ByJennifer M Wood|May 8, 2022, 7:32 PM EDT
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Like Upstairs, Downstairs for the Twitter generation, Downton Abbey brought a bit of British history into the homes of millions of viewers for six seasons, and reinvigorated interest in 20th-century propriety. Though the series ended its small-screen run in March 2016, it’s still garnering a lot of buzz thanks to repeated viewings on PBS, its wide streaming availability on Netflix and Amazon Prime, a 2019 big-screen adaptation, and two big-screen adaptations.
Whether you’re a Downton newcomer or aristocratic expert, here are 15 fascinating facts about the lords and ladies of Downton Abbey.
1. E.R. AND CHICAGO HOPE INSPIRED ITS STRUCTURE.
In developing the structure for Downton Abbey, creator Julian Fellowes found inspiration in some unexpected places. “Constructing Downton, I was consciously thinking in terms of those American structures,” Fellowes said in Rebecca Eaton’s book, Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind the Scenes at Sherlock, Downton Abbey, Prime Suspect, Cranford, Upstairs Downstairs, and Other Great Shows. “I had liked E.R. There was something called Chicago Hope that I liked very much, and thirtysomething, with all these stories going at once.”
2. HUGH BONNEVILLE THINKS IT’S MORE LIKE BREAKING BAD.
When asked to sum up the series’ appeal at a party for Downton Abbey’s third season premiere, star Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley) joked that, “It’s Breaking Bad with tea instead of meth.”
3. GILLIAN ANDERSON COULD HAVE BEEN THE COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM.
While promoting her role in Masterpiece’s 2012 version of Great Expectations, The X-Files star Gillian Anderson expressed her hope that, “people will embrace [Great Expectations] with the same love that flowed toward Downton Abbey,” then shared that she was offered the role of Cora Crawley.
4. ELIZABETH MCGOVERN AND HUGH BONNEVILLE HAVE BEEN MARRIED BEFORE.
On screen, that is. The actors played husband and wife on the 2008 BBC series Freezing.
5. CORA WASN’T CREATED FOR AMERICAN AUDIENCES.
Some critics of the show have questioned Fellowes’s motive in developing a British series around an American character, with some assuming it was a strategic creative move in order to attract American audiences. “We weren’t thinking in those terms about foreign sales,” Fellowes told the Independent. “The advantage for me of having the American wife was it gave me a central character who was not dyed in the wool of the upper middle class upbringing, so you could have one of the principal characters who didn’t take all that stuff for granted, and questioned it, as Cora did. She was not consciously written for America. The fact that we would have a central character for American sales was much more clever than we were really.”
6. DOWNTON ABBEY IS REALLY HIGHCLERE CASTLE.
Much of the series is filmed at Highclere Castle, an estate in Hampshire, England that is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. In addition to being open to the public, the home can be rented for weddings and parties and occasionally operates as a hotel. In addition to its iconic exterior, the library, dining room, drawing room, and grand hallway seen in Downton Abbey belong to the real-life Highclere Castle.
7. THE SERVANTS’ QUARTERS ARE IN LONDON.
Because the servants’ quarters at Highclere Castle have been modernized, the series’ downstairs kitchen and attic living quarters were built at London’s Ealing Studios. Which means that the show’s producers needed to pay particularly close attention to continuity. “For example,” explained The World of Downton Abbey author (and niece of the show’s creator) Jessica Fellowes, “Thomas might be filmed leaving the kitchen with a plate of food for upstairs and would then appear two weeks later in the dining room!”
8. ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER TRIED TO PURCHASE HIGHCLERE CASTLE … FOR HIS ART COLLECTION.
In 2010, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (who lives in a neighboring estate) made an offer to purchase Highclere Castle, apparently as a home for his art collection. The Carnarvons kindly let Webber know that the property was not for sale. “I think it has more to do to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s desire to hang his art collection somewhere,” Lady Carnarvon told the Los Angeles Times. “Maybe it might help with his estate duties. He was not a friend and, therefore, might not be aware of our own art collection.” FYI: The estate is valued at approximately $240 million.
9. THE CASTLE REALLY DID OPERATE AS A HOSPITAL DURING WORLD WAR I.
During season two, Downton Abbey was turned into a convalescent home for soldiers. In real life, during World War I, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon did turn Highclere Castle into a recovery hospital for soldiers.
10. EACH EPISODE COSTS MORE THAN $1 MILLION TO PRODUCE.
Given the show’s strict attention to detail and authenticity, it’s probably unsurprising that it was an expensive series to shoot. According to The World of Downton Abbey, each episode costs about £1 million (or about $1.5 million) to produce.
11. THE COSTUMES COULD USE A CLEANING.
In keeping with the show’s dedication to authenticity, the producers maintained a “no-wash” policy with some of its costumes in order to keep within the period look. “We do stink, as they don’t wash our costumes,” Sophie McShera (who played kitchen maid-turned-assistant cook Daisy) told The Daily Mail. “They have these weird patches, which are sewn into the armpits and which they wash separately.”
12. IT’S THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SHOW IN MASTERPIECE’S MORE THAN 40-YEAR HISTORY.
“Nobody in their right mind could have predicted what happened, when it sort of went viral,” Julian Fellowes told The New York Times in 2013 of Downton Abbey‘s unprecedented popularity. It’s estimated that more than 120 million people around the world have watched the series at one point. The show was broadcast in 250 territories worldwide, and became a major hit in Russia, South Korea, and the Middle East.
13. ISIS WAS NOT KILLED OFF BECAUSE OF HER NAME.
One of the show’s most beloved stars was its faithful pooch, Isis, who passed away in season five. Though many thought the Labrador got the boot because of her name, star Hugh Bonneville set the record straight on that matter. “To clarify recent speculation, the Labrador that appeared in Series One (1912-14) was a dog called Pharaoh,” wrote Bonneville. “From Series Two (1916-1920) onwards, the Labrador has been a bitch named—in keeping with the Egyptian theme—Isis. Anyone who genuinely believes the Series 5 storyline (1924) involving the animal was a reaction to recent world news is a complete berk.”
The “Egyptian theme” that Bonneville refers to is a nod to George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who was one of the individuals who discovered King Tut’s tomb.
14. IT RECEIVED A RECORD NUMBER OF EMMY NOMINATIONS.
With a total of 69 nominations and 15 wins, Downton Abbey is the most nominated non-U.S. series in Emmy history.
15. THE QUEEN LOVED IT, AND LIKED TO LOOK FOR ANACHRONISMS.
Among the show’s many famous fans are several members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, who “loves to pick out the mistakes,” said At Home with the Queen author Brian Hoey. “They do tend to get it right. However, the Queen did notice on one episode that there was a young so-called British officer wearing medals which had not been awarded when he was supposed to be alive. He was fighting in the First World War and the medals on his chest did not come in until the Second World War.”
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50 Simple DIY Halloween Costumes For Last-Minute Planners
Looking for a simple, classic Halloween costume you can create at home with relatively little effort? Look no further.
ByEden Gordon|Oct 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Halloween is approaching fast. Do you have your costume yet?
There’s always the option of going out and buying a whole new costume, and unless you really know your way around a sewing kit, some looks are more likely than others to require that step. But there are countless amazing Halloween costumes that are pretty easy to create all by yourself, mostly using things you already have at home.
Halloween costumes may have their roots in the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, a time when the veil between the land of the dead and the living was traditionally believed to grow thin. In order to blend in with wandering spirits, people would often wear animal skins, masks, bones, and other disguises.
Today, Halloween costumes have become immensely creative and varied, though some patterns do exist. Monstrous creatures such as vampires and aliens remain common across the U.S., as do characters from pop culture. Costumes can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish, and if you’re looking to pull together a costume mostly using just what you already have in your house, there are plenty of options. A little creativity and ingenuity go a very long way here.
Here are 50 Halloween DIY costume ideas perfect for anyone with scissors and a dream.
- Classic DIY Halloween Costumes
- Food DIY Halloween Costumes
- Punny and Funny Halloween Costumes
- Pop Culture DIY Halloween Costumes
- Spooky DIY Halloween Costumes
Classic DIY Halloween Costumes
Ghost
Have a spare sheet lying around? Cut out eye holes, pull it over your head, and you’re all set to haunt.
Tourist
Grab a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, a camera, and a paper map, and you’ll look just like a dad seeing Bermuda for the first time.
Black Cat
A black shirt, eyeliner whiskers, ears made with Velcro, and a tail made from fabric come together to create this classic Halloween getup.
Nerd
A button-down shirt, suspenders, and taped-together glasses will have you looking ready to ace the upcoming math test.
Burglar
Prepare to steal the prize for best Halloween costume with a black-and-white striped shirt, a beanie, and a ski mask. (A black hoodie and a bag slung over your shoulder will also suffice.)
Cowboy or Cowgirl
A plaid shirt, overalls, and a cowboy hat are pretty much all this costume needs. (Turn it into a scarecrow costume with some hay and straw-style makeup!)
Detective
All you need is a trench coat, a magnifying glass, and a notebook to look like you’re ready to solve any case that comes your way.
Superhero
There are plenty of pop culture superheroes to choose from, but you can create your own with leggings, a leotard, a piece of fabric for the cape, and your own unique logo.
‘80s Icon
Indulge your ‘80s nostalgia with a classic ‘80s Halloween costume, complete with a leotard over leggings, leg warmers, and a matching headband.
Pirate
An eyepatch is most of what you need to make this costume recognizable, but a bandana, a striped shirt, a DIY sword, and a stuffed parrot perched on your shoulder will complete this look.
Food DIY Halloween Costumes
Bunch of Grapes
Tape a bunch of purple or green balloons to an outfit and you’ll look just like this ancestor of wine.
Fried Egg
This costume can consist of a large egg-shaped blob cut from a piece of white cardboard or fabric, plus a yellow blob on top for the yolk, all attached to your shirt (or jacket, depending on the Halloween weather).
Milk Carton
A cardboard box painted white with the word “Milk” on it and a hole cut through it come together to turn you into a convincing milk carton. Feel free to add as many (or as few) details to the box as you’d like.
Pineapple
A yellow shirt plus a green crown made from paper or felt are all that’s required for this costume.
Popcorn
A cardboard box with red and white stripes painted on, with crumpled-up yellow paper on top make you look like the perfect movie theater snack.
Cosmic Brownie
You can look like this classic Little Debbie sweet treat with just a brown shirt with some colorful cotton balls taped or pinned onto it.
Strawberry
Look like this beloved berry by simply cutting out some seed-shaped bits from felt and attaching them to a red dress, and adding a green hat.
Tropical Drink
This one might require a trip to the corner store, but bear with us: dress up like a poolside cocktail with a pink dress, a parasol, a lemon-shaped headpiece, and a straw-shaped appendage attached to a headband!
Gumball Machine
Just grab some superglue and attach a bunch of colorful ping pong balls to a white shirt.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Glue some white yarn onto a red T-shirt, and pair it with meatballs made from balls wrapped in fabric, and you’ll be looking like this classic dinner dish in no time.
Punny and Funny Halloween Costumes
Cereal Killer
Attach some miniature cereal boxes to a shirt, and add a prop feknife and some fake blood. (To make it even simpler, carry around a bowl of cereal and a knife.)
Ceiling Fan
You’ll need a few pom-poms, plus a shirt with the message “Go Ceiling!” on it.
Identity Thief
Covered in a bunch of name tags with different names on them and voila.
A Formal Apology
A fancy dress and a banner reading “I’m sorry” complete this punny costume.
Copycat
Just add a stack of photocopies or a sign reading “CTRL+C” to your black cat costume.
Blessing in Disguise
Put a trench coat, sunglasses, and a fedora over a white dress complete with angel wings and a halo.
French Kiss
Pair a French-inspired striped shirt and beret with makeup done in the style of the band Kiss. (Croissants, French flags, and electric guitars optional.) Even simpler: drop the Kiss makeup and simply paint your lips bright red.
Chef’s Kiss
Dress up as this popular Gen Z slang term for Halloween with a white chef’s jacket stamped with lipstick kisses.
Freudian Slip
Wear a slip dress and write or attach Sigmund Freud-related words like “id” and “ego” to it, and you’ll have Freud himself rolling in his grave.
When Life Gives You Lemons
A trip to a grocery store is pretty much all you need for this one, which requires wearing a nametag that reads “life” and carrying a basket of lemons.
Pop Culture DIY Halloween Costumes
Wednesday Addams
A black dress, black stockings, braided pigtails, and a deadpan expression will turn you into a dead ringer for this classic Addams family member.
Dwight Schrute
Turn Halloween night into an episode of The Office with just a mustard button-down shirt, brown tie, glasses, and a large mug.
Barbie
Don a pink outfit, cute accessories, and bright makeup and you’ll be ready to embody this famous doll.
Indiana Jones
Get ready for intrepid Halloween adventures with a fedora, brown jacket, satchel, khakis, and a homemade whip. (Rope will do.)
Men in Black Agent
A black suit, white button-down, and sunglasses will have you ready to track alien activity.
Mary Poppins
A white blouse, dark skirt, red bow tie, and an umbrella will have you ready to offer spoonfuls of sugar to every trick-or-treater.
Joel Goodsen in Risky Business
A large button-down white shirt, neutral undergarments, dark sunglasses, white socks, and a candlestick are all you need; the classic dance moves are optional.
Bob Ross
A denim jacket, a curly wig, and a paint palette come together to create the perfect impression of this lovable TV artist.
Dolly Parton
The late, beloved Dolly Parton will definitely be one of the biggest costumes of 2026. Join the party with a blonde wig, a pink hat, cowboy boots, a guitar, and anything sparkly.
Marty McFly
The classic Back to the Future protagonist is an easy one to replicate if you have a skateboard (or hoverboard) on hand; just pull out a puffer vest over a jean jacket and add jeans.
Spooky DIY Halloween Costumes
Vampire
Dark clothes, a homemade cape made from a sheet, pale makeup, and homemade fangs will have you looking like Dracula (or Edward Cullen, depending on your taste).
Mummy
Drape some strips of white fabric over neutral clothes.
Fortune Teller
Layered clothes, chunky jewelry, and homemade tarot cards complete this look.
Grim Reaper
Pair a black robe with a homemade scythe made from wood and cardboard.
Swamp Monster
Dark green and blue clothes, plus fake moss and leaves, and green makeup, will have you looking ready to crawl out of a swamp.
Haunted Doll
Vintage dress, pigtails, pale makeup with rosy cheeks and a red lip, and painted-on cracks will ensure that you terrify anyone with a fear of dolls.
Devil
This one’s an instantly recognizable classic and requires just an all-red outfit, plus homemade red horns.
Zombie
Get ready to look very undead with old, torn-up clothes, pale makeup, extremely dark circles under your eyes, and some bloodstains made from corn syrup and red food dye.
Mad Scientist
A lab coat, lab glasses, some wildly teased hair, and a few jars filled with colorful water come together for this zany look.
Witch
It doesn’t get more classically Halloween than this costume, which comes together with just a black dress, a broom, and of course, a pointy hat.