After 12 years, six series and now two movies, you might think Elizabeth McGovern would have come to some conclusion about why Downton Abbey has been one of the most successful TV shows of all time.
But the US actress, who stars as Lady Cora Crawley in the British drama, is still at a loss to explain why viewers love the goings-on on the Downton estate so much.
“People have asked me over the years why the show has succeeded and I have no idea,” she admits. “I don’t understand it and we never expected it. Being so successful was the last thing on anybody’s mind. But I am just grateful.”
When probed further about why 120 million people worldwide have watched the show since it started in 2010, she ponders, “I suppose people connect to it for different reasons. I think it comes down to good stories, but I also think people enjoy escaping to a different period of time. It is nice to forget where you are for a couple of hours.”
Viewers get the chance to escape with the Crawleys and their staff for a couple more hours when the second movie based on the TV series, Downton Abbey: A New Era, is released here on April 28.
Slipping back into the glamorous gowns and portraying the Countess of Grantham once again was not difficult, says Elizabeth, 60, thanks to great writing from Julian Fellowes and the camaraderie among the cast.
This story is from the April 18, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 18, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy