'Downton Abbey' Franchise Gains Momentum on Peacock Ahead of ‘The Grand Finale’ Theatrical Release

Leading up to the highly anticipated conclusion of the global phenomenon and an NBC special on the way, fans have been preparing by rewatching the Downton Abbey franchise in record numbers on Peacock.

The esteemed and Emmy Award-winning franchise has seen a sharp increase in Peacock viewership leading up to the Sept. 12 Focus Features and Universal Pictures International release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Combined viewership in July and August of six seasons of Downton Abbey (including the films Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era) has more than doubled from viewership in March, April and May.

In fact, the July viewership totals were the highest for any month of Downton Abbey viewership since July 2022 when A New Era first premiered on Peacock.

This is the second time over the last few months that Peacock has seen a spike in viewership in conjunction with a studio film release. Previously, viewership rose substantially for the Jurassic films on Peacock following the June 28 release of Jurassic World Rebirth.

In its first year of Emmy eligibility, Downton Abbey won four Emmy, including Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, Maggie Smith for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie and Julian Fellowes for Outstanding Writing for Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Opens Sept. 12 in the US and UK

The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future. 

Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, Douglas Reith, and Dominic West return for the third film, alongside exciting new additions Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, Arty Froushan, and many other fan favorites.

The film is a Carnival Films production, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures International distributing. Carnival Films is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Learn more about Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and secure your tickets here. 

Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale Airs Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. on NBC and next day on Peacock 

The one-hour telecast features special conversations with the beloved cast of the highly anticipated third and final film as they reunite at London’s famed Savoy Hotel to exclusively share personal memories and never-before-told secrets from the franchise’s 15-year journey.    

The special features appearances by cast members Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Raquel Cassidy, Michelle Dockery, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Joanne Froggatt, Paul Giamatti, Harry Hadden-Paton, Allen Leech, Phyllis Logan, Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol and Penelope Wilton as well as production designer Donal Woods, costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins and composer John Lunn.   

The special will also feature a world exclusive scene from Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, ahead of its Sept. 12 theatrical release.