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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(2596 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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    9.0/10(2057 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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Downton Abbey Season 1 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.8/10(2734 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(2445 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(1805 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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Downton Abbey Season 6 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.6/10(1775 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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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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(2620 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(2663 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(2335 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(2671 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(1690 votes)

    #11 - Episode 5

    S6:E5

    Neville Chamberlain visits Downton for dinner, and is drawn into Violet’s p