"Downton Abbey" confirmed for season 6 to come to US audience on 2016 through PBS; Bates to be hanged for killing Mr. Green? Is the sixth season a way to keep PBS afloat?

By Staff Writer

Nov 24 2014, 07:50 AM EST

"Downton Abbey" is up for a sixth season to be aired in 2015 in U.K. which might feature the exit of Bates as he takes the fall for Mr. Green's murder to deflect suspicion from his wife, Anna.

"Downton Abbey" has garnered popularity in United States, Latin Post reports. Apparently it has a following that's comparable to the fan base of "Doctor Who," and just recently, it has been confirmed by BBC that ITV is on board to continue airing and producing the show for its sixth season.

Julian Fellowes, the creator of the show, is back on board to write for season 6, but so far there is no definite news on which of the cast members will be returning.

While there is still no confirmation from the cast, according to iDigitalTimes, Brendan Coyle has hinted that his character, Bates, might make an exit in the upcoming season. The article says that the finale of season 5 was "somber" for Bates, with wife Anna (Joanne Froggatt) suspected of murdering Mr. Green (Nigel Harman). His exit might be related to Anna's case, with iDigitalTimes speculating, "Bates is not the kind of man who will stand by and let his wife go to prison, he will confess to the murder of Green and be hanged for it."

While "Downton Abbey" has a huge following in both sides of the Atlantic, Latin Post speculates that it being continued into season 6 is also due to another reason. "It could help PBS stay afloat. The Public Broadcasting Service, which is publicly funded, airs the British drama for American audiences. But, with a new heavily Republican congress, the network may be defunded," the article explained, adding that season 6 might help fans "keep the network afloat."

Currently, U.K. has just finished airing the fifth season of "Downton Abbey," while it will come to the U.S. in January 2015. New York Daily News says season 6 will be aired for U.S. audience on 2016 on PBS.

Even celebrities are talking about the show that started in 2010. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, two confessed fans, have apparently named their house after the show, Latin Post shares.