I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “I highly doubt I’m ever going to get into a Masterpiece Theater show. Unless I’ve been home sick for three days and the Nyquil isn’t working to put me to sleep.” I was like you, my friend. I had my doubts. But from the first episode of the first season of Downton Abbey I was hooked.

I may already be predisposed to like lengthy BBC adaptations of Jane Austen novels, but Downton Abbey has an even broader appeal. It’s a sexier version of the classic Upstairs Downstairs.

It explores the complicated and regimented interactions of a aristocratic family and the staff that maintains their estate and keeps their lives in order. Set at the dawn of WWI, the social caste system of Britain is changing and everybody is planning for their lives after this ancient system changes. The costumes are gorgeous and the dialogue is brilliant. I was taken off guard, but I’ve completely fallen for all the inhabitants of old Downton Abbey.