Normally, shows that are rating so well and enjoying so much popularity get to stay on air for a long time until fan interest wanes eventually and draw to a close.
That common notion does not apply to the critically-acclaimed British period drama TV series “Downton Abbey” whose sixth and final season would be airing on PBS later in the year.
Gareth Neame thinks that despite the show’s immense popularity and being well-loved by fans, Season 6 is still the right time to end the beloved series.
In a recent interview, Neame disclosed that despite the popularity and great reviews on the show, he said that inevitably there would come a time when the show has to end and that “Downton Abbey” was no exception.
He said that they wanted to close the door on the show when it felt right and natural for the story lines to come together and while the show is still enjoying so much popularity from fans, notes the Latin Post.
Nearme added that it was also important for “Downton Abbey” to end after its sixth season so that the actors on the series could take and work on other projects.
Getting the most from ‘Downton Abbey’
Because of the popularity of the series, it was clear that most of the cast members were able to capitalize on their fame derived from “Downton Abbey” to take on other roles in other projects.
Actors Lily James, Jessica Brown Findlay, Michelle Dockery, and Dan Stevens have been quite fortunate to land other projects because of their popularity and acting abilities in “Downton Abbey.”
Lily James recently starred in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Cinderella” where she drew rave reviews for her role as the movie’s main character.
Findlay on the other hand got roles in films like “Albatross,” “Winter’s Tale,” and “Lullaby.” Dockery was able to star in “Hanna,” “Anna Karenina,” and “Non-Stop,” while Stevens appeared in the indie film hit “The Guest.” He is also set o take on the role of Beast in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.”
The Grand Dame Maggie Smith also regained her popularity because of the TV show and she went on to star in “Quartet” as well as the hit franchise “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Feel-good finish
Latest word on the filming set indicates that the Christmas special of “Downton Abbey” Season 6 will be set in 1925 to give the show a most-fitting and feel-good finish.
Series producer Carnival Films and ITV officially announced Season 6 of “Downton Abbey” on March 26 that would feature eight episodes to begin airing on the latter part of 2015 before culminating with the annual Christmas special that would air on December 25, 2015.