This Is Why Downton Abbey Was Really Canceled

Downton Abbey quietly premiered in the U.K. In 2010. At the time, no one could have expected how successful it would be on both sides of the Atlantic. In its early days, fans wanted Downton to last forever. However, here's why it ran its course after 6 seasons. Downton Abbey is a show built around an ensemble cast of characters. Even so, certain members of Downton take center stage: Mary Crawley, Mister Bates, Branson, and, of course, the Dowager Countess. The Crawley matriarch was truly the heart of Downton. Without Maggie Smith as the Dowager there to dole out some wisdom and gossip, the show wouldn't be the same. In an interview with The Sunday Times, the Downton star announced she would leave the show after its sixth season — before PBS announced it would also be the show's final season. While Smith announced she'd be leaving after the sixth season as the fifth came to a close, show creator Julian Fellowes was telling outlets that he didn't know if Downton Abbey would be canceled or not, according to Vanity Fair. Keep watching to see Why Downton Abbey Was Really Canceled! #DowntonAbbey Maggie Smith was out | 0:00 The Crawley lifestyle was declining | 1:26 Completed story arcs | 2:39 Wearing out one's welcome | 3:24 Departed main characters | 3:58 A movie was inevitable | 5:00 The creator almost left | 5:47 Storylines were becoming forced | 6:47 Ending on a high note | 7:43 Historical dramas can't go forever | 8:37 Glorifying the aristocracy | 9:51 Feeling the show was complete | 10:46