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Last night ‘s Television awards saw Downton Abbey take the Best Drama Awards, pipping Doctor Who to the post.

The success of Downton needs little introduction. Only two series and a Christmas special in, the world of the Grantham’s has cast its spell, internationally, over its viewers.

The show however is not without it’s critiques. Much historical analysis has been done into the period detail of the drama and only this week The Guardian newspaper highlighted it in an argument into the growing Tory conscience within society; siting it and its protagonist’s wealth as cause for concern.

So, what exactly is it about Downton that has won people over? Is it the stark contrast to the news, the reality of economic upheaval and national conscience becoming ever dependent on escapism? According to recent history this theory may be the case.

As far back as the 1930s, when America was in the great Depression, the movies of the time were a blatant juxtapose to the nations hunger. During this time, cinemas were inundated with a plethora of over-the-top musicals, screwball comedies, and romantic tales filmed on exotic locations. All in stark contrast to people’s everyday lives.

We then fast-forward to more recent times, Thatcher’s Britain on the 1980s, mass unemployment, strikes and general feelings of national discontentment. Although musically this feeling was reflected, one of the main successes of the era was ITV’s adaptation of Brideshead Revisited: Much like Downton, a story of affluence and traditional ideals of the upper classes (although it must be added Sebastian Flyte’s rebellion would even be out of place in the sugar sweet world of Downton).

These patterns in national conscience were reflected across the board at last night’s awards. Doctor Who’s Matt Smith winning best actor and with plethora of reality shows steeling the show (full listings below).