Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Absorbing costume series is perfect watch-together fare.
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Downton Abbey
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say that the series offers rich storytelling and engaging character development, making it a beloved choice within multigenerational families for its teachable moments, though viewers should be aware of mature themes that may prompt discussion. While some reviews highlight concerns over specific controversial scenes, most agree that its historical context and complex relationships provide an opportunity for thoughtful conversations, especially for older children and teens.
- rich storytelling
- multigenerational appeal
- mature themes
- teachable moments
- historical context
- thoughtful discussions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a captivating mix of drama, history, and romance, beautifully depicting early 20th-century life, although it contains mature themes such as violence, sexual content, and complex character dynamics that might be challenging for younger viewers to grasp. Most reviewers recommend it for older teens and adults, noting that while the series is engaging and character-driven, parents should preview episodes due to some sensitive content.
- entertaining drama
- historical themes
- mature content
- engaging characters
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Beginning the day after the sinking of the Titanic and passing through World War I and beyond, this BBC series follows the drama of one upper-class English family, the sprawling DOWNTON ABBEY where they live, and the servants who maintain it. Lord (Hugh Bonneville) and Lady (Elizabeth McGovern) Grantham have three daughters -- Mary (Michelle Dockery), Edith (Laura Carmichael), and Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay) -- and a big problem when the cousin who's set to inherit Downton (and marry Mary) goes down with the Titanic. That leaves third cousin Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) -- a lawyer who's not accustomed to dressing in a tux for every dinner -- poised to become the heir. When he arrives, he's sneered at by the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) but is eventually accepted as the estate's only hope. He may be Mary's as well. Downstairs, the loyal staff includes Carson the butler (Jim Carter) and ladies' maid Anna (Joanne Froggatt). But not all is sunny and loyal downstairs. Thomas (Rob James-Collier) the footman is always scheming, and the new chauffeur, Tom Branson (Allen Leech), is more than happy to drive Lady Sybil to all of her forward-thinking political causes.
Is It Any Good?
For fans of costume dramas, this Masterpiece Classic series (originally broadcast on the BBC in England) is a complete delight, even if it sometimes veers into melodrama. Downton Abbey's attention to detail really draws viewers into the time period -- there's the sprawling estate, the classic cars, the first telephone, the newspapers ironed every morning, etc. But of course it's the dresses and hats that really steal the show.
Interwoven stories are compelling both upstairs and down, and all the acting is good and occasionally superb. Smith's sneering Dowager Countess takes relaying gossip to an art form. And sisters Mary and Edith really know how to torment each other. For some viewers, the petty fighting and gossip might get a little tiresome, leaving characters like Mary harder to root for and the motivations of some, like the always-scheming Thomas the footman, a little hard to understand. But the lack of reflection and redemption doesn't make Downton Abbey any less compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Downton Abbey's time period. How were things changing for England and the world when the show first began? How did technology change life for both the upper and servant classes? How do the times change as the show goes on?
How could you find out more about the historical events that the series refers to/takes part in? How accurate do you think the show is, from a historical perspective?
What makes a show like this so appealing? Is it the characters? The setting? Do you think there's infinite potential in a series like this, or can the stories eventually run their course?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 26, 2010
- Cast : Michelle Dockery , Hugh Bonneville , Elizabeth McGovern , Maggie Smith , Dan Stevens , Jim Carter
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : February 8, 2026
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