The Cast Of Downton Abbey Has Changed A Lot Since Season 1

On September 26, 2010, "Downton Abbey" aired on television for the very first time. Filmed at the formidable Highclere Castle in England, this period drama explores the world of early 20th-century grand manors and the folks who reside there. Clever, witty, and full of Maggie Smith's famous "Downton Abbey" quips , the show was an instant hit. It drew in fans from around the globe and entertained them with stories of love, loss, and social change. In the U.K., viewership reached 10 million, and in the U.S., those numbers rose to 24 million, as reported by The Guardian . By 2011, "Downton Abbey" had amassed a collection of Emmy Awards recognizing everything from Smith's role as a supporting actor to the writing and directing. Furthermore, for many "Downton Abbey" cast members, fame arrive