8.3/103,462 votes#1 - Episode 1
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/26/2010
After the death of the heir, Violet wishes that Robert's daughter Mary could inherit Downton Abbey.
Director: Brian Percival
Writer: Julian Fellowes
8.2/102,769 votes#2 - Episode 2
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/3/2010
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
8.4/102,699 votes#3 - Episode 3
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/10/2010
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
8.1/102,476 votes#4 - Episode 4
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/17/2010
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.
Director: Brian Kelly
Writer: Julian Fellowes, Shelagh Stephenson
8.4/102,409 votes#5 - Episode 5
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/24/2010
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
8.5/102,409 votes#6 - Episode 6
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/31/2010
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
Writer: Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler
8.8/102,517 votes#7 - Episode 7
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/7/2010
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
The Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 1
Every episode of Downton Abbey Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Downton Abbey Season 1!
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...
Genre:Drama
Network:ITV1
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Downton Abbey" season 1. It scored 8.3/10 based on 3462 votes. Directed by Brian Percival and written by Julian Fellowes, it aired on 9/26/2010. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Episode 2".