Now in its third season, PBS' British-American period drama "Downton Abbey" has garnered the attention of millions of viewers worldwide. Although the popular program clearly has the legs to run for a quite a long time, its eventual ending is inevitable, which usually occurs for similar series' made in the U.S. around the fifth season mark. However, British television does have a tendency to not only air fewer episodes than America, but also for their shows to run their course in a lesser amount of seasons.

In a recent interview with Radio Times, Brendan Coyle, who plays the role of Bates, spoke candidly about the less than ideal yet unavoidable topic.

"I can pretty much say all of us know when Downton is going to end ... This is a show with a finite life. If we bring this into the 50s, it's Emmerdale."

Predictions aside and judging by its outpouring of support, the most likely case will be that "Downton Abbey" will continue on for a couple more seasons at the very least.

Its latest episode will premiere on U.K. television this Sunday, Oct. 21. ITV previously released the following information on its upcoming sixth episode:

"Tempers fray as Isobel's kind gesture backfires ... Branson's decisions are put under scrutiny, but Mary fights his corner ... Robert and Cora's relationship suffers, can Violet make them see things differently? ... As Bates's chance of freedom slips away he goes to extreme lengths."

Judging from the description it appears that Bates will still be imprisoned for the apparent murder of his estranged wife. However, that isn't much of a shock, as it would be far-fetched to think that he'd be back on the streets in a one episode span. Severally criticized over some of his decisions, Branson will clearly continue to walk alongside controversy as well.

Tags
Television, Downtown Abbey, Celebrities