If you’ve been looking for a show that will take you from the mundane everyday and transport you to a world of intrigue and class, then you have to watch (or rewatch) Downton Abbey.
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Downton Abbey was a British TV show that ran for six amazing seasons on PBS and even produced a major motion picture in 2019. It was written by Julian Fellowes and his fascinating storylines coupled with his clever and witty dialogue captivated audiences all around the world.
The show follows the lives of the Crawley family and the lives of the servants who tend to them. In honor of the second Downton Abbey major motion picture that is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 20, 2022, today’s post is all about Downton Abbey and I can’t wait to share 7 Ways to Get Yourself Ready to Watch Downton Abbey: A New Era.
The most obvious way to prepare yourself to see the upcoming Downton Abbey film is by binge watching the show and the first movie. I discovered Downton Abbey by pure chance. One night I was channel surfing, trying to find something to watch, and I landed on PBS. Growing up I’d had a History teacher named Mrs. Walker who said that if you were ever looking for something good to watch on TV try PBS because they always aired interesting documentaries and shows. By a stroke of luck the first episode of Downton Abbey was premiering, so I snuggled on my couch and began to watch it – and quickly fell in love with the world Julian Fellowes created. Every time I watch the show now I still get the same cozy feeling I got when I watched the first episode. This series is like a warm hug.
One of my favorite parts of the show is when the Crawleys ring Carson, their faithful butler, for tea. So the best way to make yourself feel like you’ve stepped in the Downton Abbey library is by making yourself a nice cup of tea. The Republic of Tea released a few Downton Abbey special edition teas that you can find on Amazon. Pour yourself a cup and savor it while you watch the show.
If you’ve ever seen the series then you know Mrs. Patmore and Daisy run the kitchen of Downton Abbey. They’re always cooking up delicious dinners or baking scrumptious desserts for the Crawleys and their dinner guests to enjoy. The kitchen scenes are some of my favorites because there’s so much action in them. Before you go and see the new film, I suggest getting in your kitchen and baking up something sweet to share with your family and friends.
If baking or drinking tea is not really your thing, then listening to a podcast can be a great alternative to getting you ready for the movie. In March 2022 the Downton Abbey Official Podcast became available on iTunes and it’s perfect for any fan of the series. Each episode is hosted by Jacquelin Coley and Anita Rani (two Downton Abbey super fans) and you can hear interviews with cast members and the creators of the show as well as behind-the-scenes information from the show.
Another way to get yourself pumped about the film is to read the Downton Abbey series companion books that were written by Jessica Fellowes, the niece of the show’s creator, Julian Fellowes, and Emma Rowley. There’s one for each season of the show and the first movie and each book is jam packed with facts and gorgeous pictures of Highclere Castle (where Downton Abbey was filmed) and the cast and crew.
When you finish watching the series and you still need a Downton Abbey fix you’ve got to check out these movies and TV shows:
- Gosford Park (Movie) (Amazon Prime, VUDU)
- Upstairs, Downstairs (Series) (Hulu, Amazon Prime, BritBox)
- Doctor Thorne (Series) (Amazon Prime)
- The Gilded Age (Series) (HBOMax)
- Pride & Prejudice 2005 version (Movie) (HBOMax, Amazon Prime)
- Jane Eyre 2011 version (Movie) (Amazon Prime)
- The English Game (Series) (Netflix)
- The Forsyte Saga (Series) (Amazon Prime, Apple TV)
If you still don’t want to leave the world of Downton Abbey then you’ve got to check out these books:
- Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon
- The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky
- A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood
- At Somerton Series by Leila Rasheed
- The Flappers Series by Jillian Larkin
- Upstairs & Downstairs: The Illustrated Guide to the Real World of Downton Abbey by Sarah Warwick
My Favorite Downton Abbey Quotes:
Downton Abbey: A New Era opens in theaters in US on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Verse of the Day: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. – Philippians 4:8
