The time has come to say goodbye — to the Crawleys, that is. Yes, after six seasons of television and two follow-up films, the "Downton Abbey" universe will officially see its end with the release of "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale," the third and final movie of the franchise that hit theaters in the U.K. and the U.S. on Friday, September 12.
A continuation of the stories found in the original series as well as its big-screen sequels (2019's "Downton Abbey" and 2022's "Downton Abbey: A New Era"), "Downton Abbey: the Grand Finale" brings together faces from over the years, including O.G. cast members Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael and Elizabeth McGovern, as well as returning film actors like Dominic West as Guy Dexter.
And though the bittersweet final chapter will be marked by several notable absences — from the late Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley to Matthew Goode as Henry Talbot (scheduling conflicts and a knee operation kept him from filming, per Radio Times) — "Downton Abbey: the Grand Finale" will also bring several new faces into the fold, including Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale and Arty Froushan.
Before you rush off to the cinema to see "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" though, catch up with our primer on what to expect from the new film and how it connects to the larger "Downton" world. And while you're at it, you can check out "Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale" on Peacock, a new special that brings the "Downton" cast together to reminisce and toast to the legacy of the iconic series.
What is 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' about?
The final installment of the global phenomenon moves the historical drama officially into the 1930s. We catch up with the upper-crust Crawley family and their staff in the first summer of the new decade, as they all grapple with the threat of societal scandal and financial trouble in the wake of Lady Mary's (Michelle Dockery) divorce from her husband, Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode).
That very public split (the official trailer sees paparazzi harshly snapping photos of her as she's shamed away from an event) puts into question not only her social standing but her ownership of the titular English estate. Fifteen years since the Crawley clan first landed on the small screen, the new movie will see all of the characters learn how to embrace change and prepare for the next generation to lead Downton Abbey into the future.
“Families like ours must keep moving to survive,” Mary declares in the trailer. "And all of your support is more important to me than I can say.”
What are critics saying about 'Downton Abbey: the Grand Finale'?
As of press time, the critical response to "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale" has been widely positive — the film currently has a solid 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the site's critical consensus reads: "Soothing as a cup of tea while providing a satisfying amount of closure, 'The Grand' Finale is a worthy sendoff for Downton Abbey."
Matt Goldberg for TheWrap declared that the third film "feels most in line" with the original drama series. “'The Grand Finale' feels like it’s for the fans, but rarely in a way that feels strained or convoluted. Casual fans are still welcome, but there are lines and moments that will have the faithful smiling and laughing as if we’re among old friends."
Over at The Daily Beast, Caroline Siede echoed those sentiments, writing: "There’s nothing all that grand about this grand finale—and that’s the best thing about it. The previous two films felt the need to at least vaguely try to appeal to new audiences with big event showpieces that were slightly more madcap than the show ever was... But this time around, writer/creator Julian Fellowes just plays to his base with a back-to-basics return to the more low-key vibe of the series."
And if it's drama and dresses you're after, you're in luck, assures Jeannette Catsoulis at The New York Times: "The movie delivers exactly what “Downton” fans want: yummy photography (by the brilliant Ben Smithard), stunning set pieces and Lady Mary trying on as many fabulous frocks as possible."
How to watch the original 'Downtown Abbey' series and movies
Want to catch up with "Downton Abbey" the series before buying a movie ticket for the new sequel film? You can stream all six seasons on Peacock, as well as Prime Video and BritBox.
Similarly, the two feature-length films, "Downton Abbey and "Downton Abbey: A New Era," are also available to stream on Peacock.
Current Peacock plans include the ad-supported Standard ($7.99 monthly or $79.99 annually), the Premium ($10.99 monthly or $109.99 annually) and the commercial-free Premium Plus (for $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year).
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