Downton Abbey Creator Ends Series Avoiding World War II Era

Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, decided to end the beloved period drama after 15 years to avoid addressing World War II and the rise of Nazi Germany, choosing instead to conclude the story in the 1930s before these threats became apparent. The final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, follows the Crawley family as they face financial troubles and social changes, with Robert Crawley planning to pass his estate to his now-divorced daughter, Lady Mary. Fellowes emphasized the importance of providing closure for the cast and fans, marking a definitive end to the original characters' storylines while acknowledging the shift into the modern age. Critics like The Independent have noted the film feels like an extended TV episode, but Fellowes created it primarily for fans rather than critics. The franchise, which began as a TV series from 2010 to 2015 and was followed by two films, has been praised internationally and inspired numerous cultural references, with the final film signaling the end of this original cast's journey. Fellowes reflected on the necessity of accepting change, both in the story and in life, as a central theme of the finale.