List of Downton Abbey episodes - wikipedia List of Downton Abbey episodes Downton Abbey is a British period drama television series created by Julian Fellowes and co-produced by Carnival Films and Masterpiece. It first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2010, and on PBS in the United States on 9 January 2011, as part of the Masterpiece Classic anthology. Six series have been made, the sixth airing in the autumn of 2015 in the UK and Ireland, and in January 2016 in the United States. On 26 March 2015, the sixth series was confirmed to be the final series, with the final episode airing in the UK on 25 December 2015 on ITV. During the course of the programme, 52 episodes of Downton Abbey aired over six series. Contents 1 Series overview 2 Episode list 2.1 Series 1 ( 2010 ) 2.2 Series 2 ( 2011 ) 2.3 Series 3 ( 2012 ) 2.4 Series 4 ( 2013 ) 2.5 Series 5 ( 2014 ) 2.6 Series 6 ( 2015 ) 3 Notes 4 References Series overview Series Episodes Originally aired Ave. UK viewers ( millions ) First aired Last aired 7 26 September 2010 ( 2010 - 09 - 26 ) 7 November 2010 ( 2010 - 11 - 07 ) 9.70 8 ( + 1 ) 18 September 2011 ( 2011 - 09 - 18 ) 6 November 2011 ( 2011 - 11 - 06 ) 25 December 2011 ( special ) 11.68 8 ( + 1 ) 16 September 2012 ( 2012 - 09 - 16 ) 4 November 2012 ( 2012 - 11 - 04 ) 25 December 2012 ( special ) 11.91 8 ( + 1 ) 22 September 2013 ( 2013 - 09 - 22 ) 10 November 2013 ( 2013 - 11 - 10 ) 25 December 2013 ( special ) 11.84 5 8 ( + 1 ) 21 September 2014 ( 2014 - 09 - 21 ) 9 November 2014 ( 2014 - 11 - 09 ) 25 December 2014 ( special ) 10.40 6 8 ( + 1 ) 20 September 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 20 ) 8 November 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 08 ) 25 December 2015 ( special ) 10.42 Episode list Series 1 ( 2010 ) Series 1 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) `` Episode One '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes 26 September 2010 ( 2010 - 09 - 26 ) 9.25 April 1912 - March 1913. News arrives that threatens the future of the title and estate, Lord Grantham 's cousin James Crawley, heir presumptive to the earldom, and his son Patrick have died in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Meanwhile, Lord Grantham hires his former batman, John Bates as his valet. In September the family receives the visit of the young Duke of Crowborough. The family thought he was interested in marrying Mary. It is revealed that the Duke once had a romantic relationship with Thomas, the footman. In March 1913, Matthew Crawley, a distant third cousin, learns of his good fortune as the new heir. Matthew and his mother move into Crawley House in Downton village. `` Episode Two '' Ben Bolt Julian Fellowes 3 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 03 ) 9.97 March 1913. Matthew Crawley arrives at Downton Abbey with his mother, Isobel, and Violet and Lady Mary are openly hostile towards them. The families experience some culture clash, due to their differing backgrounds. Isobel had trained as a nurse during the Anglo - Boer War, and occupies herself with the local hospital. Meanwhile, Carson is a former music - hall performer and is being blackmailed by his old show partner, Charles Grigg. Lord Grantham is amused by Carson 's background and pays off Grigg. The hostility between Mrs. Crawley and the Dowager Countess escalates when Isobel pressures Dr. Clarkson to perform pericardiocentesis on a patient suffering from dropsy. Violet tries to prevent this but the treatment is successful and Robert makes Mrs. Crawley chair of the hospital board. Violet begins to consider the possibility of Mary marrying Matthew, but Mary is opposed. `` Episode Three '' Ben Bolt Julian Fellowes 10 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 10 ) 8.97 March 1913. Evelyn Napier, son of a peer visits the family with a dashing Turkish diplomat, Mr. Kemal Pamuk, who is in London for the Albanian independence negotiations, and Mary is smitten. Thomas is also attracted to him. Mr. Pamuk comes into Mary 's room and seduces her, but he dies in her bed. To avert a scandal, Mary is forced to get Anna and her mother to move Pamuk 's body back to his room. Cora is horrified by Mary 's behaviour but promises not to tell Robert. `` Episode Four '' Brian Kelly Julian Fellowes, Shelagh Stephenson 17 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 17 ) 9.70 May 1913. A travelling fair arrives in the neighbouring village. Anna falls ill and stays in bed, visited by Mr. Bates who brings her up a tray with a flower. Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, is reunited with a former suitor, who proposes again ; and eventually turns down the proposal. Molesley suffers from an allergic reaction to rue, which Violet correctly diagnoses after Isobel assumed it was erysipelas. Carson fears there is a thief at Downton after doing an inventory of the wine cellar. Lady Sybil continues to experiment with feminism, aided and inspired by the new, politically minded Irish chauffeur, Branson. After visiting her dressmaker, she surprises the whole family by displaying an outfit consisting of Harem pants. 5 5 `` Episode Five '' Brian Kelly Julian Fellowes 24 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 24 ) 9.40 August 1913. Bates discovers that Thomas is stealing wine from the cellar. Worried that he will be reported, Thomas attempts to frame Bates for stealing one of Lord Grantham 's antique snuffboxes, but his plans are thwarted. Anna tells Mr. Bates that she loves him but he says they ca n't be together. Meanwhile, rumours are beginning to circulate about Lady Mary and the `` handsome Turk ''. Daisy is finding it increasingly difficult to keep quiet about what she has seen, and after some cajoling from Miss O'Brien, she tells her story to Lady Edith, who reveals the truth to the Turkish ambassador. At the annual flower show, Isobel questions Violet 's history of winning every year and instead supports Molesley 's father 's arrangements, much to Violet 's dismay. 6 6 `` Episode Six '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler 31 October 2010 ( 2010 - 10 - 31 ) 9.84 May 1914. Gossip about Lady Mary and the `` handsome Turk '' intensifies, reaching Carson and the Dowager Countess. Violet confronts Cora, who is forced to tell her the truth. Edith finds an admirer in Sir Anthony Strallan. Bates reveals that he was once a drunkard and has been in prison for theft ; Carson is unwilling to let him go, realising that is not the full story. Sybil makes Branson take her to Ripon under false pretences to attend the by - election count. She is injured during a brawl but is rescued by him. Lord Grantham blames Branson but Sybil defends him. Later that night, Mary and Matthew confess their love for each other, but she feels she can not accept his proposal without telling him her scandalous secret. Violet apologises for her earlier harsh treatment of Cora. Anna tells Mr. Bates that she does n't want him to leave Downton and they almost kiss. 7 7 `` Episode Seven '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes 7 November 2010 ( 2010 - 11 - 07 ) 10.77 July -- August 1914. Tensions abound following the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The family returns from London after Sybil 's debutante ball but Mary stays with her aunt, Lady Rosamund Painswick. Cora discovers that she is pregnant. Mary learns from Evelyn Napier that it was Edith, not he, who originated the rumours about her and Pamuk. Carson has discovered that while Bates was a soldier, he stole the regimental silver. Matthew is angered by Mary 's hesitancy. Anticipating the war, Thomas finds a non-combatant role in the Army Medical Corps. Mary confronts Edith about revealing her secret, implying that she will exact revenge. Learning that Sir Anthony Strallan intends to propose at the garden party, Mary makes him think Edith finds him old and boring, so he leaves. O'Brien is angry when she thinks Cora intends to replace her and leaves soap below her bath. She regrets it but is unable to warn Cora, who slips, falls, and miscarries. A telephone is installed. Mary is prepared to marry Matthew but he tells her he can not be sure of her motives and intends to leave Downton. During the garden party, Lord Grantham receives a telegram and announces to all that the United Kingdom is at war with Germany, marking the beginning of the First World War. Series 2 ( 2011 ) Series 2 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 8 `` Episode One '' Ashley Pearce Julian Fellowes 18 September 2011 ( 2011 - 09 - 18 ) 11.41 November 1916. Matthew is returning to Downton during his upcoming leave and informs the family he is engaged to Miss Lavinia Swire. Lady Mary announces that she has invited Sir Richard Carlisle, a ruthless, wealthy newspaper mogul to Downton. The servants prepare for a concert to help fund the local hospital. Bates tells Anna that he may finally be able to get a divorce and proposes. Vera Bates, Bates ' estranged wife, arrives at Downton and demands that Bates return to her or she will expose Lady Mary 's indiscretion with Pamuk. Bates gives his notice without explanation. Mrs Hughes tells the story to Mr. Carson, and he informs Lord Grantham. Sybil enrolls in nursing training. Branson reveals his feelings before Sybil leaves. Matthew arrives with Lavinia. He and Mary reconcile. Matthew meets Thomas in the trenches. Thomas intentionally gets wounded to be sent back to England. 9 `` Episode Two '' Ashley Pearce Julian Fellowes 25 September 2011 ( 2011 - 09 - 25 ) 11.77 April 1917. Lord Grantham informs Mrs Patmore that her nephew was shot for cowardice. Thomas goes to work under Dr Clarkson at the village hospital along with Lady Sybil. Downton becomes a convalescent home. Matthew is unhappy about returning to England for a recruitment drive. Lavinia is confronted by Sir Richard Carlisle, an old and unwelcome acquaintance. Lady Edith volunteers to drive Mr Drake 's, a Downton tenant farmer, tractor and help with the work. She and Mr Drake kiss, and are seen by Mrs Drake, who quietly puts an end to Edith 's job. 10 `` Episode Three '' Andy Goddard Julian Fellowes 2 October 2011 ( 2011 - 10 - 02 ) 11.33 July 1917. Downton becomes a convalescent home for wounded officers, with Isobel taking charge. Cora gets Acting Sergeant Thomas Barrow assigned to run the military side of Downton. Violet believes that Mary and Matthew are still in love. She and Rosamund try to end Matthew 's engagement to Lavinia. Violet believes there is something more to Lavinia 's relationship with Sir Richard. William proposes to Daisy before going to war. 11 `` Episode Four '' Brian Kelly Julian Fellowes 9 October 2011 ( 2011 - 10 - 09 ) 11.30 Early 1918. Ethel continues flirting with Major Bryant ; when Mrs Hughes finds them in bed together, she dismisses Ethel. Later, she returns, announcing she is pregnant with Bryant 's child. Preparations are under way for a concert at Downton. Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora, while Edith receives worrying news about Matthew and William. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil again. Lord Grantham visits Bates at a nearby pub where he is working. Lord Grantham receives a letter from Carlisle, which causes him concern and forces an uncomfortable conversation with Mary. 12 5 `` Episode Five '' Brian Kelly Julian Fellowes 16 October 2011 ( 2011 - 10 - 16 ) 11.59 Mid-1918. Matthew has suffered a serious spinal injury and is paralysed from the waist down. He is told that he will never walk again or father children. He wants Lavinia to forget him and sends her away, while Mary attempts to nurse him back to health. Mrs Hughes secretly helps Ethel and her baby since Ethel 's lover, Major Bryant, has ignored her. William 's injuries are fatal, prompting him to ask Daisy to marry him before he dies. Mrs Patmore persuades Daisy to go through with it ; William dies a few hours later. Bates is taken aback when Vera promises to expose old secrets about Lady Mary and Pamuk 's death, as he paid her to divorce him. When Mary discovers this, she confesses everything to Sir Richard Carlisle and asks him to help. He pays Vera to sign a contract with confidentiality obligations. Unknown to Mary, Sir Richard announces his engagement to her in his paper. On finding out she was tricked into silence, Vera warns Bates she will still ruin him. 13 6 `` Episode Six '' Andy Goddard Julian Fellowes 23 October 2011 ( 2011 - 10 - 23 ) 11.33 October -- November 1918. A Canadian officer, badly disfigured by burns, arrives at Downton and declares that he is Patrick Crawley, the supposedly deceased heir. Mary rejects the claim, but Edith is persuaded as he recounts details of old times at Downton. Robert has his solicitor Murray investigate ; Murray learns that Patrick Crawley had a close friend who emigrated to Canada. `` Patrick '' abruptly departs. Matthew is adapting to his condition and Mary 's caring for him. Isobel is full of social - improvement schemes using Downton Abbey. Ethel hears the news that Major Bryant has been killed. Lady Sybil receives an ultimatum from Branson regarding his marriage proposal to her. Bates is shocked to find the legality of his divorce threatened, as Vera reveals that he paid her to leave him, and he goes to London to attempt to settle matters with her again. Upon his return, he receives the news that she is dead. Soon afterwards, the war ends with the Armistice. 14 7 `` Episode Seven '' James Strong Julian Fellowes 30 October 2011 ( 2011 - 10 - 30 ) 12.26 1919. Matthew begins to feel his legs. Matthew announces that he and Lavinia intend to marry soon. Violet tells him that Mary is still in love with him, but Matthew feels obliged to marry Lavinia. Sir Richard Carlisle distresses Anna by asking her to spy on Mary ; his behaviour leads Carson to reject his offer of employment. Bates realises that Vera committed suicide in order to frame him. When Major Bryant 's parents visit Downton to see where their son convalesced, Mrs Hughes contrives a meeting between them and Ethel and her baby. However, Mr Bryant angrily refuses to believe her claim. Thomas embarks on a new money - making scheme in the post-war black market. Lord Grantham is attracted to the new maid, Jane, and kisses her. Lady Sybil makes the drastic decision to elope with Branson. However, Mary discovers her plan and, along with Edith and Anna, seeks them out and persuades Sybil to return and plead her cause openly to their parents. 15 8 `` Episode Eight '' James Strong Julian Fellowes 6 November 2011 ( 2011 - 11 - 06 ) 12.45 April 1919. Preparations are under way for Matthew and Lavinia 's wedding. Lady Grantham, Carson, and Lavinia are taken ill by the Spanish flu. Matthew and Mary acknowledge that they can not marry as it would be cruel to Lavinia. Lavinia overhears them and sees them kiss. Ethel is surprised when Major Bryant 's parents want to see her but is horrified when she learns that Mr Bryant offers to take custody of the baby and tells her that she will not be allowed to see him. Lord Grantham and Jane have an encounter but are interrupted and Jane decides to leave. Anna and Bates marry in secret. Cora becomes seriously ill. Lavinia succumbs to the flu and dies. Matthew tells Mary that any relationship between them is now impossible. Lord Grantham reluctantly gives his blessing for Lady Sybil and Thomas Branson to marry. Bates is arrested for the murder of his late wife. Christmas special No. overall Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 16 `` Christmas at Downton Abbey '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes 25 December 2011 ( 2011 - 12 - 25 ) 12.11 December 1919 and January 1920. The household is bustling with Christmas preparations. The staff entertain themselves with a Ouija board, trying to contact the spirits. Bates is convicted of Vera 's murder, but his death sentence is commuted to life imprisonment. Bates encourages Anna to stay at Downton but live a full life. Daisy meets with William 's father, Mr Mason, who assures her that she is a good person, and asks her to become his surrogate daughter. Rosamund contemplates marriage, but her suitor is exposed as a `` fortune hunter ''. Sybil, now married to Tom Branson and living in Ireland, writes to Cora that she is pregnant. Cora insists on them returning to Downton. Mary jilts her fiancé, Sir Richard Carlisle, despite his threat to publish her dark secret regarding the late Kemal Pamuk. Though afraid that he will see her as `` soiled '', Lady Mary tells Matthew about Pamuk. Though surprised, he soon decides that what 's past is past, and proposes to her ; she happily accepts. Series 3 ( 2012 ) ITV confirmed the commissioning of a third series on 3 November 2011. It entered production in early 2012, and began airing 16 September 2012 on ITV and aired in the United States beginning 6 January 2013. Series 3 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 17 `` Episode One '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes 16 September 2012 ( 2012 - 09 - 16 ) 11.43 7.9 ( PBS ) March / April 1920. Cora 's mother, Martha Levinson, comes to Downton for Matthew and Mary 's wedding. Lord Grantham learns that his massive investment of Cora 's fortune in the Grand Trunk Railway has failed. Meanwhile, O'Brien's nephew, Alfred, joins the staff downstairs. Sybil and her husband, Tom Branson, return to Downton to a muted response, as Branson remains highly vocal about his political beliefs. Matthew repairs things when he chooses Branson to be his best man. Matthew and Mary are married. 18 `` Episode Two '' Brian Percival Julian Fellowes 23 September 2012 ( 2012 - 09 - 23 ) 12.08 April 1920. Mary and the Dowager Countess conspire to show Mrs Levinson Downton at its grandest to persuade her to give it more money and save them from financial ruin. Meanwhile, downstairs, O'Brien and Thomas wage war against one another due to Alfred 's recent promotion to valet to Matthew, whilst Mrs Levinson 's maid takes a shine to Alfred. Mrs Hughes faces a cancer scare, and Isobel Crawley finds that Ethel has become a prostitute. Edith actively pursues Anthony Strallan as a potential husband and he proposes. 19 `` Episode Three '' Andy Goddard Julian Fellowes 30 September 2012 ( 2012 - 09 - 30 ) 11.96 May 1920. Matthew finally agrees to accept Lavinia 's late father 's money, saving Downton. Lord Grantham refuses to accept the money, insisting that he and Matthew become joint masters of Downton. Edith 's wedding day arrives, but as Edith reaches the altar Strallan changes his mind and calls off the wedding. Mrs Hughes finally receives the news that she does not have cancer. Thomas tries to get revenge on O'Brien by spreading a rumour to the family that she will be leaving Downton. Bates 's cellmate tries to get him into trouble by planting drugs in his bunk. 20 `` Episode Four '' Andy Goddard Julian Fellowes 7 October 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 07 ) 11.83 May 1920. Branson is wanted by the Irish police. He escapes to Downton Abbey without Sybil, and the Crawleys are outraged. Sybil eventually returns to Downton safely. Anna has not received any letters from Bates and is no longer allowed to visit ; similarly Bates wonders why Anna 's letters and visits have stopped. Ethel decides to let her son live with his grandparents so he can have a better life. Carson recruits a new footman, Jimmy Kent, who attracts the attention of the female staff and Thomas. Ivy Stuart, the new kitchen maid, draws Alfred 's attention away from Daisy. Edith writes to the newspaper supporting more widespread women 's suffrage. 21 5 `` Episode Five '' Jeremy Webb Julian Fellowes 14 October 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 14 ) 11.93 May 1920. Edith is asked to write a regular newspaper column, but most of the family is not supportive. Matthew believes that Robert has been mismanaging the estate and finds an ally in George Murray, the family solicitor. Mary is angry when she discovers it. Sybil goes into labour and Lord Grantham hires a famous obstetrician, Sir Philip Tapsel. Dr Clarkson insists that Sybil is suffering from eclampsia and should be taken to hospital but Sir Philip argues that Sybil is fit and healthy. Sybil delivers a girl but, during the night, she goes into convulsions and dies. Cora blames her husband for the death. 22 6 `` Episode Six '' Jeremy Webb Julian Fellowes 21 October 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 21 ) 12.06 May / June 1920. Branson decides to name his daughter Sybil and baptise her as a Catholic, to both of which Lord Grantham is firmly opposed. Violet pressures Dr Clarkson into retracting his assertion that Sybil might have survived had she undergone a Caesarean section, and Cora forgives Robert. Anna finds evidence that might prove Bates innocent. Ethel prepares a luncheon for the Crawley women and gets Mrs Patmore to help. Lord Grantham is outraged that Isobel would let a former prostitute serve lunch to his family. 23 7 `` Episode Seven '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 28 October 2012 ( 2012 - 10 - 28 ) 11.82 July 1920. Bates is freed from prison. Persuaded by O'Brien, Thomas makes a midnight visit to Jimmy 's room and kisses him as he sleeps -- just as Alfred enters the room. Jimmy is outraged and disgusted ; so is Alfred. Edith goes to London to meet a magazine editor, and accepts his offer for a weekly column. Branson 's drunkard brother comes to Downton. Matthew continues to confront Lord Grantham about the estate 's mismanagement, leading to the resignation of the family 's long time agent Jarvis. Tom is appointed as the new family agent. Miss Sybil Branson is baptised at a Catholic Church in Ripon with the whole Crawley family in attendance. 24 8 `` Episode Eight '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 4 November 2012 ( 2012 - 11 - 04 ) 12.15 Before 11 August 1920. Downton Abbey 's annual cricket match with the village takes place. Alfred complains about Thomas to the police and CID officers arrive to see him ; Lord Grantham persuades the police that it was all a misunderstanding. Violet 's great niece, Lady Rose MacClare -- the daughter of Violet 's niece, Susan, Marchioness of Flintshire and her husband, Hugh, Marquess of Flintshire -- visits. A trip to London reveals that Rose is a wild girl who likes to drink and party. Mary and Matthew discover they have separately been visiting a London doctor to find out why they have had no children ; Mary reveals she has had a small operation, and they now look forward to starting a family. Christmas special No. overall Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 25 `` A Journey to the Highlands '' Andy Goddard Julian Fellowes 25 December 2012 ( 2012 - 12 - 25 ) 10.28 August 1921. The Crawley family heads to Duneagle Castle in Scotland, to visit Lady Rose and her warring parents, Hugh ( `` Shrimpy '' ) and Susan, the Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire. Bates, Anna, Molesley, and O'Brien also make the trip. Michael Gregson tells Lady Edith that he is going to be in Scotland as well. Mary and Matthew disagree about Gregson 's motives. Gregson later declares his feelings for Edith. Shrimpy tells Lord Grantham that he will have to sell his estate because he did not modernise it like Downton and now the money is all gone. Tom remains at Downton with one - year - old Sybbie. The staff looks forward to the approaching country fair, and Carson struggles to keep them concentrating on work. Mrs Patmore becomes involved in a budding romance. At the country fair, Jimmy is nearly robbed after winning money from betting on the tug of war, but is saved by Thomas, who was following him and is robbed and beaten in his place. They later agree just to be friends. Lady Mary returns early from Scotland, rushing to Cottage Hospital to deliver her healthy baby. Matthew soon joins her and meets his son and heir, but after he leaves back to Downton Abbey, he is killed in a car accident. Series 4 ( 2013 ) Series 4 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 26 `` Episode One '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 22 September 2013 ( 2013 - 09 - 22 ) 11.96 February 1922. Lady Mary mourns Matthew, and feels little motherly love for baby George. Lord Grantham and Branson dispute the management of the estate and struggle to pay death duties. Miss O'Brien leaves to serve Lady Flintshire. Needing a maid in a hurry, Cora hires former maid Edna, who has trained as a lady 's maid. When Cora overhears Miss West, the nanny, insulting Sybbie, she fires her. Mr Molesley has lost his job following Matthew 's death ; the Dowager Countess tries to help him by letting him serve at a luncheon for a friend. The servants are excited by Valentine 's Day, and Mrs Patmore struggles to deal with an electric whisk. Carson talks to Mary to bring her out of her shell, but she regards it as impertinence. She later apologises to him, and has a good cry in his arms. 27 `` Episode Two '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 29 September 2013 ( 2013 - 09 - 29 ) 12.10 March 1922. A letter is found from Matthew, appointing Mary his sole heir ; Lord Grantham is displeased and prefers Mary be uninvolved in managing the estate. Violet secretly supports Mary, and urges her to learn the business from Tom. Discovering that Molesley has fallen on hard times, is working as a labourer, and has debts, Bates gets money from the Dowager Countess, and pretends he is paying him back for an earlier loan. Lady Rose and Anna attend a tea dance in York that is for the servant class. Lord Grantham 's solicitor confirmes that Matthew 's letter is as good as a Will, and everyone urges him to include Mary in running the estate. 28 `` Episode Three '' Catherine Morshead Julian Fellowes 6 October 2013 ( 2013 - 10 - 06 ) 11.86 April 1922. A house party is held at Downton. Lady Mary renews an acquaintance with the suave Lord Gillingham, who flirts with her. During Nellie Melba 's ( Kiri Te Kanawa ) performance, Lord Gillingham 's valet, Mr Green, violently assaults and rapes Anna. Tom feels uncomfortable amongst all the toffs ; Edna takes advantage by getting him drunk and sneaking into his bedroom afterwards. Anna makes Mrs Hughes promise to tell no one, including Bates, about the rape, fearing Bates will kill Green and be hanged for it. 29 `` Episode Four '' Catherine Morshead Julian Fellowes 13 October 2013 ( 2013 - 10 - 13 ) 11.75 April 1922. Edna claims she could be pregnant and wants Tom to marry her. Mrs Hughes confronts her and Edna leaves Downton. Lady Rose accompanies Mary and Tom to London where they stay with Lady Rosamund, who has sneakily invited Lord Gillingham and Bullock to join them. They go to a jazz club where Jack Ross, the club 's black singer, dances with Rose, to others ' discomfort. Anna, feeling unworthy of Bates, grows distant and moves back into the main house. Michael Gregson is about to depart for Germany ; if he becomes a German citizen, he may be able to divorce his insane wife. Lady Rosamund discovers that Edith spent the night with Gregson, and warns her about damaging her reputation. Lord Gillingham proposes to Mary but she refuses, saying she is still grieving Matthew 's death. 30 5 `` Episode Five '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 20 October 2013 ( 2013 - 10 - 20 ) 11.39 May 1922. Carson considers re-hiring Mr Molesley if Alfred leaves to a chef training program, but Molesley, unhappy at being demoted to a footman, dithers too long over the offer, and loses the opportunity. Thomas pressures Cora 's new lady 's maid, Baxter, to spy on everyone for him. Cora has to persuade a nervous Mrs Patmore to exchange their ice - box for a refrigerator. Edith visits a London doctor. Tom considers moving to America. Bates continues to pressure Anna to explain her behaviour. Mrs Hughes tells him that a stranger broke into the servants ' hall and raped Anna. Bates and Anna reconcile, but he suspects Green committed the crime. 31 6 `` Episode Six '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 27 October 2013 ( 2013 - 10 - 27 ) 11.54 June 1922. Alfred leaves for the Ritz chef training, and Carson is not keen for Molesley to replace him. Edith learns she is pregnant. Bates and Anna go to dinner at a posh hotel where a snooty maître d ' tries to bar them ; fortunately, Cora is there, and ensures they are admitted. Rose arranges for the jazz club band to play at Robert 's birthday. Carson is scandalised to see Jack, the black singer, at Downton Abbey. After the party, Mary sees Rose and Jack kissing in the servants ' hall. Government inspectors arrive to inspect the estate : Mr Napier, an old friend of Lady Mary, and Mr Blake, an acerbic liberal who politely clashes with her. 32 7 `` Episode Seven '' Ed Hall Julian Fellowes 3 November 2013 ( 2013 - 11 - 03 ) 11.93 July 1922. Robert leaves for America to bail Cora 's playboy brother out of trouble. Mary, told by Mrs Hughes about what happened to Anna, persuades Robert to take Thomas with him as his valet instead of Bates. The Dowager Countess falls ill with bronchitis, and is nursed by Isobel. Tom attends a council meeting and meets a chirpy young woman, Sarah Bunting. Edith and Rose go to London, where Rose continues to pursue her romantic relationship with Jack. Edith decides to have an abortion, but backs out at the last minute. Lord Gillingham and his valet, Green, arrive at Downton, and Mrs Hughes tells Green that she knows what he did and warns him to stay clear of Anna whilst there. During the servants ' dinner, Green reveals that he went to the servants ' hall during Dame Nellie 's recital. 33 8 `` Episode Eight '' Ed Hall Julian Fellowes 10 November 2013 ( 2013 - 11 - 10 ) 12.16 August 1922. Edith wants a tenant farmer and his wife to care for her baby, but Lady Rosamund suggests she go to Switzerland and give up the baby there. Alfred proposes to Ivy, but begins appreciating Daisy 's loyalty after Ivy refuses him. Daisy is confused over her feelings, but gives Alfred up, and he leaves for good. Lord Gillingham, who is ending his engagement, visits briefly, still pursuing Mary ; she has learned about Green 's crime and wants Gillingham to dismiss the valet, which he agrees to do. The church bazaar is held, organised by Cora ; during it, Lord Grantham arrives unexpectedly, as does Lord Gillingham, to tell Mary that Green was killed in a road accident in Piccadilly. Anna realizes that Bates had the same day off, supposedly to go to York, and he will not say what he was doing there. Christmas special No. overall Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 34 `` The London Season '' Jon East Julian Fellowes 25 December 2013 ( 2013 - 12 - 25 ) 9.4 August 1923 : The Granthams move to their London residence for Rose 's debutante ball and presentation at court. They are joined by Cora 's brother, Harold, and mother, Martha, from the United States. Lord Gillingham and Mr Blake attend. Tom and Thomas initially remain at Downton. Tom unexpectedly meets with Sarah Bunting, who asks for a tour of Downton Abbey. At a party, Rose 's indiscretion leads to card - sharp, Mr Sampson, stealing a letter from the Prince of Wales to his mistress, Freda Dudley Ward, from her handbag. Rose tells. He invites Sampson to a poker party, and Mary, Rose, and Charles Blake search Sampson 's flat, but can not find the letter. As the players leave, Bates picks Sampson 's coat pocket and retrieves it. Mrs Hughes finds a train ticket in Bates 's coat for York to London on the day Green died. She tells Mary, and they agree to keep quiet. At the ball, Gillingham surprises Mary by revealing Mr Blake is actually cousin and heir to a very wealthy baronet with a large estate. Edith has given birth to a girl, and arranges the baby girl 's placement with a tenant farmer, keeping her parentage secret, due to the girl 's illegitimacy. The Countess offers the servants a fun day out ; Carson is persuaded by Mrs Hughes to choose a day at the seaside. Mrs Hughes entices Carson to go wading in the surf, holding her hand for support. Series 5 ( 2014 ) The fifth series began airing on ITV in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2014 and on PBS in the United States on 4 January 2015. Series 5 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 35 `` Episode One '' Catherine Morshead Julian Fellowes 21 September 2014 ( 2014 - 09 - 21 ) 10.71 February 1924 : Both Robert and Carson are upset by the election of a Labour government. The villagers want to build a war memorial, and ask Carson to head the committee. Lady Edith has had no word from Michael Gregson for several months, and is upset at being unable to participate in the life of her daughter, Marigold. Tom Branson grows closer to school - teacher Sarah Bunting. Lord Merton pursues Isobel, who is uninterested. Baxter reveals that she was sentenced for her stealing from a previous employer. When Thomas tries to expose Baxter to Cora, she rebuffs him. Miss Bunting is invited to Robert and Cora 's 34th wedding anniversary, but causes dissent with her anti-aristocracy comments. Lady Mary agrees to have a secret affair with Lord Gillingham. Thomas rescues Lady Edith from a fire in her bedroom, restoring him to Cora 's good graces. Robert discovers Jimmy in bed with Lady Anstruther, who leaves before morning ; Robert instructs Carson to dismiss Jimmy. 36 `` Episode Two '' Catherine Morshead Julian Fellowes 28 September 2014 ( 2014 - 09 - 28 ) 10.46 April 1924 : Thomas reveals Miss Baxter 's crime to Molesley ; Baxter confirms everything. Suave art historian Simon Bricker ( Richard E. Grant ) arrives to view a painting. He flirts with Cora, and Robert considers him a bounder. Bricker is accompanied by Charles Blake, who concedes that Mary prefers Tony Gillingham. Mary asks Anna to procure her a birth - control device for her tryst with Gillingham. Tenant farmer Mr Drewe suggests Edith become Marigold 's patroness, allowing her to visit her daughter more often. Violet and Isobel visit Lord Merton 's country estate. Robert opposes getting a wireless, but rents one when King George V ( voiced by Jon Glover ) broadcasts a speech from the British Empire Exhibition. The local police sergeant arrives, and tells Carson and Mrs Hughes that inquiries must be made, as there was a witness to Green 's death in London. 37 `` Episode Three '' Catherine Morshead Julian Fellowes 5 October 2014 ( 2014 - 10 - 05 ) 10.15 May 1924 : Sergeant Willis reveals that a witness overheard Green telling someone he had been badly treated at Downton and disliked Bates. Violet 's butler Spratt spots Mary and Gillingham leaving a hotel in Liverpool ; he informs Violet, who later tells Mary she disapproves of her behaviour. Mrs Patmore is distressed that her nephew, Archie, who was shot for cowardice during the war, has been excluded from his home village war memorial. Edith 's constant visits to see Marigold are upsetting Mrs Drewe, and Mr Drewe asks Edith to temporarily stay away. A developer wants to build fifty houses near the village, but Robert refuses to sell the land. A group of Russian aristocrats arrives for tea ; one of them, Prince Kuragin ( Rade Šerbedžija ), knew the Dowager Countess when she was in Russia. Lord Gillingham is eager to wed Mary quickly, but she doubts he is the right man for her. 38 `` Episode Four '' Minkie Spiro Julian Fellowes 12 October 2014 ( 2014 - 10 - 12 ) 10.25 May 1924 : Violet takes Isobel to visit the Russian aristocrats, now living in poverty. Tom and Mary push the housing development. Rose 's father, Lord Flintshire ( Shrimpy ) announces that he and his wife are divorcing. Lord Merton proposes to Isobel. Miss Baxter witnesses Thomas self - medicating. Mary tells Lord Gillingham she will not marry him. Mr Bricker visits again, to Robert 's disapproval. Miss Bunting goes too far in goading Robert with her left - wing views, and is ordered to leave the house. Sergeant Willis returns to Downton ; whilst in London with Mary, Anna was observed by an undercover officer visiting Lord Gillingham 's flat in Albany. This is explained as her delivering a letter to Gillingham from Mary. However, she then went to Piccadilly, where Green was killed, making the police suspicious. 39 5 `` Episode Five '' Minkie Spiro Julian Fellowes 19 October 2014 ( 2014 - 10 - 19 ) 10.39 1924 : Inspector Vyner of Scotland Yard interviews Mary and Anna about Mr Green. Mrs Patmore decides to buy a cottage with her inheritance money and rent it out. Mrs Drewe tells her husband to forbid further contact with Edith. Violet gets the entire story from Rosamund ; they advise Edith to take the child to France. Charles Blake invites Mary to lunch, along with Tony Gillingham 's ex-fiancée, Mabel Lane Fox ; he has a cunning plan to reunite Gillingham and Mabel, leaving him free to court Mary, but Mabel flounces out. Thomas is looking increasingly ill. With Robert away, Mr Bricker visits again and sneaks uninvited to Cora 's bedroom. Robert arrives back early and discovers them. Robert remains distant with Cora, believing she is also at fault. 40 6 `` Episode Six '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 26 October 2014 ( 2014 - 10 - 26 ) 9.87 1924 : Violet visits Prince Kuragin. Edith learns that Michael was killed during Hitler 's Beer Hall Putsch. She inherits his publishing company and removes Marigold from the Drewes and goes to London. The police returns and interview Miss Baxter. She admits to some suspicions about Bates and Green. Bates discovers Mary 's contraceptive device hidden in Anna 's drawer and accuses her of not wanting his child because she believes him a murderer. His unused train ticket would have proved he had never gone there, but Mary burned it, believing she was protecting him. Anna and Bates reconcile. Baxter takes Thomas to Dr Clarkson, and he admits he was attempting to `` cure '' his homosexuality. Cora and Robert reconcile. Carson asks Mrs Hughes if she would be interested in investing in a property with him. Robert 's dog, Isis, appears to be unwell. 41 7 `` Episode Seven '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 2 November 2014 ( 2014 - 11 - 02 ) 10.77 1924 : Rose introduces her new friend Atticus Aldridge and his parents, Lord and Lady Sinderby, to the family. Isobel announces her engagement to Lord Merton. Mrs Drewe tells Cora Edith 's secret, and she goes with Rosamund to see Edith in London. She suggests that Edith return home and pretend to adopt Marigold. Bates and Anna plan their future, and contemplate selling Bates 's mother 's house in London and buying a house or hotel nearby to let out. Tom has written to his cousin in Boston about moving to the United States. Lord Merton 's two sons are rude and insolent to Isobel during dinner... Atticus proposes to Rose. Robert 's beloved dog Isis is ill with cancer. He and Cora take her into their bed to comfort her in her final hours. 42 8 `` Episode Eight '' Michael Engler Julian Fellowes 9 November 2014 ( 2014 - 11 - 09 ) 10.44 1924 : Everyone is in London for Rose and Atticus 's wedding. Inspector Vyner calls Anna to take part in an identity parade at Scotland Yard. Tom shares with his sisters - in - law that he plans to move to Boston and become partners with his cousin. Inspector Vyner turns up unexpectedly and arrests Anna on suspicion of Green 's murder, as she was identified by the witness as having been on the pavement near Green just before the accident. The war memorial is unveiled, and Robert unveils a separate stone which he ordered that honours Mrs Patmore 's late nephew. Robert comes to the realisation that Marigold is Edith and the late Michael Gregson 's daughter. Christmas special No. overall Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 43 `` A Moorland Holiday '' Minkie Spiro Julian Fellowes 25 December 2014 ( 2014 - 12 - 25 ) 7.99 September and December 1924. Lord and Lady Sinderby invite the Granthams to the country estate they have hired for driven grouse shooting. The Dowager Countess reunites Prince Kuragin and his estranged wife. Carson and Mrs Hughes search for a house as an investment together, but Mrs Hughes reveals she has no money and can not retire as she must pay for her mentally disabled younger sister Becky 's care. Carson reveals he has bought a property in both their names. He then proposes marriage to Mrs Hughes, and she accepts. Isobel declines Lord Merton 's earlier marriage proposal, not wanting to come between him and his sons. Robert learns he has a stomach ulcer, and agrees to stop drinking. He also learns from Edith that Marigold is his granddaughter and agrees to continue the charade that she has been adopted by Edith. To absolve Anna, Bates writes a letter confessing to having attempted to kill Mr Green, and disappears, apparently, to Ireland. Molesley and Baxter find the pub where he had lunch on the day in question, proving he was not in London when Green was killed. Anna is released on bail. A big Christmas party is held for the Downton household. Tom has found work as a writer in America and will be taking his daughter Sybbie with him. Bates returns reunites with Anna. Violet confesses to Isobel that she and Prince Kuragin had attempted to run away together. Series 6 ( 2015 ) The sixth series premiered on 20 September 2015 in the UK and on 3 January 2016 in the United States. This series was the last, the 2015 Christmas special titled `` The Finale ''. Due to increasingly popular ratings worldwide, a film is said to be in production. Series 6 No. overall No. in series Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 44 `` Episode One '' Minkie Spiro Julian Fellowes 20 September 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 20 ) 10.32 April 1925. The local hospital is threatened with a take - over by the larger County Hospital ; the board is split, with Violet objecting, and Isobel approving. Rita Bevan, a former chambermaid at the hotel where Mary and Lord Gillingham stayed, attempts to blackmail Mary by exposing their tryst. Mary refuses to pay, but Rita confronts Robert, who buys her off with £ 50 instead of the £ 1,000 she demanded. Sergeant Willis informs Bates and Anna that a woman has confessed to murdering Green, and the case is closed. Anna is upset at not having had a child. Edith plans to spend more time in London and be more hands - on with the magazine. The family attend an auction at a neighbouring estate which is being sold to pay off debts. The former owner tells Robert that great estates like theirs are obsolete, and advises him to sell up too. 45 `` Episode Two '' Minkie Spiro Julian Fellowes 27 September 2015 ( 2015 - 09 - 27 ) 10.04 April 1925. Mary chides Robert for offering Carson the servants ' hall for his and Mrs Hughes 's wedding reception, and offers the upstairs instead ; Mrs Hughes insists on a separate venue which better represents who they are, which leads to friction between the couple. Edith argues vehemently with Mr Skinner, the magazine 's publisher, whom she believes dislikes all her ideas because she is a woman. Mary takes Anna to a Harley Street doctor, who proposes minor surgery during her next pregnancy to prevent another miscarriage. Mary takes Marigold with her and little George when she goes to inspect the animals at the farm. Mrs Drewe kidnaps the girl during the local livestock show competition ; her husband persuades her to return Marigold. 46 `` Episode Three '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 4 October 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 04 ) 10.04 May 1925. Mrs Patmore tells Cora that Mrs Hughes is unhappy with having her wedding breakfast in Downton 's hall. Violet tries to get Robert to support her view on the hospital merger ; things get nasty at a Board meeting, and an annoyed Isobel is rude to Dr Clarkson. Edith dismisses her editor. Anna is pregnant. Daisy hopes that Mr Mason can take over the Drewes ' farm. She mistakenly believes that Cora has already arranged it. Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are married in the church. During the wedding breakfast at the village school, Tom Branson and his daughter, Sybbie, unexpectedly arrive from Boston ; he announces he feels Downton is his home and wants to stay. 47 `` Episode Four '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 11 October 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 11 ) 10.39 May 1925. Lady Shackleton visits, with her nephew, Henry Talbot. Lady Rosamund also arrives, and Downton is visited by Mr and Mrs Harding. Anna recognizes and greets Mrs Harding as Gwen, the former Downton housemaid who left service to better herself in a new career. Sergeant Willis asks Baxter to testify against the man with whom she was involved when she stole from a previous employer. Cora persuades Robert and Mary to lease Mason Yew Tree Farm, which Daisy learns from Robert as she is about to confront Cora. Lady Mary rushes Anna to London where the doctor performs the surgery, saving the baby. Bates is delighted to learn that Anna is pregnant. Robert continues to experience stomach pain but dismisses it as indigestion. Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes return from their Scarborough honeymoon and move into a cottage. Edith announces plans to appoint a woman as editor to her magazine. 48 5 `` Episode Five '' Philip John Julian Fellowes 18 October 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 18 ) 10.60 May 1925. Mrs Patmore, Daisy, and Andy help Mr Mason move into the farm. Andy confesses to Thomas that he is illiterate, and accepts Thomas 's offer to teach him in secret. Edith hires Laura Edmunds as her editor, and Edith also becomes romantic with Bertie Pelham. Molesley accompanies Baxter to the trial, but she is not called upon to testify as Coyle accepts a plea. Violet persuades Minister of Health Neville Chamberlain to attend dinner at Downton, and she harangues everyone about the hospital. Robert suddenly vomits blood over the dinner table, collapses, and is rushed to hospital. He has a burst ulcer and survives surgery, but Mary tells Tom that the two of them must take over running the estate, as her father must not be stressed further. Mary becomes suspicious about Marigold 's birth, after hearing a puzzling remark about the child between Cora and Violet. 49 6 `` Episode Six '' Michael Engler Julian Fellowes 25 October 2015 ( 2015 - 10 - 25 ) 10.31 Early June 1925. Carson continues to criticise Mrs Hughes 's housekeeping practices at the cottage not being up to standard, to her increasing annoyance. He even complains about how she makes the bed, and suggests she get some cooking pointers from Mrs Patmore. The Board of the Downton Cottage Hospital decides to approve its merger with the Royal Yorkshire Hospital and invites Cora to be their new president, replacing Lady Violet to avoid similar situations in the future. Mary takes Tom to London, where they meet Henry. Henry tells Mary he is falling in love with her. Mary and Tom open the house to the public for a day to raise funds for the hospital. Carson questions Thomas about his meetings with Andy, causing him more distress and reducing him to tears of self - pity. 50 7 `` Episode Seven '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 1 November 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 01 ) 10.49 July 1925. Isobel is puzzled to receive an invitation to the wedding for Lord Merton 's son, Larry and Amelia Cruikshank. Mary receives a telephone call from Henry, who implores her to give him an answer regarding his romantic intentions ; she says he is not the right man for her. Daisy and Molesley sit for their exams ; the latter does so well that the headmaster offers him a teaching job at the school. Mrs Hughes pretends to have injured her hand, forcing Mr Carson to do the cooking and housekeeping at the cottage. Carson is exhausted and gains a new respect for his wife 's efforts. Mrs Patmore 's B&B opens with its first guests. Bertie proposes to Edith, who mentions Marigold and asks for time to consider. Violet has departed to the south of France and gives Robert a new dog. 51 8 `` Episode Eight '' David Evans Julian Fellowes 8 November 2015 ( 2015 - 11 - 08 ) 11.15 August 1925. When his cousin dies, Bertie becomes a Marquess. Edith hesitates to tell him that Marigold is her illegitimate daughter. Mary spitefully reveals it at breakfast, and Bertie walks out. After having a heated row with Mary, Edith goes to London, where she and her editor discover that the magazine 's agony aunt, believed to be a female, is in fact Spratt, the Dowager Countess 's butler. When it is revealed that the first couple to stay at Mrs Patmore 's B&B were adulterers, she finds bookings are being cancelled. Cora, and Robert go there for tea, taking a newspaper photographer to record their visit. Molesley begins teaching at the school. Thomas attempts suicide by slashing his wrists. Henry calls Mary again. Mary reveals her fear that Henry will die in a car crash like her late husband, Matthew. Henry is invited back, and Mary agrees to marry him. They marry quickly in the village church. Mary and Edith reconcile. Christmas special No. overall Title Directed by Written by Original air date UK viewers ( millions ) 52 `` The Finale '' Michael Engler Julian Fellowes 25 December 2015 ( 2015 - 12 - 25 ) 11.22 29 September -- 31 December 1925 : Carson fumbles serving dinner when his hands begin shaking. Thomas secures a job with an elderly couple. Molesley leaves service when the Headmaster offers him a teaching position, plus a cottage ; he and Baxter finally express their mutual romantic affection. Lord Merton tells Isobel he suffers from pernicious anaemia, but still wants to marry her. His cruel daughter - in - law, Amelia, prevents Isobel from seeing him. An indignant Violet intervenes, and he enthusiastically agrees to marry Isobel. Andy falls for Daisy, who is uninterested, but she gradually grows to like him. Eventually she decides to live at the farm. Bertie proposes to Edith and she accepts. At Brancaster Castle to announce the engagement, the Crawleys meet Bertie 's moralistic mother Miranda. Edith tells her about her having borne an illegitimate child, Marigold, winning over Mrs Pelham with her honesty. Henry and Tom go into business together selling cars, and Mary tells Henry she is pregnant with his child. Edith and Bertie are married on New Year 's Eve and leave to return to Brancaster Castle, where young Marigold is waiting with her step - grandmother. Dr Clarkson informs Lord Merton that he has only a mild form of anaemia. During the reception, Anna suddenly goes into labour and gives birth to a healthy son. Carson realizes his illness will ultimately prevent him from performing his duties, and tenders his resignation ; Robert reluctantly accepts, and suggests that Thomas return as Butler ; Carson can retire with a pension, retaining an oversight role. Violet accepts that Cora has taken over her prime position within the family, and they reconcile. Notes Jump up ^ 10.245 million on ITV1, 919,000 on ITV1 HD, and 601,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 9.824 million on ITV1, 978,000 on ITV1 HD, and 531,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 9.880 million on ITV1, 814,000 on ITV1 HD, and 606,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.155 million on ITV1, 945,000 on ITV1 HD, and 486,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 9.867 million on ITV1, 955,000 on ITV1 HD, and 504,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.811 million on ITV1, 1.086 million on ITV1 HD, and 383,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 11.180 million on ITV1, 968,000 on ITV1 HD, and 297,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.672 million on ITV1, 922,000 on ITV1 HD, and 513,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 9.952 million on ITV1, 1.104 m on ITV1 HD, 544,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.606 million on ITV1, 1.071 m on ITV1 HD, 404,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.425 million on ITV1, 1.097 m on ITV1 HD, 439,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.219 million on ITV1, 1.115 m on ITV1 HD, 495,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.31 million on ITV1, 1.156 m on ITV1 HD, 460,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.478 million on ITV1, 1.154 m on ITV1 HD, 424,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.167 million on ITV1, 1.210 m on ITV1 HD, 447,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.574 million on ITV1, 1.193 m on ITV1 HD, 385,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 8.561 million on ITV1, 1.127 m on ITV1 HD, 588,000 on ITV1 + 1. Jump up ^ 10.124 million on ITV, 1.344 m on ITV HD, 484,000 on ITV + 1. Jump up ^ 10.256 million on ITV, 1.295 m on ITV HD, 548,000 on ITV + 1. Jump up ^ 9.891 million on ITV, 1.396 m on ITV HD, 576,000 on ITV + 1. Jump up ^ 9.922 million on ITV, 1.219 m on ITV HD, 608,000 on ITV + 1. Jump up ^ 9.659 million on ITV, 1.204 m on ITV HD, 529,000 on ITV + 1. Jump up ^ 7.752 million on ITV, 1.201 m on ITV HD, 454,000 on ITV + 1. References Jump up ^ `` Downton Abbey ( Masterpiece ) ''. Emmys.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2012. Jump up ^ Duncan, Amy ( 29 January 2015 ). `` Downton Abbey ' to be axed after the sixth series in 2015 with cast members already looking for jobs in the US ' ''. Metro ( British newspaper ). Retrieved 26 March 2015. Jump up ^ Series 1 -- 5 based on 7 - day consolidated ratings data from BARB. Christmas Special ( 2014 ) -- Christmas Special ( 2015 ) based on 28 - day consolidated ratings data from BARB. ^ Jump up to : Weekly Top 10 Programmes Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 25 September 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 25 September 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 25 September 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 2 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 2 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 2 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 9 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 9 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 9 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 21 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 16 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 16 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 16 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 23 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 31 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 23 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 31 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 23 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 31 October 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 30 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 30 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 30 October 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 7 November 2011. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 06 November 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 4 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 06 November 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 4 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 06 November 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 4 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 25 December 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 25 December 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 25 December 2011 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 3 January 2012. ^ Jump up to : Halliday, Josh ( 3 November 2011 ). `` Downton Abbey : ITV confirms third series ''. The Guardian. London. Jump up ^ `` Downton Abbey, Season 3 -- The Phenomenon Lives On ! ''. PBS. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 16 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 September 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 16 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 September 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 16 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2012. Jump up ^ Collins, Scott ( 7 January 2013 ). `` Downton Abbey Season 3 premiere draws record ratings ''. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 8 January 2013. The Season 3 premiere of the World War I - era British costume epic on PBS on Sunday drew 7.9 million total viewers, its highest total yet, according to Nielsen. That figure is four times PBS ' typical nightly average and nearly twice the 4.2 million who showed up for the Season 2 premiere last January. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 23 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 1 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 23 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 1 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 23 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 30 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 8 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 30 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 8 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 30 September 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 7 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 15 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 7 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 15 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 7 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 14 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 14 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 14 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 21 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 21 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 21 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 28 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 28 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 28 October 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 4 November 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 4 November 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 4 November 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2012. Jump up ^ `` ITV Commissions a fourth series of Downton Abbey ''. ITV. 23 November 2012. Archived from the original on 28 November 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012. Jump up ^ Jones, Paul ( 22 November 2012 ). `` Downton Abbey Christmas special 2012 plot details revealed ''. Radio Times. Retrieved 22 November 2012. Jump up ^ `` Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes talks Season 4 ''. CBS News ET Online. 18 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV1 w / e 30 December 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 10 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 HD w / e 30 December 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 10 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV1 + 1 w / e 30 December 2012 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV w / e 22 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 30 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 22 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 30 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 22 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV w / e 29 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 13 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 29 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 13 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 29 September 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 13 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 30 Programmes : ITV w / e 6 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 6 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 14 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 6 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV w / e 13 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 13 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 13 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV w / e 20 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 20 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 20 October 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV w / e 29 December 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV HD w / e 29 December 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Weekly Top 10 Programmes : ITV + 1 w / e 29 December 2013 ''. Broadcasters ' Audience Research Board. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2014. Jump up ^ `` Downton Abbey series 5 confirmed for 2014 after series 4 becomes biggest drama on TV this year ''. Mirror. 10 November 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2013. hide Downton Abbey Character list Episode list Series 1 Series 2 Awards and nominations Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Downton_Abbey_episodes&oldid=843918972 '' Categories : Downton Abbey Lists of British period drama television series episodes Hidden categories : Use British English from February 2013 Use dmy dates from November 2015 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Български Čeština Español Magyar 日本 語 Русский Suomi Edit links This page was last edited on 1 June 2018, at 10 : 56. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: how many seasons and episodes of downton abbey
Answer: Six series