11 Best and worst Downton Abbey episodes ever made
Downton Abbey premiered in 2010 and became an instant hit with fans, still praising its witty and powerful performances.
(Image: ITV)Downton Abbey first aired in 2010 as a historical British drama. As fans got swept up in the compelling mix of witty and melodramatic storylines, the ITV series instantly became a fan favourite, with millions tuning in to see the latest at the sprawling Crawley country estate. As well as insight into their aristocratic lives, the series also shone a spotlight on the lives of their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era. Downton Abbey premiered with an incredible 9.2 million viewers, marking it as the most successful new drama on any channel since ITV's Whitechapel.
The shocking record was amazingly beaten by its next episode, which amassed a total audience of 11.8 million viewers. Downton Abbey later earned a Guinness World Record in 2011 for "Highest critical review ratings for a TV show", making it the critically best-received TV show in the world. With its spin-off film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, landing in cinemas today, here are some of the drama's best and worst episodes, ranked by fans.
1. Worst - Season four, Episode 4
Ranked at the bottom is this 2013 episode, which sees Anthony Gillingham return to Downton to propose to Mary. Elsewhere, Edna tries to coerce Tom into marrying her, meanwhile Anna won't tell Bates what's bothering her.
Having only been awarded 7.8 stars, one fan labelled this as "the worst season ever."
(Image: ITV)
2. Best - A Moorland Holiday
This 2014 Christmas special titled, A Mororland Holiday, is the ninth and final episode from season five.
A synopsis reads: "It's the grouse season and Rose’s father-in-law, Lord Sinderby, has rented Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawleys to a shooting party.
"While good sport is enjoyed, a butler with an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threatens to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene.
"Meanwhile, the servants hold the fort back at Downton, and unlikely later-life romances abound. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name.
"The seasons change and another Christmas is enjoyed at Downton Abbey. As the family and their servants revel in the festivities, there will be romance, a heart-breaking farewell, sad memories of loved ones lost and a joyful reunion."
(Image: ITV)
3. Worst - Season 5, Episode 2
Ranked by fans at 7.9, among the complicated lives of those at the Crawley family estate, Mary has a weekend rendezvous with Gillingham during this episode.
This 2014 episode also saw James leave Downton.
(Image: ITV)
4. Best - Season 6, Episode 8
Downton Abbey's next best episode is this one from 2015, which sees years of sibling rivalry between Edith and Mary come to a brutal showdown.
Ranked at nine stars, one fan raved: "Lots happened in this episode. Started on a comical note and then turned into a personal crisis for Edith, Mary and Patmore."
Another echoed: "The magic is back!" As a third praised it as "the best Downton Abbey episode ever."
(Image: ITV)
Daily Express
