‘Downton Abbey’ season 6: Filming begins on Christmas Special / series finale

For all of those out there who enjoy “Downton Abbey,” we do come today bearing some reasonably sad news that the end is just about here for the ITV series. This week, filming began for the Christmas Special, which is going to by the same token serve as the grand finale for the entire series.

Is that difficult to swallow? Sure, mostly because of the fact that this is a beloved series that has been around for a long period of time. You want to think ideally that these sort of shows can and will be around forever, even when they are not. However, at the same time we know that this is a show that has had a wonderful run in the time that it has spent on television. British series rarely last six seasons unless you are talking about a soap like “Coronation Street.” Therefore, this one getting to run for this long is a crazy blessing.

As for how the series could end, there are a few clues that are floating around out there:

1. There are no plans to push the series onward into World War II.

2. Given the tone of the show, we don’t imagine anything that is entirely heartbreaking.

3. At the same time, it is possible that Robert, Cora, and the other residents of Downton may have to come to terms with the fact that the world is starting to change before their eyes. These big estates are starting to lose a little of their status and influence.

If you do want to get some other updates when it comes to “Downton Abbey,” head over here to see what Michelle Dockery plans on doing moving forward! Also, you can sign up if you are curious to have some other great TV news sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)