‘Downton Abbey’ season 6 will reportedly be its last

Apparently, “Downton Abbey’s” writers and producers may have a chance to stop answering the infernal question soon about whether or not the show is ending. Based on the latest signs, it appears that the ITV series / cultural institution will indeed end after season six.

This news was confirmed by sources to TVLine, and there is a very simple reason for it: The cast members’ contracts are mostly expiring, and with many of them interested in moving on to other projects, it no longer makes sense to continue on the show. They were able to survive without Matthew and Sybil, but losing the likes of Cora, Robert, Violet, Edith, or many other familiar faces would be too much for the series to overcome.

Ultimately, there is nothing to be ashamed of if this is when the series does decide to end. After all, it has had quite the incredible run on TV and generated huge ratings. You also never want something to overstay its welcome, and it was starting to feel like if the show went on past the upcoming season, it would run the risk of that happening. This way, it can have a proper conclusion.

We have already heard that Julian Fellowes plans to work on his new drama, “The Gilded Age” over on NBC, at some point this year. That is another sign this show is ending, since he vowed to never really work full-time on both shows. Who knows? Maybe a few cast members from “Downton Abbey” could hop on over to this new project; then again, maybe they are mostly tired with period pieces.

What do you think at the moment about this report, and would you be sad if this is indeed the end of the road? Let us know right now with a comment, and head over here to get some other TV news sent over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ITV.)