Binge Watchin’ TV Review: Downton Abbey

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Welcome to Binge Watchin,’ where we take a look at some of the best TV shows available on streaming or disc that have a great catalogue of seasons to jump into and get sucked into the beautiful bliss of binge watching! From crime, action, comedy, drama, animation, etc., we’ll be evaluating an assortment of shows that will hopefully serve as a gateway to your next binge experience.

Series: Downton Abbey

Number of Seasons: 5 (so far)

Where to watch: PBS, ITV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD, Blu-ray

What’s the show about?:

The lives and loves of the aristocratic Crawley family in early twentieth century England. Living in a sprawling manor, Downton Abbey, the Crawleys’ are led by family patriarch Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), the Earl of Grantham, and his American wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Countess of Grantham. They preside over a massive estate which is the home to their three daughters, the cold and beautiful Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), the shy middle child Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), and the young and vivacious Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay). The estate is also home to a multitude of servants, including the imperious butler Carson (Jim Carter), faithful valet Bates (Brendan Coyle), his beloved wife, ladies’ maid Anna (Joanne Froggatt), devious maid O’Brien (Siobhan Finneran), the cunning Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) and more. Meanwhile, the Crawley's are frequently visited by Robert’s acid-tongued mother Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith), Dowager Countess of Grantham, as well as Robert’s heir, Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and his warm-hearted mother, Isobel (Penelope Wilton).

Why should I watch?:

I’ll admit, DOWNTON ABBEY is a tough sell. I have a hard time convincing people who wouldn’t normally watch these types of British period dramas (especially one that airs on ‘Masterpiece Theater’) that DOWNTON ABBEY is worth a shot. Heck, I had seasons 1 & 2 of the show sitting on my desk for months before I finally gave the first episode a shot, but from there I was hooked. Helped by the fact that each season is bite-sized, running a mere eight episodes (plus annual feature-length Christmas Specials) apiece, this is a show that’s perfect for binge-watching. Typically, when in DOWNTON ABBEY mode I watch at least three episodes a day, and when you get started it’s tough to stop.

But what makes it so good? Well, for one thing DOWNTON ABBEY is no stuffy UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS type of stiff-upper-lip English drama. In fact, it has more in common with the new wave of English drama that’s hitting the airwaves in the UK with shows like BROADCHURCH, THE MISSING and more. While a period piece, DOWNTON ABBEY is unique in that it casts a very modern perspective on the Crawleys as they try to survive an era that's increasingly difficult for the aristocrats, particularly patriarch Robert, who more than once brings his family to the brink of ruin through his own stubbornness and shortsightedness.

More than that, DOWNTON ABBEY is one of the most compelling shows on TV. It’s an absolutely brilliant soap opera, and you’d have to be made of stone not to get wrapped up in what’s happening with the characters season-to-season. Pretty much everyone in my circle of friends and family in Montreal is addicted to this show along with me, regardless of their backgrounds and has their own favorite characters. Most single out Maggie Smith’s gloriously bitchy Grand-mama, who’s alternately amusing in her total ignorance of the changing times (“what’s a weekend?”) and often worthy of a slow-clap for her acid-like putdowns of those that deserve it (and not).

While I have a soft spot for everyone in the Abbey, my favorites have always been Bates, Lord Grantham’s mysterious valet – brilliantly played by Brendan Coyle – and his beloved Anna, the beautiful young ladies’ maid who takes a shine to him. You’ll root for them right from the first episode but, alas, as my Montreal friend Chris Papps is fond of saying, “things are never easy for Bates and Anna.” Over the five seasons, Bates and Anna find themselves embroiled in at least two murders, survive brutal attacks (including a violent rape), scandals and more. Basically, anything that can go wrong for the poor pair does.

DOWNTON ABBEY’s also not a show to shy away from controversy, with footman Barrow emerging as a complicated character. He's initially a devious villain but over the years he gradually reveals a somewhat sympathetic side as he goes through the Great War and grapples with his (somewhat) repressed homosexuality. DOWNTON ABBEY also spends time dealing with drug abuse, unwed mothers (a big deal in early twentieth century England), inter-racial romance, and more. Through it all, DOWNTON ABBEY is highly absorbing melodrama at its finest and a show that’s all but impossible not to love regardless of your TV tastes.

Best Season:

While I love all seasons of DOWNTON ABBEY (and I haven’t seen the fifth yet so no spoilers in the talkbacks please), each has their pluses and minuses. For me, the show was at its absolute best in the third season when the Crawleys found themselves faced with absolutely ruin thanks to Robert’s less-than-shrewd investments. Season three is also the last season to feature the “classic” DOWNTON ABBEY line-up, with both heartthrob Dan Stevens and Siobhan Finneran electing not to return for a fourth season. That said, I don’t think they’ve ever done a bad episode.

Final Thoughts:

If you had told me a few years ago that a British period drama would be one of my favorite shows I would have thought you were nuts, but DOWNTON ABBEY is just so damn good. I can’t wait to binge on the fifth season (I get too caught up in it to watch week-to-week) and the blu-rays can't arrive quick enough. Even if you think you’ll hate it, just give it a shot. You won’t be sorry.