Fans of the British period drama, "Downton Abbey," are in for some disappointing news. It seems that the series popularized by ITV Studio are now heading to a close after its final season. Reports came out that the upcoming season 6 would the final for the much-beloved show.
Followers of the Crawley family and their individual stories were treated to a sweeping finale for the fifth season on March. While the ending was a successful end to an amazing season, one major character believes that it is about time they close the curtain on the show and move on.
According to Master Herald, actress Maggie Smith, who plays the role of Dowager Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley, does not think the show could come up with enough twists and plots in the upcoming season to keep it successful any longer.
It was initially reported that the series was doubtful to return for a sixth season after reports confirmed that creator Julian Fellowes would be working on a new period drama for NBC called, "The Gilded Age."
Since both shows are period dramas, it might be difficult for Fellowes to commit to the two without sacrificing quality and time.
However, Fellowes appears to be able to work things out and would reportedly return to write the last season.
In a report on the A.V. Club, Smith confirmed reports of the show's upcoming end.
"They say this is the last one, and I can't see how it could go on," said Smith. She added, "I mean, I certainly can't keep going. To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We're in the late 1920s."
A report on TV Line confirmed that Season 6 of "Downton Abbey" would be its last. However, the reason behind it is not because the writers and producers would find it difficult to keep the plot interesting enough for viewers.
Practicality drove the men behind the show to end it after the sixth season as most of the cast members' contracts would expire after that.
A source close to the matter said that, "You can keep the show going without Matthew and Sybill, but you can't continue it without the entire Crawley family."
Despite Smith's rather less than upbeat outlook for the sixth season, she was confirmed to return and reprise her role. Other cast members to return are Hugh Bonneville, Lily James, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, and Joanne Froggatt.
"Downton Abbey" Season 6 is scheduled to air starting late 2015.
