The British drama “Downton Abbey” is charming TV critics and viewers alike. As proof of this, the show won six Emmys at last year’s awards, including Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. It was also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most critically acclaimed show of 2011. This was all without appearing on a traditional network in the United States. Though broadcast on ITV in the U.K., the show is broadcast in the United States on PBS as part of the network’s “Masterpiece classic” series.

“Downton Abbey” follows the lives of the Granthams, part of the aristocratic Crawley family, and their servants in the early twentieth century. The first season showed the family between 1912 and 1914. The show starts with the death of the heir to Lord Robert Grantham’s earldom. This would leave the Abbey and the inheritance to the Lord’s distant cousin Matthew Crawley, which leaves the futures of Grantham’s daughters Mary, Sybil and Edith up in the air. Much of season one is devoted to finding a way to either give eldest daughter Mary the heirdom or find a suitable husband for her to marry. By the end, Matthew seems like the only option, though their courtship comes to an abrupt end when Mary doesn’t immediately accept his proposal.

The second season then begins two years later, in the thick of the First World War. Matthew and some of the servants have enlisted, leaving Downton in a state of disarray. Much drama arises. Matthew is engaged to another woman. Downton becomes a convalescence home for recovering soldiers. The war changes the way everyone thinks about his or her life. The American season finale—which aired last night on PBS—ends with Matthew proposing to Mary, and she accepts this time.

Many people have asked me what is so good about this show. There are too many good attributes to describe and not enough space here. The plot is beyond intriguing. Following the lives of these aristocrats and their servants brings you into a different world—one that you never want to leave. A large part of this world is the script, which is impeccably written and earned the show one of its six Emmys. The acting is also superb, with particular recognition going to Maggie Smith, whose performance as the Dowager Countess of Grantham is funny and flawless.

Obviously, if you are not a fan of period dramas, “Downton Abbey” is not the show for you. If have any inclination towards them, however, then the show is really a must-see. As one of the most critically lauded shows on TV right now, it would be a mistake to ignore it. As this season is now over, you have plenty of time to catch up before the series returns next year. Currently, the first season is available on Netflix Instant Watch, with the second season partially online on PBS’s website as well.