Do You Need to Watch Downton Abbey Series Before Movie?

Overview

Downton Abbey is a popular British period drama that has captivated viewers around the world. The series has now been made into a movie, which will be released in September 2019. But do you need to watch the series before seeing the film? This article explores why you should give the series a try, the differences between the two mediums, and how to get the most out of the series if you decide to watch it.

I. Introduction

Downton Abbey is a beloved British period drama created by Julian Fellowes and starring Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Maggie Smith. The series follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. It first aired in 2010 and ran for six seasons until 2015. Now, the series has been made into a movie, which will be released in September 2019.

The question remains: do you need to watch the series before seeing the movie? In this article, we explore why you should give the series a try, the differences between the two mediums, and how to get the most out of the series if you decide to watch it.

II. An Overview of Downton Abbey: Why You Should Give the Series a Try Before Watching the Upcoming Movie

Before we dive into the differences between the series and movie, let’s take a look at what makes Downton Abbey so unique and why you should give the series a try before viewing the movie.

A. Plot Overview

The show follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the early 20th century. The story begins in 1912 when the heir to the estate, Matthew Crawley, dies in a car accident, leaving the future of the estate uncertain. The show then follows the lives of the Crawleys and their servants as they attempt to adjust to the changing times and navigate the political and social upheavals of the Edwardian era.

B. Historical Context

The show is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. World War I looms on the horizon and there is a sense of impending doom. The show also deals with issues such as class divisions, gender roles, and the changing roles of women in society.

C. Reasons to Watch

The show is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters are complex and the story is engaging. It’s also a great way to learn about British history and culture.

III. A Comparison of the Downton Abbey Series and Movie: Is It Necessary to Watch the Series First?

Now that we’ve explored the reasons why you should give the series a try, let’s take a look at the differences between the series and movie and whether or not it is necessary to watch the series before viewing the film.

A. Differences between the Series and Movie

The movie picks up where the series left off, but the tone and pacing are different. The movie is more fast-paced and action-packed than the series, focusing on a single plot thread rather than multiple storylines. The movie also features new characters and includes some scenes that were not featured in the series.

B. Pros and Cons of Watching the Series before the Movie

Watching the series before the movie has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, watching the series first gives you a better understanding of the characters and plotlines, making the movie more enjoyable. On the other hand, watching the series can be time consuming and may make the movie less enjoyable if you’re not a fan of the series.

IV. Exploring the Characters and Storylines of Downton Abbey: What You’ll Miss If You Skip the Series

Let’s take a closer look at the characters and storylines of Downton Abbey and what you’ll miss if you skip the series.

A. Character Descriptions

The show features a wide array of characters, from the aristocratic Crawley family to their servants. Each character is complex and multi-faceted, with their own motivations, ambitions, and flaws. Even the minor characters are memorable and have an impact on the story.

B. Major Storylines

The show is full of compelling storylines. Some of the major plot threads include the death of Matthew Crawley, the romance between Lady Mary and Matthew, the relationship between Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson, and the changing roles of women in society.

V. A Guide to Watching Downton Abbey: What You Need to Know Before Viewing the Movie

If you’ve decided to watch the series before the movie, here’s what you need to know.

A. Where to Stream

Downton Abbey is available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It is also available to purchase or rent on iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

B. Tips for Binge-Watching

Binge-watching can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your viewing experience:

• Take breaks between episodes to digest what you’ve seen and allow yourself to become invested in the characters and storylines.
• Make sure to watch the featurettes and behind-the-scenes footage to gain insight into the production process.
• Discuss the show with friends and family to gain new perspectives and insights.
• Keep snacks and beverages handy to fuel your binge-watching session.

VI. The Impact of Downton Abbey: How the Series Changed Television History

Downton Abbey has had a huge impact on television history. Let’s take a look at the critical reception and cultural significance of the show.

A. Critical Reception

The show has received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards. It has also been praised for its production values and writing.

B. Cultural Significance

The show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fashion trends, merchandise, and even a theme park attraction. It has also spawned a number of spin-offs and parodies.

VII. The Benefits of Binge-Watching Downton Abbey: How to Get the Most Out of the Series

Binge-watching Downton Abbey offers a number of benefits. Here’s how to get the most out of the series.

A. Rewatchability

One of the best things about Downton Abbey is that it is highly rewatchable. There are always new details to discover and new nuances to appreciate. Watching the series multiple times is a great way to deepen your understanding of the show.

B. Engaging Storytelling

The show is masterfully written and directed, creating an immersive viewing experience. The characters are complex and the storylines are engaging. Watching the series will leave you wanting more.

VIII. The Pros and Cons of Watching Downton Abbey Before the Movie: Making an Informed Decision

To recap, here are the pros and cons of watching Downton Abbey before the movie:

A. Advantages of Watching the Series

• You will gain a better understanding of the characters and storylines.
• You will be able to appreciate the nuances of the show.
• You will be able to appreciate the historical context.
• You will be able to enjoy the show in its entirety.

B. Disadvantages of Watching the Series

• It can be time-consuming.
• It may make the movie less enjoyable if you are not a fan of the series.
• It may be difficult to keep track of all the characters and storylines.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you choose to watch the Downton Abbey series before the movie is up to you. While watching the series can be time-consuming and may not be for everyone, it does offer a number of advantages such as gaining a better understanding of the characters and storylines, appreciating the nuances of the show, and enjoying the show in its entirety.

of Key Points

This article explored the advantages and disadvantages of watching the Downton Abbey series before the upcoming movie. We discussed why you should give the series a try, the differences between the two mediums, and how to get the most out of the series if you decide to watch it.

B. Final Thoughts

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to watch the series before the movie is a personal decision. If you decide to watch the series, make sure to take breaks between episodes and discuss the show with friends and family to gain new perspectives and insights.