grantham has only three daughters who cannot inherit the estate which means they are now on the lookout for the next in line. This leads them to a working-class lawyer named Matthew Crawley who arrives with the strong-willed mother who raised him as he reluctantly tries to become a part of the family.

In the US, the show made its debut on Masterpiece PBS January 2011, and on May the 17^th, it returns to its origins. If you’ve never seen it, or even if you have, this is the ideal time to start from the beginning and watch its first three seasons which are set to air Sundays over the summer months. If you are like me, you don’t watch shows regularly week to week (I bought the DVD sets and binged them!), but if you don’t have this problem, this would make a lovely little thing to watch at the end of a weekend. Even with the sorrows, this one is still pretty and has so much charm.

So, let’s look back on some of the reasons why you may want to rewatch (or discover!) this Julian Fellows period drama.

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DOWNTON ABBEY RETURNS to MASTERPIECE PBS

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THE CAST and CHARACTERS

Among the characters are some, shall we say, villains, but the primary are good eggs we love to root on. Do they fumble and make bad choices? Absolutely! But irrespective of this, we still want them to work things out and find the happy end that for some of them is so elusive.

Contrary to popular thought, I like Lady Mary (even with her many flaws) and am quite fond of Lord Grantham. Of course, liking Violet may be overrated, but there is no way one cannot like her. She knows her mind, has wisdom and has truly lived life. I also love everyone from Cora to Edith, Daisy to Anna and Bates (whose story has perhaps the most mistakes from the perspective of the script writers), Mrs. Patmore and Carson. I just love them all.

The storied cast includes, but isn’t limited to the following talent; Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Dan Stevens, Joanne Froggatt, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Robert James-Collier, Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle, Samantha Bond, David Robb, Raquel Cassidy and Michael Fox. 

THE MANNERS

The manners and some of the costuming are oh so gorgeous too. There is an elegance to the storytelling that we don’t see in many of the TV or film productions released today. There are actual manners, and I kind of love it all.

THE ROMANTICISM

While I love certain of the love stories in this show, particularly the one enduring one which is between Robert (Lord Grantham) and Cora, the American that has to put up with being just on the outside even 20+ years later, this heading of romanticism is more about the aesthetics.

When I watch a period drama, I want to feel like I am in one rather than see things that look overly romantic or as if someone is cosplaying. This series doesn’t feel this way to me. While the manners (which yes, I already mentioned) may come across as “stiff upper lip,” this feels accurate for much of what the aristocracy mannerisms would be during this era. And beyond this, just the look and styling, dialogue and accents, everything screams romanticisms which helps with the old-fashion storytelling.

THE STORY

This story has so many ups, downs and even death, but there is lots of good n the story too.

According to PBS, the short logline reads as follows: “Created by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), Downton Abbey depicts the lives of the noble Crawley family and the staff who serve them, set at their Edwardian country house in 1912.” – via PBS

I’m not usually one for overly “soapy” dramas, however I fell head over heels for this. I watched each new season faithfully, and just saw the feature film finale. This PBS return has made me want to rewatch these all again, too. I loved them all so much. Here’s hoping it finds new life as it returns to its origins.

TOM BRANSON

I’ve gushed about this character quite a lot so talking more about him seems unnecessary. But Branson starts out as the kind of “anti-hero” of this family being the rebel chauffer who has no time for the Crawley’s old-world money or elite way of living. Therefore, he’s a kind of “threat.”

Naturally, he falls for someone above his station and in time, he and the reluctant Crawley’s come to mutually respect each other. This all happens in an organic way that is lovely, charming, wholesome and inspiring. I love this about his part in this story and that while he changes by knowing them, they also change, too.

These are just a few of the reasons to love this drama, and honestly, my overly long archie review of season one probably testifies to many more.

Photos: MASTERPIECE | Carnival Film & Television Limited

The season one encore presentation of Downton Abbey on PBS airs Sundays, May 17 – June 7, 2026, beginning at 10 p.m. ET; season two will air Sundays June 14 – July 26, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET; and season three will air Sundays, August 2 – September 3, 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 p.m. ET.

Will you be watching this period drama starting May 17? What are your thoughts on Downton Abbey making its return to Masterpiece PBS? Share all of your thoughts on this show and its grand return to TV.

Thank you for visiting; please do return again soon.

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