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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!

The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey

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...

Seasons6

  1. Background image for Episode 5
    9.0/10(2.5k 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for Episode 7
    8.8/10(2.6k votes)

    #2 - 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.

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  3. Background image for Episode 8
    8.7/10(2.3k votes)

    #3 - 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.

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  4. Background image for Episode 6
    8.5/10(2.5k votes)

    #4 - 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.

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  5. Background image for Episode 1
    8.5/10(2.5k votes)

    #5 - 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.

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  6. Background image for Episode 5
    8.5/10(2.2k votes)

    #6 - 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.

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Downton Abbey

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  8. Background image for Episode 1
    8.5/10(2.6k votes)

    #7 - 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?

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  9. Background image for Episode 3
    8.4/10(2.8k votes)

    #8 - 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.

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    Director:Ben Bolt
  10. Background image for Episode 5
    8.4/10(2.5k votes)

    #9 - 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.

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  11. Background image for Episode 3
    8.4/10(2.0k votes)

    #10 - 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.

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  12. Background image for Episode 1
    8.3/10(3.6k votes)

    #11 - Episode 1

    S1:E1

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

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  13. Background image for Episode 4
    8.3/10(2.2k votes)

    #12 - 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.

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  14. Background image for Episode 8
    8.3/10(2.0k votes)

    #13 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Episode 2
    8.2/10(2.9k votes)

    #14 - 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.

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    Director:Ben Bolt
  16. Background image for Episode 7
    8.2/10(2.2k votes)

    #15 - 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.

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  17. Background image for Episode 6
    8.2/10(1.9k votes)

    #16 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for Episode 8
    8.2/10(1.7k votes)

    #17 - 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.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Episode 4
    8.1/10(2.6k votes)

    #18 - Episode 4

    S1:E4

    Mrs Hughes finds herself the focus of speculation when she meets a former suitor who makes her question her position. Violet and Isobel clash over a medical ailment affecting Molesley. Carson is concerned there is a thief at work in the grounds.

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  20. Background image for Episode 2
    8.1/10(2.2k votes)

    #19 - Episode 2

    S2:E2

    Carson is finding it tough maintaining standards in the house, and the suicide of a young officer prompts Isobel to suggest converting Downton Abbey into a convalescent hospital.

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  21. Background image for Episode 2
    8.1/10(2.1k votes)

    #20 - Episode 2

    S3:E2

    The estate's future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes gets some news that worries her. O'Brien's attempts to boost Alfred's progress are met with disapproval from Thomas.

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  22. Background image for Episode 7
    8.1/10(1.9k votes)

    #21 - Episode 7

    S3:E7

    It's a good day as Anna's patience is rewarded and Edith gets some admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management. Branson's plan for the christening causes some consternation, as does the sudden arrival of his brother.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Episode 1
    8.1/10(2.1k votes)

    #22 - Episode 1

    S4:E1

    New mother Mary is finding it hard to come to terms with Matthew's shocking death. Robert and Violet fall out over how to handle the situation. Jimmy takes an interest in Ivy, while Carson receives an unwelcome reminder from his past.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Episode 5
    8.1/10(1.7k votes)

    #23 - Episode 5

    S4:E5

    Change is in the air as an exciting opportunity for Alfred creates tension between Ivy and Daisy. Isobel appeals to Violet's charitable nature, but it does not come without a fight, and Branson considers a new future for himself and baby Sybbie.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for Episode 6
    8.1/10(1.7k votes)

    #24 - Episode 6

    S4:E6

    A birthday party is planned for Robert, but Rose's surprise contribution to the event ruffles feathers above and below stairs. A new farming venture on the Downton estate comes with dramatic repercussions for Mary, and Edith receives more unwelcome news.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for Episode 7
    8.1/10(1.7k votes)

    #25 - Episode 7

    S4:E7

    Cora's playboy brother has got himself into a spot of bother and Robert has to make a trip to America to bail him out. Blake and Mary are forced to put aside their differences to deal with a new farming venture on the estate. When Violet is taken ill, help comes from an unlikely quarter. In spite of Mrs Hughes, Mrs Patmore and Carson's attempts to keep the peace, romantic tensions below stairs cause problems.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 5" is the best rated episode of "Downton Abbey". It scored 9/10 based on 2470 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/14/2012. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 7".