Downton Abbey is a British historical drama that has been showing on Masterpiece Theater. If you liked “Upstairs, Downstairs,” you will love this show, but due to modern film techniques it is even more beautiful. The story follows the Crawley family and their household staff. It takes place at the beginning of the 20^th century with season two carrying the family and staff through the First World War. It has given PBS a surge in popularity in the last year and a half. According to EW.com, “…the second season "Abbey" audience was 25% larger than the first round. The show is also delivering a much younger audience than the usual "Masterpiece crowd", with female viewers 18-34 up 251%.”

Shirley MacLaine is set to join the cast for the third season, which should draw even more viewership to this popular show. Dame Maggie Smith has been a bigger draw for me, but in my eyes the biggest star of the show is the glorious costumes. You can sample Downtown Abbey (and Upstairs, Downstairs) by checking out the DVDs at your local library. You can also read about this wonderful series here. Enjoy!