I rarely write about Downton Abbey these days, even though I’m still watching. I still care about many of the characters too, so go ahead and judge me. I enjoyed the fact that Lady Mary decided not to marry her aristocratic suitor after she banged him in a hotel (how bad was that sex?). I enjoyed the fact that Lady Edith finally grew a set and took back her baby and ran off to London briefly, before Violet confessed all to Cora and Cora convinced Edith to come back. See? I’m still involved. But it looks like I’m only going to be involved for one more season!! Yes, the rumors seem to be true – Downton is probably going to end after one more season, season 6, which is currently being filmed.

It’s truly the end of an era for Downton Abbey fans. The hit PBS drama is coming to an end…and it’s sooner than you think! Downton Abbey’s upcoming season six will be its last, according to reports. While the decision to end the network’s biggest show might come as a surprise to fans who have watched the British upstairs/downstairs drama since its series premiere, it actually makes a lot of sense, as all the cast contracts are set to expire at the end of season six.

In fact, Downton star Alan Leech, who plays Tom Branson on the show, told E! News before season five’s premiere that he couldn’t see the show going on past season six.

“In my heart of hearts, I can’t see it going more than two more [seasons],” Leech said. “I think the period of time we want to tell, we’re coming to the end that us as actors can keep playing these characters.”

[From E! News]

It’s an interesting period soap opera and while I haven’t loved every minute of it, I’ve enjoyed seeing the progression of many of the characters. I think it would be smart to end the show after season six, but it’s probably necessary too, what with the contracts running out. Michelle Dockery wants to do more films and move beyond Ice Queen Lady Mary. Hugh Bonneville will always work, he’s a treasure. And I suspect the rest of the cast all have projects lined up too. And honestly, I can’t go any more rounds with Mr. Bates and Anna. At all.

All of these photos are from the past week, where the cast was filming Season 6 in Wiltshire. Look at all of the cloche hats!!! Mary always has the best clothes, but I’m enjoying Edith’s costumes here especially.

Photos courtesy of WENN.