If recent reports are true, it is time to bid adieu to the Crawley family members, because rumors suggest that 'Downton Abbey,' the popular British period television drama series on ITV, may come to an end after Season 6.

TV Line quotes several insiders claiming that 'Downton Abbey' will not be renewed for a Season 7. Incidentally, the first episode of the series was premiered on Sept. 26 2010. From what it seems, the decision to end the show is basically a practical one, since many of the several cast members of the show see their contracts expire after Season 6.

While there may possibly be a chaotic round of talks to renew their contracts, TV Line reports that almost everyone involved with 'Downton Abbery' is now prepared to move on.

Earlier reports said that Maggie Smith, who portrays the character of Violet Crawley, told the Sunday Times that she "couldn't see herself continuing past Season 6."

Smith told the publication, "I mean, I certainly can't keep going," adding, "To my knowledge, I must be 110 by now. We're into the late 1920s."

Although the bold remarks of Smith are hardly proof that the show will come to an end after Season 6, other actors of the show too have allegedly been looking for new opportunities in the United States, with the hope of using their success in 'Downton Abbey' as a springboard to get more work.

Howeverm the best evidence that 'Downton Abbey' may possibly wrap after Season 6 comes from the fact that the show creator Julian Fellowes has already taken up another TV show. The production of his new show titled 'The Guilded Age' is midway at NBC, but quitting 'Downton' may possibly give Fellowes the time he needs to get the new project rolling.

Meanwhile, Vanity Fair reports that if 'Downton Abbey' ends after Season 6, Fellowes will have the time and opportunity to work out satisfying farewells for the most popular characters of the show. If the reports by TV Line turn out to be true, the characters like Edith (Laura Carmichael), Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Carson (Jim Carter) will have nine more episodes remaining to find whatever they have been looking for.