Things Will Be Great When You’re Downton

Well, that was something. Downton Abbey's final episode was, not unexpectedly, the most-watched finale of the series' six seasons on PBS. Its average audience of 9.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen, should place it above all competing broadcast network shows that evening. 

WILL-TV's own viewers stepped up to pledge more than $11,000 in financial support for the station around Downton-related programming that night, in addition to the $6,300 raised during the previous weekend's Season Six marathon. Thanks to the more than 80 people who became new Friends of WILL or who renewed their membership!

Speaking of membership, Friends of WILL who make an annual contribution of $60 or more will receive WILL Passport as a benefit. This new service provides on-demand video streaming of an expanded library of PBS shows, including every episode of Downton Abbey!

Show creator Julian Fellowes doesn't rule out the possibility of further Downton as a feature film, though he does quash my hopes of a TV spin-off. I envisioned Mr. and Mrs. Bates joining the staff at Upton Abbey. Or perhaps Downton Again, in which the Dowager Countess would reopen the estate as a bed-and-breakfast with the help of a sassy new friend.*

Finally, if you want to take a virtual tour of Downton locations, there's this map provided by the British home furnishings retailer Wayfair.co.uk.

* Just kidding.