Downton Abbey: Season 1
2010 · 7 episodes · ★ 7.5
Series 1
What Season 1 of Downton Abbey
In 1912, Downton Abbey, the Yorkshire estate, is home to the Crawley family. The Earl of Grantham has three daughters, and none of them can inherit the title or the property, so the house is left wondering who will come next. The sinking of the Titanic changes everything and brings in Matthew, a lawyer and distant cousin of the Earl, who arrives with his mother, Isobel. The series follows the Crawleys and their servants as the customs of an upper-class household clash with those of outsiders. Mary, the eldest, faces a marriage arranged for her, and downstairs, Carson, Gwen and Bates carry past secrets and problems they would rather keep hidden.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 Episode 1
After the death of the heir, Violet wishes that Robert's daughter Mary could inherit Downton Abbey.
Directing: Brian Percival · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Charlie Cox, Jonathan Jaynes, Perry Millward, Lionel Guyett
1x02 Episode 2
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.
Directing: Ben Bolt · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Andrew Westfield, Cathy Sara
1x03 Episode 3
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.
Directing: Ben Bolt · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Andrew Westfield, Theo James, Lionel Guyett, Roger Morlidge
1x04 Episode 4
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.
Directing: Brian Kelly · Writing: Julian Fellowes, Shelagh Stephenson · Starring: Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Bill Fellows
1x05 Episode 5
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.
Directing: Brian Kelly · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Kevin Doyle, Dean Williamson, Colin R. Campbell, Bernard Gallagher
1x06 Episode 6
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.
Directing: Brian Percival · Writing: Julian Fellowes, Tina Pepler · Starring: Allen Leech, Jamie de Courcey, Gerard Mcdermott, Marcus Kelly
1x07 Episode 7 Season Finale
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.
Directing: Brian Percival · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Allen Leech, Kevin Doyle, David Robb, Jane Wenham
Season 1 Cast
Laura CarmichaelEdith Crawley7 episodes
Joanne FroggattAnna Smith7 episodes
Jessica Brown FindlaySybil Crawley7 episodes
Jim CarterCharles Carson7 episodes
Brendan CoyleJohn Bates7 episodes
Lesley NicolBeryl Patmore7 episodes
Sophie McSheraDaisy Mason7 episodes
Siobhan FinneranSarah O'Brien7 episodes
Robert James-CollierThomas Barrow7 episodes
Thomas HowesWilliam Mason7 episodes
Kevin DoyleJoseph Molesley4 episodes
David RobbDr. Clarkson3 episodes
Robert BathurstSir Anthony Strallan3 episodesAll Seasons
Season 22011 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.4
Season 32012 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.4
Season 42013 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.5
Season 52014 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.1
Season 62015 · 8 ep. · ★ 7.6Where to Watch Season 1 of Downton Abbey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Downton Abbey Season 1 have?
Season 1 of Downton Abbey has 7 episodes.
When did Downton Abbey Season 1 premiere?
Premiered on September 26, 2010.
Where to watch Downton Abbey Season 1?
Available by subscription on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total, SkyShowtime, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads (offers may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the public rating on TMDB, episode 1x07, "Episode 7", with a 8.0.