How far does Downtown Abbey meet the expectations of the genre?

Downtown Abbey meets the criteria and expectations in many ways. The use of historically correct costumes, settings and props all conform to the conventions of a Historical Drama, satisfying the audience's because if they weren't correct, the overall image would be changed, not making it a Historical Drama. The use of lighting also fits in with this genre, with the use of high key lighting making everything appear brighter and "better", and with it being set in a manor house, the lighting would show the expensive and beautiful belongings in the house.

 This appeals to the idea of escapism for the audience, as everything is made to look grand and exciting allowing the audience to become involved with the programme more. The sense of life being better in this era, with women wearing expensive clothes and being waited on hand and foot,  appeals to some women in society today and Downtown Abbey allows them to escape from everyday life, back to a time that they think is more attractive. 

The characters in Downtown Abbey again fit in with the Historical Drama genre, with representations of the class system. The programme shows a cross section of the house, with the servants below and the upper class, higher in the house. The plot tends to revolve around each social class conflicting within itself E.g conflict between new, disabled solider and bitter house maid compared to conflict between the sisters of the household. 

Other historical references are used, making the programme believable and genuine, with references to the Titanic sinking in 1912. This sets time period instantly and allows the audience to gain a grasp of social reactions to this event.