In March, producers made a grave announcement that the upcoming sixth season of Downton Abbey would be its last. “It’s very much a decision that’s been made by the producers and all of the actors. We certainly weren’t canceled by any of our networks, that’s for sure,†executive producer Gareth Neame said at a For Your Consideration event at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills. “I’m sure we could have made another season or two beyond this … [but] I think we all felt about a year ago that this would be the classic ‘quit while you’re ahead.’â€
Creator Julian Fellowes elaborated: “Originally, we had thought in terms of five years, and then we realized we didn’t have enough space to wrap everyone up, and so it seemed a good idea to do one more. We didn’t ever think we were going to go on to 11 years, and I think it’s good that people are sorry rather than thrilled.†“We were all optioned for three and then we decided to do five,â€Â said Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham. “Julian said he wanted one more crack of the whip to bring the stories and characters to an end in a satisfying way.â€
Speaking of, will Edith finally get a happy ending? “Edith was such a leitmotif of misery,†said Fellowes. “I was in New York not long ago, in Barnes and Noble, and this woman was following me around and I could sort of feel her presence. Finally, I turned to her and said, ‘Can I help?’ and she looked at me, and her lip quivered for a moment, and she said, ‘Please let Edith be happy!’ And in those moments, you realize you’ve touched something. We wanted to bow out while they still felt like that.†So, maybe?