Downton Abbey

10 Worst Episodes of Downton Abbey

A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 04, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Downton Abbey - S4E2

#10 - Episode 2 (Season 4 - Episode 2)

Mary starts to get over the grief she is feeling, and takes an interest in the running of the estate. Lady Rose MacClare, Lady Flintshire's daughter, ends up in a predicament at a tea dance in York. Hughes attempts to convince Carson to heal an old wound.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 1180 votes.

Downton Abbey - S5E6

#9 - Episode 6 (Season 5 - Episode 6)

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Relations between Robert and Cora continue to be strained. Blake's scheming starts to come to fruition when Mary is unexpectedly pitted against her love rival. Edith receives some terrible news and decides to take drastic action. Following a mysterious tip off, Baxter becomes embroiled in the investigation of Green's death. Thomas' condition deteriorates, prompting him to finally reveal the truth to Baxter. Love is in the air for more than one member of the Crawley family.

The episode was rated 7.94 from 1074 votes.

Downton Abbey - S5E2

#8 - Episode 2 (Season 5 - Episode 2)

With the house recovering from the night’s dramatic events, Robert is faced with a very difficult decision. As Daisy continues to struggle with her studies, Mrs Patmore has an idea which might solve everything. Thomas has it in for Baxter. As Rose tries to convince Robert of the virtues of a wireless at Downton, Lord Merton continues his hot pursuit of Isobel. When Mary puts her reputation on the line, Anna is made a reluctant accomplice.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 1149 votes.

Downton Abbey - S5E5

#7 - Episode 5 (Season 5 - Episode 5)

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Simon Bricker returns to Downton to discuss the painting with Cora. Branson makes a difficult decision about Sarah Bunting. Rose encounters a handsome stranger. Determined to stop Isobel making the wrong decision about Lord Merton, Violet enlists the help of Doctor Clarkson. Charles Blake surprises Mary with a cunning plan to help her get exactly what she wants. Mrs Patmore seeks Carson's advice on a financial matter. Inspector Vyner returns with some ominous words of warning for Anna.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1065 votes.

Downton Abbey - S4E4

#6 - Episode 4 (Season 4 - Episode 4)

Amid the fallout from the eventful house party, Mary faces a pressing question about her future. Carson reveals surprisingly intimate details of his former life, and a trip to the bright lights of London sees Rose put the reputation of the Crawleys in jeopardy.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 1150 votes.

Downton Abbey - S6E4

#5 - Episode 4 (Season 6 - Episode 4)

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As Tom and Sybbie settle back into life at Downton, the family and servants are surprised by the return of another old friend in unexpected circumstances.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 1461 votes.

Downton Abbey - S6E1

#4 - Episode 1 (Season 6 - Episode 1)

It is now 1925, when secrets and rifts threaten the unity of the family, while those below stairs are faced with social changes.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 1490 votes.

Downton Abbey - S6E6

#3 - Episode 6 (Season 6 - Episode 6)

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The house is made open to the public to raise money for the hospital, an act that divides opinions among the family and the servants. Tensions between Violet and Cora come to a head as a decision is made about the hospital takeover, Mr Dawes has a proposition for Molesley, and Baxter is thrown into turmoil by an unexpected letter. Carson is not happy with Thomas, while Mary and Edith hope to overcome their past and find new happiness with the men in their lives.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 1410 votes.

Downton Abbey - S5E4

#2 - Episode 4 (Season 5 - Episode 4)

Sarah Bunting continues to cause waves above stairs, but this time she may have gone too far. On returning to Downton, Thomas suffers an inexplicable illness and Baxter suspects there’s more to it than he’s letting on. Violet reveals to Isobel the surprising truth of her past with Prince Kuragin. Mary comes to a decision concerning Lord Gillingham, but things don’t go quite as planned. When Rose’s father returns to Downton, he breaks news that will shock the whole family.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1079 votes.

Downton Abbey - S6E2

#1 - Episode 2 (Season 6 - Episode 2)

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Lady Mary's meddling gets Mr Carson into trouble with Mrs Hughes. Cora and Violet lock horns over the hospital takeover plans. Robert has a tough decision to make.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 1436 votes.

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