Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey closed out its run on March 6 with the best numbers for a season finale in the show’s history.
Downton Abbey’s sixth and final season drew 9.5 million viewers and a 6.1 household rating, according to Nielsen Fast National data, PBS announced today. That’s 14 percent more viewers that the season five finale, which had 8.4 million viewers and a 5.3 rating in March 2015. This also makes it the most-watched finale for the show.
“These six seasons of Downton Abbey have truly been a fantastic ride for all of us in the public television family,” PBS president/CEO Paula Kerger said in a statement. “A sincere thank you to Carnival Films, MASTERPIECE, Gareth Neame and Julian Fellowes, and all of our member stations for their part in this tremendous success. Most of all, thank you to all of the loyal viewers whose enthusiasm and engagement with the show made Downton Abbey a global sensation.”
Downton Abbey debuted in 2011 and went on to be a smash hit on both sides of the Atlantic. It was produced by Carnival Films and WGBH’s MASTERPIECE and created by Fellowes.
The series focused on the British aristocratic Crawley family, beginning at the sinking of the Titanic. The show’s ensemble cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, Brendan Coyle, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan and Elizabeth McGovern, just to name a few. It also attracted guest stars like Paul Giamatti and Shirley MacLaine.
During its run, Downton Abbey picked up 12 Emmys, three Golden Globes, four Screen Actors Guild Awards and four BAFTAs.