Downton Abbey Arrives on ITVX for Free Streaming
Fifteen years after its celebrated debut, the beloved period drama Downton Abbey is now available to stream completely free of charge. All six seasons of the award-winning series have landed on the streaming service ITVX, offering fans and newcomers alike the chance to experience the complete Crawley family saga.
The World of Downton Abbey
Created and co-written by Julian Fellowes, this British historical drama delves into the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their dedicated household staff during the post-Edwardian era. Set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, the series masterfully intertwines personal stories with major historical events that shaped the early 20th century.
The narrative is driven by pivotal moments in history, including:
- The sinking of the Titanic
- The outbreak of the First World War
- The Spanish influenza pandemic
- The Irish War of Independence
- The general election of 1923
These events are skilfully used to explore their profound impact on the family's fortunes and the evolving British social hierarchy.
The Stellar Cast and Lasting Legacy
The principal cast is led by Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, and Elizabeth McGovern as his American-born wife, Cora. Their three daughters are portrayed by Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, and Jessica Brown Findlay as Lady Sybil. The iconic Maggie Smith delivers a memorable performance as Robert's mother, Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham.
The extensive ensemble cast also features celebrated actors including Joanne Froggatt, Rob James-Collier, Allen Leech, Jim Carter, Sophie McShera, Brendan Coyle, Penelope Wilton, Dan Stevens, Kevin Doyle, Phyllis Logan, and Lesley Nicol.
Following the immense success of the television series, the Crawley family returned for three feature films: Downton Abbey in 2019, Downton Abbey: A New Era in 2022, and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in September 2025. For those who wish to continue the story, all three films are available for purchase on Prime Video.
Enduring Fan Adoration
Even a decade and a half after its premiere, Downton Abbey continues to receive glowing reviews from fans across social media platforms. One enthusiast on IMDb described it as "an incredible television series" and one of their favourite shows ever, praising its unbeatable nostalgia.
Another fan declared it a "masterpiece", instantly falling in love with the settings, costumes, and characters. A third admirer stated it was "definitely one of the best TV series" they had ever seen, highlighting the exceptional drama, story, script, cast, and acting.
Echoing this sentiment, a fourth viewer found the series "absolutely addictive", with excellent characters and plots that drew them so deeply into the story and the family that they were unable to stop watching.
All six seasons of Downton Abbey are now available to stream for free on ITVX, offering a perfect opportunity to revisit this celebrated period drama or discover it for the first time.
