

Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast
Focus Features
Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast returns in celebration of the final film installment with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. This weekly podcast revisits the series, the films, and the legacy of Downton Abbey through the eyes of the cast and crew of the beloved franchise. Hosted by Rotten Tomatoes Awards Editor Jacqueline Coley, Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast goes deep with heartfelt memories and inside stories from the making of the television series and the film trilogy. Experience Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in theaters on September 12th. Get tickets at DowntonAbbey.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2025 • 26min
Downton: Changing of the Guard
As Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale ushers in a new era, the cast reflects on how shifting roles, generational change and evolving traditions redefine life both upstairs and downstairs at the estate.This episode explores how the final film marks a turning point both upstairs and downstairs. Lesley Nicol shares Mrs. Patmore’s surprising late-in-life transformation, while Jim Carter reflects on Carson’s reluctant retirement and the passing of responsibility to Michael Fox’s Andy Parker, who embodies the delicate balance of honoring tradition while embracing the future. Additional cast including Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern and Michelle Dockery, highlight how evolving gender roles and generational shifts shape the Crawleys’ world. Ultimately, the episode captures the emotional tension of letting go of the past to make room for what’s ahead.—Experience Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale now playing only in theaters. Get tickets at DowntonAbbey.com.See Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale + one more film at AMC Theatres to start earning rewards. Watch all 5 for a chance at the Ultimate Cinephile Experience—an invite to 2 Focus Features Film Premieres around the world.https://www.amctheatres.com/giveaway/Ultimate-Focus-Features-ExperienceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 9, 2025 • 27min
Beyond the Castle: World-Building at Downton
As The Grand Finale arrives in theaters, the cast and the creative team reveal how the elegant costumes and painstakingly detailed sets help make Downton Abbey’s world feel as rich and lived-in as history itself.This episode pulls back the curtain on the craftsmanship that made Downton Abbey a fully realized universe. Costume designer Anna Robbins discusses the evolution of style from Edwardian formality to 1930s glamour, while Production Designer Donal Woods explains how Highclere Castle and meticulously built sets created both grandeur and intimacy. Cast members reflect on how these details deepened their performances, grounding their characters in a believable world. Together, these creative elements demonstrate why Downton’s immersive atmosphere became as iconic as the Crawleys themselves.—Experience Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale now playing only in theaters. Get tickets at DowntonAbbey.com.See Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale + one more film at AMC Theatres to start earning rewards. Watch all 5 for a chance at the Ultimate Cinephile Experience—an invite to 2 Focus Features Film Premieres around the world.https://www.amctheatres.com/giveaway/Ultimate-Focus-Features-ExperienceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 2, 2025 • 25min
The Beginning of the End
To celebrate the theatrical release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the cast and creators reflect on the show’s origins, its enduring legacy and the emotional farewells that bring the Crawley family’s journey full circle.In this opening episode, host Jacqueline Coley sets the stage for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale featuring heartfelt reflections from Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, and Jim Carter. The episode provides insight into how the final film balances tradition with transformation. From Mary’s scandalous divorce and Robert’s shifting values to Anna’s full-circle journey and Carson’s poignant farewell, the conversations reveal both the evolving world of the Crawleys and the real-life bonds behind the series. Creator Julian Fellowes shares why he returned to write one last chapter, underscoring the timelessness of family, change and resilience. —Experience Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale now playing only in theaters. Get tickets at DowntonAbbey.com.See Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale + one more film at AMC Theatres to start earning rewards. Watch all 5 for a chance at the Ultimate Cinephile Experience—an invite to 2 Focus Features Film Premieres around the world.https://www.amctheatres.com/giveaway/Ultimate-Focus-Features-ExperienceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 26, 2025 • 3min
Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast Returns
Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast returns with special guests Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Jim Carter, and more. Available on Focus Features’ YouTube channel and everywhere you get your podcasts September 2nd.—Experience Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale now playing only in theaters. Get tickets at DowntonAbbey.com.See Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale + one more film at AMC Theatres to start earning rewards. Watch all 5 for a chance at the Ultimate Cinephile Experience—an invite to 2 Focus Features Film Premieres around the world.https://www.amctheatres.com/giveaway/Ultimate-Focus-Features-ExperienceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 24, 2022 • 36min
The Story of Downton
Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge, key producers behind Downton Abbey, share their journey in creating this beloved series. They discuss the pivotal dinner conversation that sparked the show’s unique narrative and its rise to fame. The duo highlights the meticulous transformation of Highclere Castle into the iconic setting and the importance of authenticity. They also touch on the emotional impact of the theme music and tease future projects, reflecting on the series' lasting legacy and the excitement of new characters.

May 18, 2022 • 37min
Below Stairs
The Downton Abbey service team are as critical a reason to the success of the show as they would be to the running to the actual estate. However, as the world modernises around them and social mobility is a realistic prospect, how will they respond? And what developments might have ensued since we last met them that could be paving the way for a new future? Anita Rani dives deep into the lives of the characters Below Stairs to find out how they take on the upcoming global and personal changes that are soon to befall them. Anita is joined by Production Designer Donal Woods, who shares the secrets of creating the Downton world. Music by John Lunn Don’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. Episode Contributors · Alastair Bruce · Kevin Doyle· Julian Fellowes· Michael Fox · Lesley Nicol· Donal Woods See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 10, 2022 • 34min
The New Callers to Downton
We’ll speculate, tease and celebrate the new character’s potential as they mix with the regular cast in this latest film. From the incoming actors to Downton to the locals in France, casting director Jill Trevellick will share how she casts a show like Downton and what it was like getting the new cast on board. Music by John LunnDon’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. Episode Contributors Hugh Bonneville Michelle Dockery Julian FellowesJill Trevellick Liz Trubridge Dominic WestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 3, 2022 • 45min
Above Stairs
The events and dramas of the lives led by those above stairs has never been short of anything but eventful. For a family born into such a position, the pressure from society to maintain the correct order of things has always been of the utmost importance. However, those expectations are being questioned by those outside and amongst the inner circle as attitudes slowly start to shift. Will the new era bring the Crawley family an opportunity to adapt-and-thrive, or a battle they need to fight in order to survive? Anita Rani interrogates the cast of upstairs about their character’s journey and explores their wardrobes with Downton Abbey’s Costume Designer, Anna Mary Scott Robbins. Music by John Lunn Don’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. Contributors The events and dramas of the lives led by those above stairs has never been short of anything but eventful. For a family born into such a position, the pressure from society to maintain the correct order of things has always been of the utmost importance. However, those expectations are being questioned by those outside and amongst the inner circle as attitudes slowly start to shift. Will the new era bring the Crawley family an opportunity to adapt-and-thrive, or a battle they need to fight in order to survive? Anita Rani interrogates the cast of upstairs about their character’s journey and explores their wardrobes with Downton Abbey’s Costume Designer, Anna Mary Scott Robbins. Music by John LunnDon’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. ContributorsHugh Bonneville Laura Carmichael Michelle DockeryJulian FellowesAllen LeechElizabeth McGovern Anna Mary Scott Robbins Penelope WiltonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 26, 2022 • 32min
Downton Abbey in Context
Set at the end of the roaring twenties, but with the shadow of political divisions beginning to build in Europe, we’ll explore the historical context that the characters of Downton find themselves in. We’ll go behind the scenes with some of the most established members of upstairs and downstairs to discover how changes in society and culture have affected their characters in this new installment. We’ll quiz Downton’s historical advisor on the role of women, the writer on the twists and turns of the plot and what underlying historical moments will be responsible for reshaping the future of all. Music by John LunnDon’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. Episode ContributorsHugh Bonneville Alastair BruceLaura Carmichael Michelle DockeryJulian Fellowes Allen LeechElizabeth McGovern Lesley NicolSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 19, 2022 • 36min
A New Era: Downton Returns
As we return to Downton Abbey, we enter a new era where the world of Downton is in flux. We’ll speak to the cast and creators of this new movie to see what the future holds and re-cap on the many cliff-hangers from the last film. We’ll go behind the scenes to hear how they brought the film to life and we’ll also get an inkling of who - or what - may be coming to Downton to disrupt the natural order of things.Music by John LunnDon’t miss the new film Downton Abbey: A New Era. The motion picture event returns this Spring. This episode of Downton Abbey: The Official Podcast is produced by Somethin’ Else in association with Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Carnival Films. Episode ContributorsHugh BonnevilleAlastair Bruce Laura Carmichael Simon CurtisMichelle DockeryJulian FellowesAllen LeechElizabeth McGovern Gareth NeameLiz TrubridgePenelope Wilton See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.