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Season 2 – Downton Abbey

Play trailer Poster for Season 2 – Downton Abbey 2011 Holiday History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
This British drama series follows the lives of the Crawley family and its servants in the family's classic Georgian country house. The series begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, which leaves Downton Abbey's future in jeopardy, since the presumptive heirs of Robert, Earl of Grantham -- his cousin James, and James' son, Patrick -- die in the catastrophe, leaving the family without a male offspring to take over Downton when the current lord dies. The point is important since Lord Grantham's children are daughters -- Ladies Mary, Edith and Sybil, but the facets of their lives and of those of the below-stairs staff -- also a highly regimented world -- have fascinating story lines.
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Downton Abbey — Season 2

Downton Abbey — Season 2

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Critics Consensus

With its excellent cast and resplendent period trappings, Downton Abbey continues to weave a bewitching, ingratiating spell.

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Critics Reviews

View All (28) Critics Reviews
Gretchen Sisson Bitch Media [There's] a nuance to the show that is missing in other television representations of class. Jan 11, 2021 Full Review John Griffiths Us Weekly The delicious period drama returns, and is even more grandly addictive. Rated: 4/5 Sep 15, 2017 Full Review John Anderson America Magazine Downton Abbey is a soap opera, albeit one that appeals to people who would never willingly admit to an appetite for soap operas. May 4, 2017 Full Review Jasper Rees The Arts Desk It's usually crude, often maddening, sometimes plain baffling. Also horribly addictive. Jul 19, 2018 Full Review Ed Bark Uncle Barky Downton Abbey looks for all the world as though it's steaming steadily toward happy or at least contented endings for one and all. So be it -- and so it should be. Rated: A Jun 29, 2016 Full Review Matt Roush TV Guide For those of us who hungered for a year to witness these new chapters, the appetite is insatiable Jun 29, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (13) audience reviews
Nicolaas J Season 2 of Downton Abbey is nothing short of breathtaking. Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War I, this season raises the stakes emotionally, socially, and dramatically, and delivers a stunning continuation of the Crawley family saga. The writing sharpens, the characters deepen, and the performances? Absolutely unforgettable. Maggie Smith once again reigns supreme as Violet, the Dowager Countess. Her delivery of razor-sharp wit is matched only by her ability to convey a world of emotion beneath every withering remark. Whether sparring with her contemporaries or offering unexpected moments of tenderness, Smith gives a performance that is simply iconic. Hugh Bonneville shines as Lord Grantham, wrestling with the burden of duty in a world crumbling under war. His steady presence and internal conflict feel real and immediate—his character evolves with the times, and Bonneville plays each note with elegance and weight. And Michelle Dockery? She delivers an absolutely powerhouse performance this season. Lady Mary is complex, cold, passionate, and painfully human, and Dockery plays her with striking grace. Her emotional journey—from heartbreak to sacrifice to hope—is one of the most compelling arcs on television. Season 2 doesn’t just build on the success of its predecessor—it elevates the entire show. The cinematography is gorgeous, the costume design flawless, and the storytelling so rich it feels like diving into history itself. From the trenches of France to the halls of Downton, every moment feels vital and alive. Simply put, Season 2 is television at its most refined. Emotional, intelligent, and utterly captivating. Bravo. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/25/25 Full Review Wyatt E My favorite season of the entire TV series, with great drama, new characters, and a solid plot with good tension and supesne, certainly a season that keeps you on your toes and eager to keep watching Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/29/24 Full Review matthias s "Downton Abbey Season 2 is a captivating rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous era of World War I, where the Crawley family and their loyal staff navigate love, loss, and the ever-changing landscape of British society. From the heart-wrenching drama of war to the upstairs/downstairs intrigue, this season delivers non-stop entertainment. The impeccable performances by the talented ensemble cast bring depth and emotion to each character's journey, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. The addition of new characters and the expansion of existing storylines inject fresh energy into the series, while still maintaining the signature charm and wit that fans adore. With its lavish period costumes, stunning set design, and gripping storytelling, Downton Abbey Season 2 is a must-watch for anyone craving a blend of history and drama. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this season promises to leave you eagerly anticipating what's next for the residents of Downton Abbey." Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/24 Full Review Li M Wonderful. Performances are fabulous. Characters are endearing. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/24 Full Review Henry J Hmm. Something is not quite right. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/27/23 Full Review David C War, politics, relationship dramas, and the delightful trappings of a beautiful period drama in one well executed season. Bravo! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Downton Abbey — Season 2

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 18, 2011 As the period drama returns for a second season, new housemaid Ethel has replaced Gwen, but she soon irritates many of the staff. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 25, 2011 Robert's new valet, Henry Lang, has just returned from the war, but O'Brien notices that he is not at all well. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 2, 2011 Downton has been turned into a convalescent home for wounded officers, and there is a lot to do; the arrival of the first patients has everyone scurrying. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 9, 2011 Tensions flare between Isobel and Cora over the management of the convalescent home; Ethel's flirtation with Maj. Bryant lands her in more trouble than she could have anticipated. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 16, 2011 Bates is taken aback when Vera threatens to expose old secrets which could bring down the Crawleys. Mary is the only one who can protect the family, but she pays a high price when she turns to Carlisle for help. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 23, 2011 Isobel has plans for Downton to continue to help the war wounded in some way after Robert's announcement that the ceasefire will begin on Nov. 11. Details Episode 7 Aired Oct 30, 2011 A new development stuns the family. Sybil and Branson try to keep their secret safe. Carlisle puts Anna in a difficult position; Bates is left reeling from the news about Vera, and Thomas embarks on a new money-making scheme. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 6, 2011 Spanish flu reaches Downton, and desperate Thomas looks for a way to re-establish himself. Ethel faces a dilemma when the Bryants return with a heartbreaking proposition. Decisive, Anna forces Bates to think about their future. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 25, 2011 Christmas at Downton Abbey Tensions arise as Downton Abbey hosts a lavish Christmas party. Details
Beecham House 46% 67% Beecham House Watchlist Upstairs Downstairs % 80% Upstairs Downstairs Watchlist Kingdom 82% 93% Kingdom Watchlist Life Is Wild 47% 86% Life Is Wild Watchlist Upstairs, Downstairs % % Upstairs, Downstairs Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Season Info

Director
Brian Kelly, James Strong, Ashley Pearce, Andy Goddard, Brian Percival
Screenwriter
Julian Fellowes
Network
ITV
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Holiday, History, Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Sep 18, 2011
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