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The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey

Every episode of Downton Abbey ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Downton Abbey!

Binge this in 1d 19h•Peaking at 9.0/10

A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    9.0/10(2675 votes)

    #1 - Episode 5

    S3:E5

    An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion in the house. Isobel ends up throwing Ethel a lifeline. Ivy is attracting plenty of attention below stairs. Anna’s perseverance finally pays off for her.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  2. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    9.0/10(2138 votes)

    #2 - Episode 8

    S6:E8

    Bertie's circumstances change suddenly, leaving Edith uncertain whether to risk telling him the truth or keep her past a secret at all costs. Mary wonders if she can ever make peace with her sister as hostilities escalate, Spratt shows some hidden talents and Molesley's first day as a teacher does not go according to plan. Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast attracts unwanted attention, leaving her in need of the Crawleys' help.

    Director:David Evans
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  3. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.8/10(2802 votes)

    #3 - Episode 7

    S1:E7

    Cora's pregnancy throws the inheritance issue into doubt. Matthew must wait for an answer to his wedding proposal. O'Brien discovers more compromising information about Bates. Thomas leaves.

    Director:Brian Percival
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  4. Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.7/10(2519 votes)

    #4 - Episode 8

    S2:E8

    With the wedding approaching there is excitement in the air, but will Branson's plans rattle everyone? A decisive Anna forces Bates to think about their future.

    Director:James Strong
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  5. Downton Abbey Season 5 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.6/10(1885 votes)

    #5 - Episode 8

    S5:E8

    Preparations are under way for Rose's wedding, but family tensions on both sides threaten to derail proceedings. Edith's arrangement with Marigold is happily working out, but how long can she and Cora conceal the truth from Robert? Denker reveals an unexpected side to her personality, which causes trouble for more than one of the servants. With the war memorial due to be unveiled, Mrs Patmore is still upset, but Robert has something up his sleeve. Branson comes to a heart-wrenching decision, and the storm clouds that have been gathering over Anna and Bates finally burst.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  6. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.6/10(1847 votes)

    #6 - Episode 3

    S6:E3

    Preparations for the wedding of Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes are under way. Edith meets up with an old acquaintance. Spratt has something to hide.

    Director:Philip John
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Downton Abbey

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  7. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.5/10(2704 votes)

    #7 - Episode 6

    S1:E6

    Sybil puts herself in danger when a fight breaks out. Sybil's sisters notice Matthew's feelings for her. Mary is surprised by a marriage proposal. Bates clears his name over the missing wine but resigns rather than name the real culprit.

    Director:Brian Percival
    Writers:Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler

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  8. Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(2737 votes)

    #8 - Episode 1

    S2:E1

    The Great War unsettles life at Downton and surprising news about Matthew rocks the family. New maid Ethel irritates O'Brien - and Bates returns with devastating news for Anna.

    Director:Ashley Pearce
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  9. Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.5/10(2418 votes)

    #9 - Episode 5

    S2:E5

    Robert receives some shocking news from the front. Daisy's relationship with William moves faster than she would like. Vera threatens to expose old secrets.

    Director:Brian Kelly
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  10. Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(2756 votes)

    #10 - Episode 1

    S3:E1

    Cora’s mother sweeps into Downton for Matthew and Mary’s wedding, but with the couple’s relationship under strain will they even make it to the altar? New footman Alfred strives to meet Carson’s high standards, under the watchful eye of his aunt O’Brien. Robert’s shocking news brings financial worries to the fore, on an unprecedented scale. Might he lose Downton itself and all it stands for?

    Director:Brian Percival
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  11. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.5/10(1765 votes)

    #11 - Episode 5

    S6:E5

    Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet’s plan to save the hospital, with distressing consequences for everyone. Andy finds an unexpected confidante while helping Mr Mason move into Yew Tree Farm, Mary is uncertain if she has met her match, Edith meets Bertie Pelham in London, and Spratt comes to Denker’s aid. Mrs Hughes struggles to keep Carson happy, while Mary thinks secrets are being kept from her.

    Director:Michael Engler
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  12. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.4/10(3047 votes)

    #12 - Episode 3

    S1:E3

    Cora's tries to set up Mary with Evelyn Napier, who falls for his friend instead, with significant consequences for the household. Bates takes action to help cure his limp.

    Director:Ben Bolt
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  13. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.4/10(2705 votes)

    #13 - Episode 5

    S1:E5

    Isobel finds herself at odds with Violet. Mary is introduced to a potential suitor but wants to be with Matthew. Anna works out who stole a valuable snuff box. O'Brien plans a way for Edith to get even with Mary.

    Director:Brian Kelly
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  14. Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.4/10(2219 votes)

    #14 - Episode 3

    S3:E3

    Edith's wedding day arrives but will her enthusiasm be able to convince the family that Strallan's age doesn't really matter. Mrs Hughes awaits her results. Anna manages to make a breakthrough as she tries to help Bates. Mary decides to take matters into her own hands to secure the estate's future.

    Director:Andy Goddard
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  15. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.4/10(1729 votes)

    #15 - Episode 7

    S6:E7

    The Crawleys watch Henry compete in a motor racing event, an occasion that leaves Mary reeling. Violet hatches a plan which surprises the family and delights Miss Denker, and learns more about Amelia's intentions in befriending Isobel. Molesley and Daisy rise to the challenges of examination day, Andy's secret is brought to light, Thomas feels isolated, and Mrs Patmore and Mrs Hughes teach Carson a lesson.

    Director:David Evans
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  16. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.3/10(3920 votes)

    #16 - Episode 1

    S1:E1

    After the death of the heir, Violet wishes that Robert's daughter Mary could inherit Downton Abbey.

    Director:Brian Percival
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  17. Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.3/10(2395 votes)

    #17 - Episode 4

    S2:E4

    Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora. Ethel's flirtation with Major Bryant lands her in hot water. There is worrying news about Matthew. Branson declares his feelings for Sybil.

    Director:Brian Kelly
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  18. Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.3/10(2213 votes)

    #18 - Episode 8

    S3:E8

    There's excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Matthew and Mary look like they are keeping secrets from each other. Thomas finds out that his future lies in Carson's hands.

    Director:David Evans
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  19. Downton Abbey Season 5 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.3/10(1781 votes)

    #19 - Episode 7

    S5:E7

    Rosamund shows up at Downton following Edith's surprise departure. Rose is pleased to introduce Atticus and his parents to everyone. Anna and Bates think about a fresh start, now that that their problems seem to be behind them. Molesley is worried after Daisy becoming disillusioned with her studies. Mary and Blake seize a chance to send Gillingham a strong message.

    Director:Philip John
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  20. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.3/10(1974 votes)

    #20 - Episode 1

    S6:E1

    It is now 1925, when secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs are faced with social changes.

    Director:Minkie Spiro
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  21. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.3/10(1770 votes)

    #21 - Episode 4

    S6:E4

    As Tom and Sybbie settle back into life at Downton, the family and servants are surprised by the return of another old friend in unexpected circumstances.

    Director:Philip John
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  22. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.2/10(3122 votes)

    #22 - Episode 2

    S1:E2

    Matthew Crawley and his mother Isobel arrive at Downton, and have difficulty settling in. Carson is mortified when confronted by his past. Violet attempts to promote a match between Matthew and Mary. Isobel is elected to serve on the hospital board.

    Director:Ben Bolt
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  23. Downton Abbey Season 2 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.2/10(2351 votes)

    #23 - Episode 7

    S2:E7

    How long can Sybil and Branson keep their secret? Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position, Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new scheme.

    Director:James Strong
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  24. Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.2/10(2125 votes)

    #24 - Episode 6

    S3:E6

    Tempers are left on edge after a kind gesture by Isobel backfires. Mary attempts to fight Branson's corner after his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Cora's relationship feels the strain and Violet attempts to make them see things differently. Some extreme measures are taken by Bates.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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  25. Downton Abbey Season 4 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.2/10(1902 votes)

    #25 - Episode 8

    S4:E8

    Rosamund comes up with a plan to help Edith deal with her problem, but Violet may be about to see right through it. Isobel is the object of someone's attention, while Mary asks Gillingham for a favour. Rose is frustrated when things do not go her way and Alfred realises too late that he may have made a mistake. Just as Bates and Anna seem to be getting over the worst, some unexpected news shakes her up.

    Director:Edward Hall
    Writer:Julian Fellowes

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Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 5" is the best rated episode of "Downton Abbey". It scored 9/10 based on 2675 votes. Directed by Jeremy Webb and written by Julian Fellowes, it aired on 10/14/2012. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 8".