[higgmeister]

Yes, but the Earl's wife is American à la Jenny Churchill. His heir is a slightly distant middle class cousin with a foreboding angst of his elevated circumstance. Edwardian and World War social changes have caused great upheaval in the Manor and extended estate.

That, and the fact that the setting is Highclere Castle, the ancestral home of Lord Carnarvon, designed by the builder of the Parliament buildings, with grounds designed by Capability Brown and you have a show not to be missed.

One of the actresses pointed out in an interview that she imagined the show would be a hit because they started the original series with three Oscar winners.

[Vanders9]

Yes, I can imagine having three Oscar winners would be a bit of a plus!