Depends on how one defines it as being a "woman's" show or a "soap opera".
From my perspective, neither is an accurate reflection of the program. It is a fictional story wrapped in a real world time period of history, which attempts to include the aspects of English society at the time. It is about family, class, the adaption of such to the changing times. In a way it is historical fiction.
Isn't it just Upstairs, Downstairs in the country?
My understanding is that they are similar, yet haven't seen Upstairs, Downstairs.
Downton Abbey is in it's 5th and final season. To be honest, I'm not particularly thrilled with the current season. It has been relatively dull, and too much focus on closing out the story lines, to the point where it almost seems forced in places. Some of the acting has been less than stellar this season as well, including little chemistry between the oldest daughter and her most recent suitor, plus the deceased youngest sister's husband seeming to try a bit much in getting the two of them together. Also, the in fighting between the two remaining sisters seems a bit much compared to previous seasons, not that it didn't exist, just not has heavy. There's only an episode or two remaining, and I hope the remaining shows are at least ok.