JUDY WOODRUFF:

: The music is instantly recognizable, as is the tail — that's Isis, the dog — both part of the opening credits to the blockbuster British television drama, "Downton Abbey." For the past five years, the Crawley family and their servants have entertained us, and in January, the drama begins its sixth and final season on PBS.

The last chance for a few more one-liners from the dowager countess of Grantham, played exquisitely by Dame Maggie Smith.

And surely, one final calamity to beset lady's maid Anna and her butler husband Bates.

The mastermind of this runaway success is Sir Julian Fellowes; also an actor, film director, and, in his spare time, a conservative member of Britain's House of Lords.

So, "Downton Abbey" coming to an end, is this — are you saying goodbye to a dear friend? Or is it just — have you already moved on?