The Genesis of Downton Abbey

The idea for Downton Abbey originated from producer Gareth Neame, who sought to create a quintessentially British drama that would resonate globally. Inspiration struck while watching the film Gosford Park, which showcased a detailed and authentic portrayal of the British aristocracy. Neame recognized a gap in the market for a long-running series that combined historical context with engaging narrative, allowing audiences to explore the intricacies of British life during a transformative era. Together with writer Julian Fellowes, Neame pitched the concept, and after a surprisingly smooth commissioning process from ITV, Downton Abbey was born.