The Brit hit that everybody’s been raving about starts on Sunday night on BBC Entertainment. Here are five reasons why you'll become an overnight fan. 

Downton Abbey promises so much as a period piece, features an intriguing story line, and boasts amazing visuals. Then there's the characters...

It all begins just after the sinking of the Titanic, with the plot evolving from the horror of that disaster.


Downton Abbey explores a family directly affected by the sinking of the ship. Beyond the immediate tragedy, there is more treachery, lies and deception than you can imagine.

Alas, when money and titles are involved and heirs start disappearing from the equation, everyone trys to grab a slice of the pie.

Since this is new to your screens, here are the five reasons we think you might become overnight fans.

The design

The series will be an absolute dream to watch, if the style and set design of that era is anything to go by. Films and dramas set in this particular time always pull out all the stops. Downton Abbey has received rave reviews for its cinematography, which is undoubtedly accompanied by equally beautiful music.

Big names

If you must watch for only one reason, it has to be because it's the brilliant work of Julian Fellowes. The same man whose writing credits include Gosford Park, Vanity Fair, The Tourist, The Young Victoria and Mary Poppins – all of which were either nominated or have won big awards. And then there’s Dame Maggie Smith. The matriarch, and a force to be reckoned with. She’s mean, she's meddlesome and she has an acid tongue. She's going to make you laugh, and when you do, it's going to feel inappropriate.


Maggie Smith stars as The Right Honourable Violet Crawley, Countess of Grantham

The history

This is no doubt a period drama, but it’s not just any period piece. Within it's very well scripted dialogue, it makes reference to a number of significant historical events that play a role within the plot - think World War I, the Russian Revolutuion, Women's Rights. In other words, watch and learn, you’ll be the brightest spark at the water cooler if that iceberg issue ever comes up.

The ranks

Then there is the issue of class. The differences are explored from two very different view points: the servant's looking up and the family looking down on them. Position is everything. Life is awesome if you're an aristocrat and not so cool if you're anyone else.

The awards

The miniseries has garnered many awards receiving nods from the Emmys, the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes. It's been recognised for outstanding cinematography, outstanding costumes as well as sound.

Once you've seen episode one, you'll have more than five reasons why you're going to keep watching. Tune into BBC Entertainment for what promises to be some spectacular viewing. Catch the premiere of Downton Abbey on Sunday at 20:30.

Sources:
PBS
BBC Entertainment