‘Downton Abbey’: Christmas special preview still to come; season 5 renewal official

For those of you who watched all of “Downton Abbey” tonight hoping that there would be at least some sort of preview at the end of it for the upcoming Christmas special, we imagine right now must have you feeling a certain amount of sadness. There was no promo after the episode, and you will likely be waiting for a few more weeks to see some video footage from this episode.

Based on the events that transpired in the finale, there is still a lot to look forward to in between Mary (spoiler alert!) trying to choose between Charles Blake and Lord Gillingham, Edith wondering how to plan the future of her unborn child, and Bates possibly murdering Mr. Green. He is denying almost everything thrown at him for the time being, but is anyone in the authorities going to be alerted? Will they figure this one out? If they talk to the right people (and these said people are willing to talk), there is at least a reasonable amount of evidence that is out there.

There was some other official news that came out at the end of this episode, and that was ITV confirming the news that everyone saw coming a mile away: The series is going to be back for a fifth season on the network next fall. The ratings are still pretty darn phenomenal, and there is no reason for any other decision to be made on the subject.

In confirming the news, the show’s own executive producer in Gareth Neame had the following to say in a statement:

“Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year. We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year.”

There will of course be plenty of opportunities to speak about season 5 in the months ahead, but there is still admittedly one other order of business to attend to first … and it’s a big one. Just remember what happened last time at the Christmas special if you need evidence.

Want to read some more “Downton Abbey” news? Then click here for our debate about whether or not season 5 should be the end for the show.

Photo: ITV