‘Downton Abbey’ season 6: Is Julian Fellowes starting to look ahead to new series?

There has been a variety of evidence coming out as of late about the future of “Downton Abbey.” Actors have started to book more representation in America, Maggie Smith is talking about the finite nature of the series, and many contracts are about to expire.

Now, we bring you another piece of evidence that the days for Downton may be numbered: Creator Julian Fellowes is starting to think about “The Gilded Age.” It was over two years ago when it was first revealed that he was looking to make a new series about the age of industry in America. However, he has stated since then that he would not ramp up work on that series until things for “Downton Abbey” were starting to wind down. Now, we bring you the following quote to the New York Times on the subject of the series:

“I’m going to do the pilot this year. I’ve got a list of potential advisers, and I am a big, big fan of Edith Wharton and Henry James and that period of history after the Civil War — the Vanderbilts and the Whitneys and all of those people. As for adapting what I write for American audiences, American audiences have enjoyed “Downton.” I try and make TV shows that I’m going to want to watch. And when I’m reading it, I’m saying to myself: “Is this boring? Are you still enjoying this scene? Shouldn’t it be over by now?” [laughs] I can’t imagine my departing from that principle very far.”

This does not necessarily mean that Fellowes will be saying goodbye to “Downton Abbey” this upcoming season, but it seems likely. Maybe you can stretch the show into two more seasons, but after that it really seems like time for all to move on. If Fellowes does make the pilot for this show later this year and it is picked up (likely, given his resume), we imagine that it would be for the 2016-17 TV season. Therefore, it’s still a little ways down the road.

Do you want to see Fellowes make this new series? Share with a comment, and head over here to get some other TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)