’Downton’ producer open to taking show to New York

NEW YORK — Could the Crowley family of “Downton Abbey” — and their loyal servants — ever come to America?

Executive producer Gareth Neame says he’d like to see it happen.

PBS hosted a Q&A with Neame and some of the cast members Monday in New York where a portion of the season five premiere was screened.

An audience member noted that the Crowleys — the fictional aristocratic family that the show is centered on — have relatives in New York and asked whether “Downton Abbey” would ever go there on location.

Neame said it was a great idea, but would cost roughly $10 million.

Shirley MacLaine and Paul Giamatti play the family’s American relatives who have made cameos on the series.

“Downton Abbey,” made by Britain’s ITV network, returns Jan. 4 on PBS in the United States.