It's Official: Downton Abbey Is Ending After Season 6

Will Lady Mary find love again? All questions will be answered this year!

By Chris Harnick Mar 26, 2015 3:54 PMTags
Downton Abbey, Season Five, ChristmasCourtesy of ©Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECE

The rumors are true: Downton Abbey is ending. The upcoming season, the crossover hit drama's sixth, will be its last.

The final episode will air on Christmas Day 2015 in the UK. Of course the US release will be staggered.

Rumors have been swirling about the end of Downton for some time with Allen Leech telling E! News he wasn't sure how much longer the show could last after season six. Maggie Smith also expressed doubt about the show's future in a recent interview, citing her popular character's age.

Downton Abbey's executive producers released lengthy statements you can read below.

"Millions of people around the world have followed the journey of the Crawley family and those who serve them for the last five years. Inevitably there comes a time when all shows should end and Downton is no exception. We wanted to close the doors of Downton Abbey when it felt right and natural for the storylines to come together and when the show was still being enjoyed so much by its fans. We can promise a final season full of all the usual drama and intrigue, but with the added excitement of discovering how and where they all end up," Gareth Neame said in a statement.

"The Downton journey has been amazing for everyone aboard. People ask if we knew what was going to happen when we started to make the first series and the answer is that, of course we had no idea. Exactly why the series had such an impact and reached so many people around the world, all nationalities, all ages, all types, I cannot begin to explain. But I do know how grateful we are to have been allowed this unique experience," Julian Fellowes, the creator and writer of the hit series, said in a statement.

"PBS and our member stations have been so proud to be the home of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece in the United States," Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS, said in a statement. "We, like the fans, simply cannot wait to see what will happen to the Crawley family and their beloved staff as this incredible series culminates in Season 6. The series has enjoyed such success over the past five seasons and we'll certainly be working alongside Carnival, Masterpiece and PBS member stations to make Season 6 the biggest yet. Until then, Sunday nights on PBS continue to offer fans a full slate of 'must view' British and, soon, American historical drama."