It’s long been rumored that Downton Abbey wouldn’t be continuing after its sixth season, and now it’s official.
Executive producer Gareth Neame confirmed a decision was reached involving the producers, cast, crew and everyone involved in the making of the show.
"Our feeling is it's good to quit while we're ahead. The show is in incredibly strong shape. The danger is to let it go on forever ... eight, nine, 10 years,” Neame said in a phone conference on Thursday, USA Today reports. “We wanted to end when the time is right, so that people will love it for years to come and not feel there's a drop-off, and we've not outstayed our welcome."
He went on to say it was beyond their wildest dreams the show would become such a success, especially in countries outside of the UK.
“It's very tempting to go on for years,” he said, shooting down rumors of a spin-off but confirming they would be “very interested” in a movie.
Earlier this month, Maggie Smith confirmed Season 6 would be her last, saying her character would’ve outlived the show if she went on. Fans were disappointed without knowing it would be the end of the road not just for Smith, but for the whole show.
image via Twitter from Downton Abbey
image via INFphoto.com