Downton Abbey may have been a massive success in the UK, but even in his wildest dreams, Julian Fellowes surely couldn’t have imagined the impact the Downton could have on the other side of the Atlantic.
With the news that the finale to Downton Abbey’s third series broke ratings records for its American channel PBS with an astonishing 24 million people tuning in, it really is true that America has gone cuckoo for the adventures of the Crawley clan.
But why is it that the land of Stars and Stripes has taken this period piece to heart so gladly? Well, we’re here to help with that little conundrum.
It’s Super British
Well, at least it appears to be for the American audience. Downton presents an absolutely chocolate box version of Britain, one that largely doesn’t have to deal with all the sexism, poverty and other nasty aspects of the period in Britain.
This is a Britain filled with tea-parties and cucumber sandwiches, which is something that the hordes of Anglophiles across the pond can’t seem to get enough of. The only way it could possibly get more English for many in America is if Judi Dench showed up as the Queen on a red bus being driven by Doctor Who.
It’s Cool
Downton has created something that all TV shows strive to create. A cultural impact. Downton has become a talking point in America, a topic that branches out further than most TV discussion usually does.
And, just like Lost and the cult that formed around Breaking Bad, people want to be clued into the latest big thing that’s gripping popular culture.
It’s Warm and Fuzzy
You hear the movies and TV shows have their endings changed to help keep the American audiences happy with warm, sugary finales.
While Downton can occaisionally pack a big old soapy punch, the majority of the show is actually quite cuddly. The finale that grabbed the record amount of viewers is all about an amateur cricket match. There are no bomb plots, no one’s going to get assassinated and the worst that might happen is that Lord Grantham might have his nose put a little out of joint.
No matter how bad things get in Downton, you always feel that somehow, it will all be ok in the end.
It’s Funny
While even the most ardent of Downton fans amongst us have occasionally rolled our eyes and just wanted the show to get on with it, the one constant factor that keeps us coming back time after time is that the show is genuinely funny. Whether it’s Carson blustering or Maggie Smith’s fantastic put-downs, the show has a rather good sense of humour.
It’s Something America Can’t Make
While costume dramas might be old hat to us Brits, the American’s simply don’t have them in the same way we do. America historical dramas tend to either involve cowboys or gangsters, as those are the two prevailing factors in America’s short, bloody history.
They’ve never had Lord and Ladies, so whenever they see a few old-timey costumes and people ‘taking their luncheon in the parlour’ it’s all new and exciting.
In a country where their culture has been the prevailing influence in the world of entertainment, this is a world where America has no option but to sit and watch.
Why do you think that Downton has become such a smash in America? Let us know in the comments section.
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