The BEST episodes of Downton Abbey
Every episode of Downton Abbey ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Downton Abbey!
Downton Abbey depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.
#1 - Episode 8
Season 6 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/8/2015
Bertie's circumstances change suddenly, leaving Edith uncertain whether to risk telling him the truth or keep her past a secret at all costs. Mary wonders if she can ever make peace with her sister as hostilities escalate, Spratt shows some hidden talents and Molesley's first day as a teacher does not go according to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast attracts unwanted attention, leaving her in need of the Crawleys' help.
#2 - Episode 7
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/7/2010
The family is astonished when Lady Cora Crawley finds that she is pregnant, and the announcement leaves Mary wondering how to answer Matthew's proposal.
#3 - Episode 8
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/9/2014
Preparations are under way for Rose's wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.
#4 - Episode 8
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/6/2011
There is excitement in the air with the wedding approaching, Spanish flu reaches Downton, and a decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.
#5 - Episode 5
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/16/2011
Robert receives shocking news from the front, Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like, and Vera threatens to expose old secrets.
#6 - Episode 5
Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/14/2012
An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion. Isobel throws Ethel a lifeline. New maid Ivy is attracting attention below stairs, and Alfred's interest is resented by Daisy.
#7 - Episode 7
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/2/2014
Rosamund shows up at Downton following Edith's surprise departure. Rose is pleased to introduce Atticus and his parents to everyone. Anna and Bates think about a fresh start, now that that their problems seem to be behind them. Molesley is worried after Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies. Mary and Blake seize a chance to send Gillingham a strong message.
#8 - Episode 6
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/31/2010
Sybil's interest in politics gets her in trouble, Matthew and Mary's relationship takes an unexpected turn, and Bates makes a shocking revelation.
#9 - Episode 5
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/24/2010
Mary is introduced to a potential suitor, but she thinks that he is too old and stuffy - meanwhile, Mrs Patmore fears she may be going blind.
#10 - Episode 7
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/3/2013
Cora's playboy brother has got himself into a spot of bother and Robert has to make a trip to America to bail him out. Blake and Mary are forced to put aside their differences to deal with a new farming venture on the estate. When Violet is taken ill, help comes from an unlikely quarter. In spite of Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore and Carson's attempts to keep the peace, romantic tensions below stairs cause problems.
#11 - Episode 4
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/9/2011
Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora, Ethel's flirtation with Major Bryant lands her in hot water, and there is worrying news about Matthew.
#12 - Episode 8
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/4/2012
There's excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Matthew and Mary look like they are keeping secrets from each other. Thomas finds out that his future lies in Carson's hands.
#13 - Episode 1
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/22/2013
Mary is finding it hard to come to terms with Matthew's death. Robert and Violet fall out over how to handle the situation. Jimmy takes an interest in Ivy, while Carson receives an unwelcome reminder from his past.
#14 - Episode 3
Season 6 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2015
Preparations for the wedding of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are under way. Edith meets up with an old acquaintance. Spratt has something to hide.
#15 - Episode 5
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/20/2013
Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy. Isobel appeals to Violet's charitable nature, but it does not come without a fight, and Branson considers a new future for himself and baby Sybbie.
#16 - Episode 7
Season 6 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/2015
The Crawleys watch Henry compete in a motor racing event, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Miss Denker, and learns more about Amelia's intentions in befriending Isobel. Molesley and Daisy rise to the challenges of examination day, Andy's secret is brought to light, Thomas feels isolated, and Mrs Patmore and Mrs Hughes teach Carson a lesson.
#17 - Episode 3
Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/30/2012
Edith's big day finally arrives, but will the family be convinced that Strallan's age does not matter? Mary takes matters into her own hands - but the price could be high.
#18 - Episode 2
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/3/2010
Matthew and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, but trouble lies ahead as doctor's widow Isobel immediately finds her views at odds with Violet's.
#19 - Episode 8
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/10/2013
Rosamund comes up with a plan to help Edith deal with her problem, but Violet may be about to see right through it. Isobel is the object of someone's attention, while Mary asks Gillingham for a favour. Rose is frustrated when things do not go her way and Alfred realises too late that he may have made a mistake. Just as Bates and Anna seem to be getting over the worst, some unexpected news shakes her up.
#20 - Episode 1
Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/16/2012
Cora’s mother arrives for Matthew and Mary’s wedding. New footman Alfred strives to meet Carson’s high standards, under the watchful eye of his aunt O’Brien.
#21 - Episode 5
Season 6 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/2015
Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet's plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason move into Yew Tree Farm, Mary is uncertain if she has met her match, Edith meets Bertie Pelham in London, and Spratt comes to Denker's aid. Mrs Hughes struggles to keep Carson happy, while Mary thinks secrets are being kept from her.
#22 - Episode 3
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/10/2010
Mary is instantly attracted to handsome Turkish attache Kemal Pamuk, but their romance is cut brutally short and sends ripples of unease through the house.
#23 - Episode 1
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/18/2011
The Great War unsettles life at Downton as a surprise concerning Matthew rocks the family, a new maid irritates O'Brien, and Bates has devastating news.
#24 - Episode 1
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/26/2010
It is April 1912, and news arrives of the sinking of the Titanic with the loss of Downton's heir James and his son Patrick.
#25 - Episode 7
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/30/2011
Sybil and Branson attempt to keep their secret, Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, and Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera.