Downton Abbey: Season 3
2012 · 8 episodes · ★ 7.4
Series 3
What Season 3 of Downton Abbey
The Great War is over and a long-awaited engagement is on, but all is not tranquil at Downton Abbey as wrenching social changes, romantic intrigues, and personal crises grip the majestic English country estate. As other great houses are crippled psychologically and financially in the wake of World War I, Robert, Earl of Grantham, sticks to his duty to maintain Downton more firmly than ever. But in this changing landscape nothing is assured, and could it be that even the war-weary Crawleys must fight a new battle to safeguard their beloved Downton?
Season 3 Episodes
3x01 Episode 1
Cora’s mother sweeps into Downton for Matthew and Mary’s wedding, but with the couple’s relationship under strain will they even make it to the altar? New footman Alfred strives to meet Carson’s high standards, under the watchful eye of his aunt O’Brien. Robert’s shocking news brings financial worries to the fore, on an unprecedented scale. Might he lose Downton itself and all it stands for?
Directing: Brian Percival · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Robert Bathurst, Lucille Sharp, Michael Culkin
3x02 Episode 2
The estate's future is hanging in the balance and Mary is hoping to receive a bailout from grandmother Martha. Violet also attempts to help her make sure that Downton puts on a bigger show than ever before with a grand party for friends and neighbours. Mrs Hughes gets some news that worries her. O'Brien's attempts to boost Alfred's progress are met with disapproval from Thomas.
Directing: Brian Percival · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: David Robb, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Bathurst, Lucille Sharp
3x03 Episode 3
Edith's wedding day arrives but will her enthusiasm be able to convince the family that Strallan's age doesn't really matter. Mrs Hughes awaits her results. Anna manages to make a breakthrough as she tries to help Bates. Mary decides to take matters into her own hands to secure the estate's future.
Directing: Andy Goddard · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: David Robb, Robert Bathurst, Clare Higgins, Neil Bell
3x04 Episode 4
Branson's political views manage to get him into trouble while Sybil's loyalty is tested to the limit. Ethel finds herself being torn between head and heart as she makes a decision about her son's future. Anna is upset by Bates's silence and wonders what could be the cause. Carson looks for a new footman and a good-looking candidate called Jimmy creates interest below stairs.
Directing: Andy Goddard · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Cara Theobold, Ed Speleers, Kevin McNally, Michael Culkin
3x05 Episode 5
An exciting offer for Edith divides opinion in the house. Isobel ends up throwing Ethel a lifeline. Ivy is attracting plenty of attention below stairs. Anna’s perseverance finally pays off for her.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Cara Theobold, Ed Speleers, David Robb, Neil Bell
3x06 Episode 6
Tempers are left on edge after a kind gesture by Isobel backfires. Mary attempts to fight Branson's corner after his decisions are put under scrutiny. Robert and Cora's relationship feels the strain and Violet attempts to make them see things differently. Some extreme measures are taken by Bates.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Cara Theobold, Ed Speleers, David Robb, Clare Higgins
3x07 Episode 7
It's a good day as Anna's patience is rewarded and Edith gets some admiration from an unexpected quarter. Matthew refuses to back down over the estate management. Branson's plan for the christening causes some consternation, as does the sudden arrival of his brother.
Directing: David Evans · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Cara Theobold, Ed Speleers, Ruairi Conaghan, Terence Harvey
3x08 Episode 8 Season Finale
There's excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches, and the event brings out Robert's competitive side. Violet's great-niece Rose shows up but a trip to London reveals there is more to her than meets the eye. Matthew and Mary look like they are keeping secrets from each other. Thomas finds out that his future lies in Carson's hands.
Directing: David Evans · Writing: Julian Fellowes · Starring: Cara Theobold, Ed Speleers, David Robb, Edward Baker-Duly
Season 3 Cast
Laura CarmichaelEdith Crawley8 episodes
Joanne FroggattAnna Smith8 episodes
Jessica Brown FindlaySybil Crawley8 episodes
Jim CarterCharles Carson8 episodes
Brendan CoyleJohn Bates8 episodes
Amy NuttallEthel Parks8 episodes
Lesley NicolBeryl Patmore8 episodes
Sophie McSheraDaisy Mason8 episodes
Siobhan FinneranSarah O'Brien8 episodes
Robert James-CollierThomas Barrow8 episodes
Matt MilneAlfred Nugent8 episodes
Kevin DoyleJoseph Molesley8 episodes
Ed SpeleersJimmy Kent5 episodes
David RobbDr. Clarkson5 episodes
Neil BellDurrant5 episodesAll Seasons
Season 12010 · 7 ep. · ★ 7.5
Season 22011 · 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 3 of Downton Abbey
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Downton Abbey Season 3 have?
Season 3 of Downton Abbey has 8 episodes.
When did Downton Abbey Season 3 premiere?
Premiered on September 16, 2012.
Where to watch Downton Abbey Season 3?
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 3?
According to the audience rating on TMDB, episode 3x01, "Episode 1", with a 8.2.