Downton Abbey: Season 1
  • Network: PBS , ITV1 , ITV
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 9, 2011
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 170 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 184
  3. Negative: 9 out of 184

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  1. JennetP
    Jan 26, 2011
    9
    Hmmmm. On American TV, pandering is gratuitous sex, carnage of every kind, terrifyingly good-looking stars, and innocents in peril. On British TV, pandering is revisiting great works of literature, TV, and film. Need I say more? Instead, let me add my cheers to the general applause for this beautifully-executed, absorbing series, which I had planned to watch over several evenings but instead gobbled down in a one-night marathon. There's been lots of praise (all of it just) for the writing and the acting and the various kinds of design, so I won't belabor what has been said better by others. What I would like to stress is the subtlety and complexity of the characters; the reason "Downton Abbey" is NOT "Gosford Park II" is that, instead of static, one-dimensional characters (however delightful), the series has the time and the intelligence to create characters who express inconsistencies, have insights that are only partial, change in fits and starts. For someone used to American TV, in which "change" means a blinding epiphany followed by violent (and often temporary) maturation, these characters are extraordinary, offering the viewer a range of responses to almost every principal. I withhold the "10" because plot developments did occasionally seem obvious or contrived, but this quibble is minor and may disappear next season. No need to manufacture drama when the Great War rips the world apart.… Expand
  2. Tony
    Mar 20, 2011
    10
    A fascinating series that I was immediately hooked on. Magnificent acting, masterful direction, gorgeous sets, and whip-smart writing. The best television of 2011 thus far.
  3. ReeceLeonard
    Feb 18, 2012
    10
    A near perfect drama that studies the ins-and-outs of British economic classes, wartime and romance, Downton Abbey is a brilliant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A classic in the making.
  4. heyitsmegrif4
    Jul 19, 2012
    9
    It is extremely well acted and complex. Heartbreaking and emotionally resonant. And it could for some people be very hard to sit through. Notwithstanding this is a great show.
  5. Thug-Negus
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    I am very fond of series set in the past, this one is interpreted by brilliant actors, I looking forward to watch the next season, the British cinema is at the pinnacle of his art, without violence and filled with poetry.
  6. shoeone
    Jan 15, 2012
    9
    I love the series, a feeling that is enhanced by the fact that I never watched "Upstairs Downstairs" and only watched "Brideshead Revisited" once. WWI period dramas really are the best, and the British know how to do them. I was particularly entertained by the general aversion to electricity and to all the modern conveniences that we now take for granted. It was quaint. I am glad to see Maggie Smith in another role that is worthy of her, although I hope she resists the temptation to get too soppy as time goes on. Her cutting remarks keep the series on an even keel, if you ask me. The most curious thing is that my sympathies lie with the secondary characters in the series, and not those who have the major roles. I don't know why this is, but it makes me willing to keep watching until the bitter end, which is presumably when Herr Hitler finally puts in an appearance. For any and all history buffs, "Downton Abbey" is well worth watching.… Expand
  7. Slam
    Feb 14, 2013
    10
    I love the restrained way of British film TV. The storytelling is sometimes a bloody mess, but it's the costumes, the sets, the unintentionally hilarious to this American dialogue. I LOVE this show.
  8. Kaizoku2793
    Feb 17, 2011
    10
    Downtown Abbey has got to be one of the most entertaining shows of the year. The amount of emotion packed into seven episodes is astounding. This is truly a must watch for all.
  9. TVTX
    Jun 6, 2011
    10
    I loved this show and the characters. I'm so glad that they are showing interesting shows to watch on Masterpiece Theater this past year or two. I can't wait to see what happens to the characters in the next season, which I understand is being filmed. The dialogue was perfect and the whole season was well written.
  10. Msrysnnob
    Jan 18, 2011
    10
    I am thoroughly pleased with Downton Abbey after watching the first two episodes. It is wonderful to watch what is being called Gosford Park 2 by some. The dialogue is witty and the characters come to life for us, especially Hugh Bonneville who plays the Lord of the Manor. The home is grand as would be expected but not as ornate as some of other productions. My favorite is Maggie Smith who can play an old cynical woman so well with all her wickedness with a grain of softness hidden deep down. I am also pleased to hear that this will just be the first season of the show, with more to come..yummy..I thought it was just a mini series as we usually get in period dramas. I can't wait to watch the rest! I just wish KCET and PBS would work out their differences so we can see it through KCET. They have the best feed in LA..the outer lying cities don't seem to come in as clear.… Expand
  11. jmpatison
    Oct 10, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Impeccable. Inventive (to a point). Incredible. These are 3 of the plethora of adjectives I could use to describe the triumph that is Downton Abbey. The Emmy-winning mini-series-turned-series has been called the "Upstairs, Downstairs" of this generation, but in my limited experience with the latter, Downton takes the cake, several cakes if you will. After first hearing about the series over 1 year ago through my love of the script of Gosford Park and its writer, Julian Fellowes, I honestly forgot about it. That was until the series won the Emmy for Best Mini-Series/TV Movie. That rekindled my interest. I looked on Netflix, and lo-and-behold, it was viewable instantly. After the first 10-15 minutes of episode 1, I was hooked. Fellowes, who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Gosford Park, and his screenwriting capabilities have improved exponentially since 2001. A better production than Gosford Park by leaps and bounds, I was absolutely blown away by the screenplay. It juggles multiple complicated story lines deftly and the direction is equally skillful (especially that of Brian Percival). Set in Yorkshire and using Highclere Castle in Hampshire as the manor house, the story line begins with the sinking of the Titanic and continues to the end of the 1st season and the outbreak of World War I. A succession crisis of sorts as well as a sex scandal are thrown into the mix. The acting is top-notch, with Maggie Smith leading the bunch with one of the best performances (stage, film, TV, or otherwise) of her illustrious career as the proper, conservative, yet fiery grandmother/mother, the Dowager Countess. Her line delivery will make you at least chuckle 75-90% of the time. Also fantastic are Hugh Bonneville as the Earl and Elizabeth McGovern as his wife. Also featured are British mainstays of these sorts of series including Brendan Coyle, Jim Carter, and Phyllis Logan. The three daughters of Bonneville and McGovern are quite well-acted, with Michelle Dockery's performance as the eldest as the one of note, and those of Laura Carmichael and Jessica Brown-Findlay also quite good. Some other personal favorite performances of mine are those of Joanne Froggatt, Rose Leslie, Dan Stevens, Penelope Wilton, and Siobhan Finneran. Easily the best show on television, I would recommend Downton Abbey to anyone who appreciates British period dramas, great acting, possibly the best TV mini-series script ever written, or magnificent characterization.… Expand
  12. katharineclark
    Jan 4, 2012
    10
    I devoured this show in 2 days. I am a fan of british drama and period pieces so it's not surprise I absolutely love it. That my action movie/ indie movie loving dad also loved it is a testament to it's beautiful scenery, surprisingly scandalous plot lines, and the ode to a time of more subtle human interaction. I adore the complexity of the characters, and the wonderful Madame Smith. Stellar!
  13. Canisrah
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    An absolute joy to watch from start to finish. Full of class and sophistication, subtle, humorous, dramatic, enticing, sumptuous and eminently watchable. It's quite simply the best TV series to coming along in a very long time. Production values are excellent resulting in a period story that is believable and immersive. Don't miss it; it's a wonderful experience.
  14. Bhudda79
    May 23, 2011
    10
    This is a slow pace drama, includes all ingredients to make an interesting series. Perfect balance between the real life of the servants and the upper class. Stunning decors and surroundings, a nice view back in time and engaging storyline.
  15. Ydun
    Jun 28, 2011
    9
    I just love this show, and I can't wait for the second season - and the Christmas special! (Wiki). I find the show so interesting and exiting. It's like a British version of the Danish show "Matador" and I have been looking for a show just like that for so long now.
    I am really looking forward to the return of Downton Abbey!
  16. islandplanet
    Sep 24, 2011
    10
    I was a little late to the game on this series as I didn't think I would get into a British costume period drama/comedy of manners. However, I wish that there were a lot more than the six episodes in the first season. Perfect in every way, the cast is extraordinary, the story lines engrossing, sets and costumes lend easy credibility. This show plays like a documentary of life in an aging Manor Home at the turn of the 20th Century. Major props to Dame Maggie Smith. She seems created in a lab especially for this role...rock it girrrl!… Expand
  17. Erasmo
    Dec 5, 2011
    10
    This serie is great in every way. The best for me today and one of the best of all time. Don't even know what to say. Don't even know how to say. It's perfect only this.
  18. faelmonlogh1
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    Watched both seasons in 2 days, and didn't stop to watch it for anything. That's how caught up I was in the show's story. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------… Expand
  19. Amadigi
    Mar 30, 2012
    10
    We loved this tv show : actors, all the life's details in the castle, the difference between nobles and the employees , and the bridges between them
    Very high quality and hope to watch the season 3
  20. MikeGale
    Feb 1, 2013
    10
    What a great piece of entertainment! The location, cast, plot, awesome old cars, clothes and mannerisms make for "Must Watch" television. Well done to all involved.
  21. jaime829
    Mar 10, 2013
    9
    There was no one more surprised then me to find out how awesome this show is. As a rule I don't like British shows, I don't watch PBS,and historical romance isn't my "thing". But I kept hearing about this show so one night I decided to order episode one on my kindle. I stayed up all night watching the first season.
  22. preciouskiki
    Jan 18, 2011
    10
    Very enjoyable show! The scenes move quickly, and the dialogue is crisp and to the point. The characters are realistically depicted and well-acted by every member of the cast. There's no overacting. So far, each 90-minute episode has flown by. I can't wait for the next episode, and I'm delighted to hear that they are about to begin shooting a second season. If I had one tiny criticism, it would be that the potentially budding romance between the Turkish diplomat and the eldest daughter progressed a bit more quickly than I found believable for that character. But, like I said, the scenes move quickly, so that's forgivable. I wish there were more shows like this on TV.… Expand
  23. emseebee
    Apr 8, 2012
    10
    I absolutely love this show (and I'm your typical, feet up on the coffee table, "Quiet, I'm watching the footy" kinda guy).
    Really looking forward to season 3
  24. ChloeM
    Jan 15, 2011
    10
    Wonderful tv. After the first episode I instantly cared about the characters. I found the rest online and they are all just as fantastic as the first. Maggie Smith in particular is fantastic.
  25. BigTim
    Jan 17, 2011
    9
    While I do not usually follow period dramas closely, this program hooked me from the first minute as all the characters are interesting and real, and the production values, direction and editing are all first rate. A really good look at early George V England!
  26. lynnejanet
    Jan 25, 2011
    10
    This is excellent TV. I am fascinated by the story-telling from multiple perspectives, and by the artful portrayal of this time of rapid social change. I hope it becomes available to watch on Canadian TV.
  27. DrkVmpr
    Jan 29, 2011
    10
    A masterpiece. Definitely one of my favorites series. Characters, dialogues, art direction, everything on it makes this series unique. It's wonderful how the show shows the life of both aristocrats and low class. The only bad thing is that is too short. Can't wait until next season! The wait is going to be rough...
  28. CASL
    Feb 6, 2011
    10
    I do love period pieces. That said this is such a wonderful series. Well written, amazing cast that totally delivers. Thank God there is something for adults to enjoy on TV.
  29. Theticketp1
    Feb 17, 2011
    10
    The transition between scenes and the wife's american accent could use some work, but this is without a doubt the best new show this season. Julian Fellows has created a fictional masterpiece that shouldn't be over looked. At it's heart, it's a story of change regarding the cultural shift of what's acceptable and not acceptable in high society, in the early twentieth century. If your someone who enjoys Big Timing his/her friends on your knowledge of British television, this show is for you.… Expand
  30. aaliya
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Wonderful series this is.. i really like to watch to this online.. wonderful this is to be watched. All the story line of this series is really great


    Watch ABC Online
  31. gadawson
    Dec 2, 2011
    10
    Outstanding British period piece. Great scenary, story lines, characters. I've seen it several times and it's just as good each time. I must confess I am a huge British period fan. I've searched far and wide for any and every similar title but little compares with Downton Abbey.
  32. Ronni1959
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    Literature in motion!! Beautiful characters, costumes and sceneries. Slowly, drawing into the lives of both domestic and dynasty. I never want an ending!
  33. crglvs
    Jan 4, 2013
    10
    Metacritic won't let me remove my review. Reviews must be 150 characters long, so: Metacritic won't let me remove my review. Metacritic won't let me remove my review.
  34. Pcm501994
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    Well after a good year of hearing about this show from my folks and sister and shrugging it off I decided to give it a shot. I couldn't be happier to have started watching this show. I started watching the series this past Sunday and I'm almost caught up to where it's at for this season. It's a phenomenal show that couldn't be done any better than it is. The dialogue that the writers have for this ensemble cast couldn't be any better. Along with the breath taking imagery of the period that's being depicted it couldn't go any better. Also you have to give two thumbs up to Maggie Smith as always. I wasn't to familiar with her work besides her being in Harry Potter, but seeing her in something new is riveting because she's such a splendid actor. Keep up the good work Downton Abbey and don't quit on us anytime soon.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Hitfix
    Reviewed by: Alan Sepinwall
    Feb 14, 2011
    60
    Now, I wouldn't say I loved it. Parts of it I didn't even like. I became quite engaged with what was going on downstairs with the servants, while I found virtually everything having to do with the Granthams (at least the parts unrelated to how they dealt with the staff) a chore to get through.
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Peter Swanson
    Jan 10, 2011
    88
    For every Mrs. Patmore, the cook who wants nothing more than to stay in service the remainder of her life, there is a housemaid such as Gwen (Rose Leslie), who dreams of becoming a secretary in a modern office. It's these dichotomies, and the way they exist within both the Abbey itself (half the rooms have electricity and half don't) and its multifaceted inhabitants that make Downton Abbey not only the best soap opera currently on television, but one of the most relevant as well.
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jan 9, 2011
    100
    Downton Abbey, which premieres Sunday, is this generation's "Upstairs, Downstairs," both in theme--the daily dramas of a titled British family and their many servants--and in stature.
    Read full review
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