Why Is 'Downton Abbey' More Popular Than 'The Crown'?

In the realm of historical dramas, 'Downton Abbey' and 'The Crown' stand among the most popular and critically acclaimed series. However, the former has garnered significantly more popularity compared to the latter. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this popularity gap, focusing on the quality of writing, narrative structure, historical accuracy, and the behind-the-scenes factors that shaped these series.

Historical Context and Storytelling

Understanding the Differences Between 'Downton Abbey' and 'The Crown'

'Downton Abbey' is a series that focuses on the lives of an aristocratic family and their staff during the early 20th century. In contrast, 'The Crown' is a much more recent series, set in the post-World War II era, and deeply rooted in the British Royal Family. Despite the latter's heavy emphasis on historical accuracy, the former's narrative prowess has overshadowed the latter in terms of popularity and critical acclaim.

Superior Writing and Narrative Structure

Why 'Downton Abbey' Stands Out

Downton Abbey was blessed with an exceptional screenplay writer, Julian Fellowes, who is an Oscar-winning screenwriter and actor. Fellowes' expertise in storytelling cannot be understated, as he is adept at crafting tightly structured narratives that captivate audiences. His Downton Abbey was not only a source of entertainment but also a subtle reflection of the class dynamics and societal changes of the early 20th century.

Evaluation of 'The Crown'

The Crown, on the other hand, was primarily conceived as a hatchet job on a government institution, with particular malice directed at King Charles III. The narrative was not just about entertainment; it often sacrificed truth for the sake of a comic-book style portrayal. This approach led to a disconnect between the audience and the historical events it was supposed to represent, as evidenced in the last two series, which were widely considered laughable by many critics.

Historical Accuracy vs. Fictional Portrayal

The Role of Royal Families in Both Series

Historically, 'Downton Abbey' is set in a time when the British Royal Family and aristocracy coexisted in a rigid social hierarchy. However, 'Downton Abbey' never claimed to be a true portrayal of the royal family. Instead, it fictionalized life among British aristocrats, creating a narrative that was both entertaining and believable.

Comparison with 'The Crown'

The Crown, in contrast, aimed to be a true representation of the British monarchy, but the writing was often marred by bias and lack of authentic input. Historian advisor Robert Lacey, reliable up to a point, did not hide his impatience with the attitudes of some members of the royal family, particularly the late Queen Elizabeth and her heir, King Charles III. This attitude seeped into the writing, creating a skewed narrative.

The Importance of Casting

Impact of Casting on a Show's Success

Another factor that contributed to the popularity of 'Downton Abbey' was its strong casting. The first two series featured excellent performances that resonated with viewers. Pip Torrens, who played 'Tommy' Lascelles, was particularly praised. However, the casting in the subsequent seasons suffered, detracting from the overall quality of the show.

Cast of 'The Crown'

The casting of 'The Crown' was generally good in the first two series, but it dipped significantly thereafter. While Pip Torrens delivered a standout performance, other cast members' portrayals were less convincing and contributed to the decline in the show's quality.

The Role of Writing Staff

Impact of the Writers' Backgrounds

Ultimately, the differences in popularity between 'Downton Abbey' and 'The Crown' can be attributed to the backgrounds and intentions of the writers. Julian Fellowes, with his background in the same social circles as the aristocrats he portrayed, understood the nuances of the era. His Downton Abbey featured a well-crafted narrative that was both engaging and vibrant.

The Crown's Writers and Their Background

Peter Morgan, the writer behind 'The Crown', has never been part of royal or high aristocratic circles. His clear aim was to cast the royal family in a negative light, emphasizing their flaws and foibles. This approach, combined with a lack of reliable input from those who knew the royal family intimately, resulted in a less compelling narrative.

Conclusion

To conclude, the popularity of 'Downton Abbey' over 'The Crown' can be attributed to multiple factors, including superior writing, tight narrative structure, and a realistic portrayal of aristocratic life. While 'The Crown' aimed to be a true historical representation, its biased and unconvincing narrative ultimately contributed to its less favorable reception. 'Downton Abbey', on the other hand, was a carefully crafted tale that combined entertainment with historical insight, resonating with audiences and critics alike.