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Downton Abbey:

Season 1

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Downton Abbey

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• 2010
• Season 1
• 7 episodes

• History
• Romance

Summary

The sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without an heir, a new valet intends to make his stay as short as possible, and Lady Mary is smitten by a handsome houseguest.

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Episode 1: Downton Abbey 1

Summary

First episode of the costume drama set in an Edwardian country house in 1912, written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed for ever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son. The arrival of a new valet shocks the staff, who scheme to make his stay as short-lived as possible. Starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern

Review

Alison Graham

So here’s where it all began, with a slightly stodgy first episode from 2010 featuring lots of talk of wills and “entails”. But as well all know audiences around the world embraced Downton Abbey, making it one of the most-loved television dramas ever. Encore will repeat all six series.

As we meet the Crawley family for the first time, we learn of the death, on the Titanic, of Lord Grantham’s male heirs. He’s a desperate man with three lovely daughters to marry off to eligible men – or he risks losing everything.

There might be hope, though, in the handsome, down to earth form of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). Surely he’d make the imperious Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) a lovely husband?

How to watch

Next showing

There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming providers below.

Streaming

• ITVX
• Netflix
• Prime Video
• Disney+
• Sky Store

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Details

Released on

2010-09-26

Languages

English | English

Formats

Colour

Credits

Cast

rolenameViolet, Dowager Countess of GranthamMaggie SmithRobert, Earl of GranthamHugh BonnevilleLady Sybil CrawleyJessica Brown FindlayLady Edith CrawleyLaura CarmichaelMr CarsonJim CarterJohn BatesBrendan CoyleLady Mary CrawleyMichelle DockeryO'BrienSiobhan FinneranAnnaJoanne FroggattWilliamThomas HowesThomasRob James-CollierGwenRose LeslieMrs HughesPhyllis LoganCora, Countess of GranthamElizabeth McGovernDaisySophie McSheraMrs PatmoreLesley NicolMatthew CrawleyDan StevensIsobel CrawleyPenelope WiltonDuke of CrowboroughCharlie CoxGeorge MurrayJonathan CoyTaylorLionel GuyettPostmasterJonathan JaynesPaperboyPerry MillwardPostmaster's wifeHelen Sheals

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Crew

rolenameWriterJulian FellowesExecutive producerJulian FellowesExecutive producerGareth NeameExecutive producerRebecca EatonSeries producerLiz TrubridgeProducerNigel MarchantDirectorBrian Percival

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All episodes

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  Episode 7
  
  Downton Abbey 7

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  Episode 6
  
  Downton Abbey 6

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  Episode 5
  
  Downton Abbey 5

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  Episode 4
  
  Downton Abbey 4

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  Episode 3
  
  Downton Abbey 3

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• 
  
  Episode 2
  
  Downton Abbey 2

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  Episode 1
  
  Downton Abbey 1

  Summary

  First episode of the costume drama set in an Edwardian country house in 1912, written by Oscar-winning writer Julian Fellowes. The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed for ever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son. The arrival of a new valet shocks the staff, who scheme to make his stay as short-lived as possible. Starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern

  Review

  Alison Graham

  So here’s where it all began, with a slightly stodgy first episode from 2010 featuring lots of talk of wills and “entails”. But as well all know audiences around the world embraced Downton Abbey, making it one of the most-loved television dramas ever. Encore will repeat all six series.

  As we meet the Crawley family for the first time, we learn of the death, on the Titanic, of Lord Grantham’s male heirs. He’s a desperate man with three lovely daughters to marry off to eligible men – or he risks losing everything.

  There might be hope, though, in the handsome, down to earth form of Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). Surely he’d make the imperious Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) a lovely husband?

  How to watch

  Next showing

  There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming providers below.

  Streaming

  • ITVX
  • Netflix
  • Prime Video
  • Disney+
  • Sky Store

  ❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

  Details

  Released on

  2010-09-26

  Languages

  English | English

  Formats

  Colour

  Credits

  Cast

  rolenameViolet, Dowager Countess of GranthamMaggie SmithRobert, Earl of GranthamHugh BonnevilleLady Sybil CrawleyJessica Brown FindlayLady Edith CrawleyLaura CarmichaelMr CarsonJim CarterJohn BatesBrendan CoyleLady Mary CrawleyMichelle DockeryO'BrienSiobhan FinneranAnnaJoanne FroggattWilliamThomas HowesThomasRob James-CollierGwenRose LeslieMrs HughesPhyllis LoganCora, Countess of GranthamElizabeth McGovernDaisySophie McSheraMrs PatmoreLesley NicolMatthew CrawleyDan StevensIsobel CrawleyPenelope WiltonDuke of CrowboroughCharlie CoxGeorge MurrayJonathan CoyTaylorLionel GuyettPostmasterJonathan JaynesPaperboyPerry MillwardPostmaster's wifeHelen Sheals

  Show more

  Crew

  rolenameWriterJulian FellowesExecutive producerJulian FellowesExecutive producerGareth NeameExecutive producerRebecca EatonSeries producerLiz TrubridgeProducerNigel MarchantDirectorBrian Percival

  Show more

  • Share on facebook
  • Share on twitter
  • Share on pinterest
  • Share on reddit
  • Email to a friend

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IMDB

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8.3/10

How to watch

Next showing

There are no live broadcasts scheduled for this show. But it is available via the streaming providers below.

Streaming

• ITVX
• Netflix
• Prime Video
• Disney+
• Sky Store

News & features about Downton Abbey

• 
  
  Downton Abbey favourite joins cast for TV remake of beloved classic Western
  
  Joanne Froggatt is set to star in a brand new role for The Magnificent Seven franchise.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Glee favourites confirmed for key Industry season 5 roles
  
  Jessica Brown Findlay and Dianna Agron are just a couple of the seven new faces joining Industry.

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• 
  
  Hugh Laurie lands major role in starry new TV drama opposite Downton Abbey favourite
  
  Laurie has joined the cast of HBO's The Trial of Louise Woodward.

• 
  
  Live your best Downton Abbey life with these 13 locations tours and experiences
  
  Think you can live the Upstairs lifestyle? Here's 13 Downton Abbey experiences to put you to the test.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey is now available in LEGO form – How to buy the detailed Highclere Castle model in the UK today
  
  Welcome back to Downton.

• 
  
  Star Wars legend confirmed for reboot of beloved '90s series - plus Downton Abbey star joins cast
  
  Mark Hamill is leading the cast.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Unforgotten favourites star in first look at "compelling" Irish crime drama based on true story
  
  The series will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

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• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Baby Reindeer favourites confirmed for new Netflix TV thriller based on '80s survival novel
  
  Michelle Dockery and Jessica Gunning lead a cast of women fighting to survive a lethal island.

• 
  
  Monarch of the Glen reboot confirms female-led cast – plus Downton Abbey icon in key role
  
  We now know who'll be leading 5's reimagining of the iconic Scottish series.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale stars are on this week's Radio Times cover
  
  Julian Fellowes and his stars talk class, nepo babies, happy endings and never saying never...

• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Slow Horses favourites star in dramatic new look at ITV thriller The Party
  
  The series also stars the likes of Luke Evans and Joanna Scanlan.

• 
  
  Doctor Who and Downton Abbey favourites' crime drama Cooper & Fry finally gets future confirmed
  
  We'll be heading back to the Peak District for eight new episodes.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones legends join Shadow Has Fallen as season 3 of action thriller begins filming
  
  Iwan Rheon and Brendan Coyle board the Has Fallen franchise as cameras roll in the UK and South Africa.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery teams up with Gavin & Stacey star for 'extraordinary' new project this autumn
  
  The two stars are at the helm of a brand-new play from the mind of award-winning writer Ava Pickett.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey and Luther stars' new crime drama gets UK release date
  
  A new sun-kissed drama from the creator of Hotel Portofino and Professor T.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a tribute to its present and past matriarchs
  
  The new film puts the beloved period drama's iconic women at the front and centre.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey icon reveals he lost out on Gary Oldman's beloved Slow Horses role
  
  The beloved Apple TV show is now heading into its sixth season.

• 
  
  Dexter: Resurrection season 2 casts Downton Abbey icon in regular role as serial killer
  
  The new serial killer "taunts the police with phone calls threatening the murder of innocent citizens"...

• 
  
  This City Is Ours star talks new role opposite Downton Abbey favourite: "It's the female answer to The Odyssey"
  
  "It's about women's place in society, violence against women, the pressures on women, the power of a woman saying no being a violent act."

• 
  
  Downton Abbey favourite tipped for new thriller from Companion director based on viral horror short story
  
  The film will be titled Seasons and follows a couple who buy a ranch on haunted land.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale makes film history with zero-emission power
  
  Director Simon Curtis said that taking sustainability seriously "benefits us all".

• 
  
  Downton Abbey 3 confirms emotional title in first poster
  
  Get ready for a grand finale.

• 
  
  Meet the cast of Downton Abbey
  
  Who's who in the hit period drama?

• 
  
  Downton Abbey creator teases "opportunity" for a crossover with another of his beloved series
  
  The timeline and locations are beginning to line up.

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