Downton Abbey Joins PBS MASTERPIECE Lineup of Dramas
Downton Abbey Fans Rejoice as Beloved Series Returns to PBS
Get ready to step back into the world of the Crawley family because Downton Abbey is making a comeback! This iconic MASTERPIECE series, which holds the title of the most popular PBS drama of all time, is set to return this spring. Starting on Sunday, March 1, 2026, all six seasons will be available for streaming with PBS Passport, and also on PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
Created and written by Julian Fellowes, who won an Oscar for his work on “The Gilded Age,” Downton Abbey is a show that captured the hearts of viewers when it first aired in 2011. Spanning the years from 1912 to 1925, the series follows the Crawley family as they navigate a rapidly changing world. The show has earned an impressive 59 Emmy nominations and took home 12 Emmys, three Golden Globes, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Producers Guild Award, and four BAFTAs.
The stellar cast includes unforgettable characters like the Dowager Countess, portrayed by the late Dame Maggie Smith, as well as Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and many more talented actors. Susanne Simpson, the Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer at MASTERPIECE, describes the series as a beautiful and engaging masterpiece that resonates with viewers of all generations.
And the good news doesn’t stop there! Alongside Downton Abbey, audiences can look forward to a collection of romantic and literary dramas on PBS Passport this spring. From premiere nights of new series like The Forsytes on MASTERPIECE and The Count of Monte Cristo on MASTERPIECE to beloved classics like Northanger Abbey on MASTERPIECE, there’s a little something for every drama enthusiast.
So, mark your calendars for the return of Downton Abbey and dive into a world of passion, intrigue, and timeless storytelling. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a newcomer to the series, get ready to lose yourself in the magic of this iconic drama once again.

