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Emmys 2011: For ‘Downton Abbey,’ a David vs. Goliath win

Los Angeles Times reporter Amy Kaufman
By Amy Kaufman
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It was, as creator Julian Fellowes put it, akin to the battle of David vs. Goliath. “Downton Abbey,” the British PBS miniseries about an aristocratic family and its household staff, on Sunday beat out favorite “Mildred Pierce” from powerhouse HBO, whose miniseries always seem to sweep the category.

“As you know, HBO has tremendous marketing and advertising muscle behind it,” said Rebecca Eaton, an executive producer for the PBS network. “When a program like ‘Downton Abbey’ wins, its because it stands on its merits.”

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But, Eaton pointed out, the program has already received a number of accolades outside of the Emmy telecast.

“I have to say that its profile was very high when it aired last January,” said Eaton. “The reviews were spectacular. We just entered the Guinness Book of World Records for best reviewed program over ‘Mad Men.’”

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— Amy Kaufman

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Amy Kaufman

Amy Kaufman is a columnist at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes a monthly A-1 column, “For Real With Amy Kaufman.” The series examines the lives of icons, underdogs and rising stars to find out who the people are shaping our culture — for real. Since joining The Times in 2009, she has profiled hundreds of influential figures, including Stevie Nicks, Kevin Hart, Joan Rivers, Michael B. Jordan and Lady Gaga. She also works on investigations and was part of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist team that covered the tragic shooting on the “Rust” film set. Her work often shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment business, and she has uncovered misconduct allegations against Randall Emmett, Russell Simmons and Chris D’Elia. In 2018, her book “Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America’s Favorite Guilty Pleasure” became a New York Times bestseller.

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