‘Downton Abbey’ Draws Lowest Premiere Ratings Since Debut

The fifth season of Downton Abbey kicked off Sunday night in the U.K. on ITV to 8.4 million viewers, marking the lowest season debut for the series since its season one premiere episode back in 2010 with 7.7 million viewers.

Last year, the first episode of the fourth season attracted 9.5 million viewers and 9.0 million for its third season premiere. For the show’s sophomore season 9.2 million fans tuned in for the premiere in 2011.

In the U.S., ratings for the period drama experienced a decline throughout season four earlier this year. The premiere episode drew a record high for PBS of 10.2 million viewers, but only 8.5 million watched the season finale.

The fifth season of Downton Abbey will premiere in the U.S. on January 4 on PBS.