Premiered: September 26, 2010
On: PBS
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Lily James, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Rob James-Collier, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Maggie Smith, Dan Stevens & Penelope Wilton
One of the best shows ever on television also happened to be one of the most dialogue driven. Don’t expect much action, but do expect intense exchanges.
When a wealthy British family loses their heir during the sinking of the Titanic, they are introduced to a new set of family members who do not exactly fit in. Over six seasons, the family experiences hard loss, financial troubles and try to adapt to the ever-changing world.
The show focuses both on the wealthy upstairs and the servants below, which gives interesting looks at both social classes. Season two especially shines for both classes when World War I, while season three is a heartbreaker.
The ensemble cast shines, but you can always bet on clever quips from Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess.
Final say: Don’t take this show for granted. ★★★★★