Downton Abbey' Renewed for Fifth Season; Cast Grateful for US Viewers
"Downton Abbey" just wrapped its fourth season in the United Kingdom and ended with the highest ratings of any drama airing in the country. The series has been renewed for a fifth season, much to the delight of fans, but won't air in the United States until January 5.
"Like millions of other 'Downton' fans, I can't wait to see what's next for the Crawley family," PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger told The Hollywood Reporter. "We're proud to be the home of this extraordinarily entertaining series, and, along with our stations, we look forward to sharing season five with U.S. audiences."
Many wondered whether "Downton" would be renewed for a fifth season, given its slow start and controversial fourth season. Two key cast members left at the end of the third season and were missed during the fourth; then the series got off to a rocky and slow start. A controversial rape episode caused a great deal of protest from fans, but Fellowes assured them that it was all part of necessary storyline.
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"Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year. We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year," Executive Producer Gareth Neame added.
Some members of the "Downton Abbey" crew are thankful to be airing in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom. One of those appreciative of American viewers is Lesley Nicol, who plays the head cook, Mrs. Patmore.
"It's a breath of fresh air being in the U.S. and celebrates success while in Britain some of the reviewers can be a bit vicious," Nicol noted.
"Downton Abbey" returns to the U.S. on January 5 on PBS.
