“Downton Abbey” hit a proper two-year ratings high in the United Kingdom with ITV’s airing of the series finale after six seasons.
The final regular episode of the British upstairs/downstairs drama snagged more than 8.8 million viewers, which was half a million more audience members than Season 5’s final episode received, according to an ITV rep’s tweet. It also had a massive 39 share, and total eyeballs reached 9.5 million viewers at one point.
Naturally, the season said goodbye with a time-slot victory. The heralded series will return once more for its customary Christmas special before the closing the doors forever. That is, of course, unless a movie follows — which is definitely a potential scenario.
During August’s Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, executive producer Gareth Neame told reporters they “might” do a film.
“There are no firms plans about that at all,” he said, but added later: “I think a ‘Downton’ movie could be a wonderful thing.”
PBS Masterpiece will begin airing the final season of “Downton Abbey” stateside on Jan. 3.
The two-year-high ratings claim was pointed out by Broadcast Magazine.
Here is the ITV rep’s tweet:
The 6th and final series of @DowntonAbbey bowed out last night with a slot winning 8.8m (39%) and a 9.5m peak, 500,000 up year on year.
– Mike Large (@Mike_Large) November 9, 2015