Downton Abbey was an extremely popular historical drama that followed the Crawley family and their staff members as they struggle to keep their estate from falling into a stranger's hands while also securing a future for the Crawley line. Created and co-written by Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey was so universally acclaimed that it made the Guinness World Records, per Deadline, as the most critically acclaimed series in 2011. The series has won a staggering number of awards, including a whopping 27 Primetime Emmy Awards, and has even spawned two new films, both of which have been subject to critical acclaim thanks to Fellowes’ flawless formula.

The original TV series ran from 2010 to 2015 and though it only totaled six seasons, its popularity was enough to rival any other. The impact of the show on the audience was enough to revive some fashions seen throughout the series. The show also drew a great deal of attention to where the show was filmed and the real-life building that acts as Downton Abbey in the show (known as Highclere Castle). Now, many who haven’t seen the show have wondered how Downton Abbey has been able to maintain such a high level of popularity over the years — here's how.

Many Struggles Are Timeless

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PBS

While Downton Abbey is a period drama, many of the struggles seen within the show are timelessly relatable. Despite being set during the Edwardian era, the show managed to keep the audience hooked by having universally relatable struggles that withstand the test of time. Whether it's Edith’s inability to find someone to love or Sybil’s fight for equal rights, Downton Abbey is packed with struggles that the audience can relate to. Thanks to the tactful writing of Julian Fellowes, there is also a great deal of variety in the conflict throughout the series, catering to all different types of audience members. This is part of what makes the series one of the most popular shows of all time.

Related: Downton Abbey: A New Era Review: A Superb Sequel Continues the Crawley Legacy

Julian Fellowes' Phenomenal Writing

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PBS

Thanks to Julian Fellowes, who previously won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for his work on Gosford Park, Downton Abbey was given the best opportunity to shine under his name. From creating memorable characters that warm our hearts, from Lady Sybil to the conniving O’Brien, Fellowes’ character creation is unmatched by any other. He manages to create not only some of the most lovable characters ever written, but also some of the most despicable ever created. Fellowes has his formula for engaging storytelling as proven by his work on the films Downton Abbey and the newly released sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era. The irresistible way in which Fellowes develops a story and the characters within is a huge draw to the Downton Abbey franchise.

Covers Historical Tragedies

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From the unexpected sinking of the Titanic to the effects of World War I on the social world, Downton Abbey perfectly covered real-life tragedies throughout history. Fellowes kick-started the series with the sinking of the Titanic; this is what spawned the plot of the entire series as the original heir to the Downton estate was on the Titanic when it sank, causing great devastation to the Crawley family as the future of the family is now thrown up in the air. Many of the historical tragedies seen in Downton Abbey, including WWI and the Influenza Epidemic, led to a great deal of change during that period in history. All of these draw the audience even more as it shows them how these events changed the world and the people living in it.

Related: Downton Abbey: Every Crawley Family Member, Ranked by Kindness

Shows Both Sides of the Story

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Downton Abbey is known for not only telling the story from the Crawley’s perspective, but also showing the lives and struggles of the staff at Downton Abbey, whose working-class struggles differ greatly from the aristocratic Crawleys. While the staff’s troubles are more along the lines of climbing the ranks at work or suffering from an unplanned pregnancy, the staff have their own set of struggles. That said, seeing the staff and the Crawleys have their conflicts presented side by side not only shows the differences between the aristocrats and the working-class, but also shows some common struggles, including dealing with the loss of a loved one and finding love. Showing both sides of the story bridges the divide between the staff and the Crawleys making the show even more relatable for the viewers.

Maggie Smith’s Performance

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PBS

A huge name in British TV is the legendary Dame Maggie Smith, one of the few artists to earn the “Triple Crown of Acting”, earning two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. Known for her role as Minerva McGonagall in the beloved Harry Potter movies, among a number of other films and TV shows, Smith is a face that all can recognize. In Downton Abbey, Smith plays the role of Lady Violet Crawley AKA The Dowager Countess. With her quick wit and sharp tongue, the Dowager quickly became beloved for her lack of filter and her ability to dish out harsh truths with a sense of humor, making her character a favorite of many. As the series drew on, the Dowager became a big draw for many viewers, which is the main reason that, per The List, when Smith wanted to withdraw from the show after season six, it was only appropriate that the show came to a close.