Editor’s Pick: “Downton Abbey”

As the largest commercial television network in the United Kingdom, ITV has a wide variety of shows in its repertoire. One of its latest hits has subsequentl become increasingly popular not only in the United Kingdom, but also across the pond here in America. This show is "Downton Abbey," a period drama that premiered in the fall of 2010.

"Downton Abbey" follows the aristocratic Crawley family and its servants in the early twentieth century. The show is named for the manor house in which the family resides. The audience is introduced to the family immediately after the Titanic sinks in April 1912.

In the premiere episode, the inhabitants of the Abbey are shaken by the news that the family's cousin (and heir apparent to the estate) appears to have been aboard the Titanic and died. Thus the Abbey is left in turmoil as it struggles to adapt to the changes this devastating event has forced.

As the show continues, the family moves through the years, eventually having to face World War I and the horrors that it brings.

Throughout the show, the servants of the Crawley family play just as important a role as their aristocratic counterparts.

The division of storyline serves to highlight the class differences that prevailed at the time, while also revealing the many ways in which the lives of the "upstairs" family intersect with the "downstairs" employees. For example, when the family's eldest daughter, Lady Mary Crawley, is involved in a situation that threatens to engulf all of Downton in scandal, the ramifications of her act may extend so far as to destroy the happiness of her trusted lady's maid.

A core theme of the show is that, even in times of difficulty, there is still the potential for the bonds of love and family to become ever stronger; however, at the same time, betrayal, jealousy and ambition always loom over the Abbey, threatening to destroy every step of progress made.

It may seem shocking how the inhabitants of Downton can continue with their daily lives and even enhance them, when so much strife — both personal and on a larger scale — threatens to engulf their lives on an almost daily basis. For instance, in the midst of World War I, Downton becomes a convalescent hospital.

Every member of the household is, as a result, drawn into the fray and forced to aid the war effort, making innumerable sacrifices along the way.

Overall, "Downton Abbey" is a phenomenal program, but with its talented roster of directors, writers and actors, anything less would be shocking.

The show was created, written and produced by Julian Fellowes, the British writer of the screenplay for The Young Victoria.

 The show has received countless nominations and awards since its premier, including 11 Emmy nominations and 6 Emmy wins in 2011.

 "Downton Abbey" features an extremely talented ensemble cast which includes Hugh Bonneville (Iris), Elizabeth McGovern (Kick-Ass) and Maggie Smith (Harry Potter).

The first season of the show is available to view on Netflix, and PBS is currently showing season two on Sundays at 9 p.m. in the United States and on PBS.com.

The cast is currently filming the third season.