Americans watch Downton Abbey for the first time – and one thing stands out

It’s the British period drama that captivated millions — a sweeping tale of lords, maids, scandals, and silverware. But with the final Downton Abbey film hitting theatres, I wondered: would Americans still connect with this ultra-English world of corsets and class systems? To find out, I asked two New Orleanians, who had never seen ITV's Downton Abbey before, to give it a go. And while they expected stiff upper lips and serious drama, what actually stood out surprised them.

Brad Collins, a local business owner based in the historic French Market, admitted he was expecting to be bored.“I figured it would be like one of those old costume dramas my mum used to watch,” he said. “But it turns out, Downton Abbey is hilarious — in that dry British way.” He couldn’t get enough of the one-liners from characters like Violet Crawley, played by Dame Maggie Smith. “She’s brutal! The old lady says what everyone’s thinking, but in the most polite, cutting way possible,” Brad laughed.

“I had to rewind a couple scenes just to catch everything.”

But the standout for him? “The accents, man. I don’t know what half of them are saying — but I love it,” he joked. “I could listen to them talk about tea for hours.”

Anna Harris, a local high school teacher, was equally surprised by the wit packed into a show known for its elegance and restraint.

“I always assumed it would be really slow, like lots of sitting in parlours and talking about inheritance,” she said. “But it’s actually really sharp. There’s so much humour layered under everything.”

And while the setting — an aristocratic estate navigating the early 20th century — felt miles away from modern America, Anna said it still resonated.

“The show finds ways to make the big stuff — grief, love, change — feel very human. Even if they’re in gowns and calling each other ‘my lord,’ it still hits.”

She also praised the cast and pacing: “It’s not over-the-top. The acting is subtle, the writing’s smart. And it’s kind of addictive once you’re in the world. I get why people love it.”

Both viewers said they were now planning to watch the full series — or at least enough to understand the context for the latest (and reportedly final) Downton Abbey movie, which will hit UK cinemas next month.

In the film, the Crawley family gathers one last time for a farewell to Downton, as beloved characters return for a grand closing chapter.

“I might actually go see it now,” said Brad. “Didn’t think I’d be the type, but here we are.”

Turns out, all it takes is a manor house, a sharp-tongued dowager, and a few posh accents — and even Americans raised on football and fried chicken are ready to jump on the Downton bandwagon.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hits UK cinemas on September 12, and will later be available to stream on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.