Ep 1. A behind-the-scenes peek at 'Downton Abbey

In the first episode of Secrets of Highclere Castle's debut season, viewers get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the beloved television series 'Downton Abbey,' through the perspective of the real-life aristocrats who own Highclere Castle, the stunning estate where the show is filmed. The episode, titled 'A behind-the-scenes peek at 'Downton Abbey,' offers an in-depth analysis of the historical significance of the show, as well as interviews with the cast, crew, and creators.

Hosted by the current Countess of Carnarvon, Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the episode starts with an introduction to Highclere Castle. Lady Carnarvon explains how the castle was built in the mid-19th century for the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon and was later inherited by his great-grandson, the 8th Earl. After World War I, the estate and castle fell into disrepair and were on the verge of crumbling. It was only when the 8th Earl's wife, Lady Almina Herbert, inherited a vast fortune that the family was able to revive it. Lady Fiona discusses how Lady Almina inspired the character of Lady Cora Crawley in 'Downton Abbey' and shares fascinating anecdotes about her life.

The program then moves onto exploring the creation of the show, where viewers are introduced to writer and creator Julian Fellowes and producer Gareth Neame. Lady Fiona humorously recounts how, when 'Downton Abbey' was first pitched, nobody was interested. It was only after Fellowes added the sinking of the Titanic to the story that he piqued the interest of networks. Viewers will learn how Fellowes drew inspiration from his childhood memories and his own experiences in the aristocracy to create the characters and plot of 'Downton Abbey.' The episode delves into the casting process, with interviews from cast members such as Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth Mcgovern, and Michelle Dockery, who discuss how they brought their characters to life.

As the episode continues, viewers are shown exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the production process. They'll see how the costumes and sets were created, and hear from the show's costume designer Anna Robbins and production designer Donal Woods. They'll learn that the people who work behind-the-scenes of 'Downton Abbey' often have some of the most challenging jobs on set, as they have to ensure the historical accuracy and authenticity of the show. The episode also features interviews with the team who worked on the show's post-production, including composer John Lunn, who shares how he came up with the iconic series soundtrack.

Towards the end of the episode, Lady Fiona Carnarvon takes viewers on a tour of Highclere Castle, pointing out the rooms and areas that were used in the filming of 'Downton Abbey.' She explains how the castle was transformed to resemble an early 20th-century mansion and shares the challenges the cast and crew faced on set, especially during costume fittings and filming in tight spaces. She also shares personal stories about her own experiences on set, including having to serve as an extra in the show's final season.

The first episode of Secrets of Highclere Castle season 1, 'A behind-the-scenes peek at 'Downton Abbey,' is a must-watch for any fan of the show. It offers a fascinating insight into how the series was created, and the challenges that went into producing its six fantastic seasons. It gives anyone who watches it a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of 'Downton Abbey' and how it continues to captivate millions of viewers around the world.