A historical television series hailed as 'one of the best ever made' is now available to stream on ITVX. Enthusiasts of period dramas fell head over heels for Downton Abbey following its debut in 2010. The storyline chronicles the trials and tribulations of the affluent Crawley family alongside their household staff on a fictional Yorkshire estate spanning 1912 to 1930.
However, decades before Downton Abbey ever came into existence, another ITV programme told a remarkably similar story. In 1971, Upstairs, Downstairs premiered, following the lives of both the family and their servants within the London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place.
The Original Period Drama: Upstairs, Downstairs
Upstairs, Downstairs set the standard for costume dramas. Running from 1903 to 1930, the original series bore striking similarities to Downton Abbey, depicting the servants 'downstairs' alongside their employers, the Bellamy family, 'upstairs'. It presented a compelling contrast between a world of wealth and privilege and the harsh realities of domestic service.
Given the show's setting before and after the First World War, storylines charted the gradual decline of the British aristocracy, using momentous events to capture the sweeping social and technological transformations. Beyond the war, the programme also delved into the Suffragettes, the Roaring Twenties, and the Wall Street Crash, according to the Mirror.
Streaming Free on ITVX
Upstairs, Downstairs broadcast on ITV from 10th October 1971 to 21st December 1975, spanning 68 episodes across five series. Devotees have been urging fellow period-drama enthusiasts to watch the series free on ITVX, with some claiming the programme surpasses even Downton Abbey.
Fan Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Taking to Reddit, one enthusiast declared: "Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-1975) is a masterpiece". They continued, "I know the filming style is jarring for people more used to the modern slick style, but once you get into it, you start to appreciate the writing and acting."
"What's especially appealing is the sociological comment happening about how society mistreats the downstairs people, especially in the episode I Die of Love, which I won't spoil, but is devastating and wouldn't work if done in a Downton Abbey style," they added.
A second individual remarked: "One of the best TV series ever made, even when the cast changes, the quality does not. This is writing and filmmaking we do not get now. Unlike modern TV, where everyone is handpicked for beauty or diversity, this is so well cast, especially the women. It makes me sad that this London has disappeared, except for the poverty, of course."
A third contributed: "Upstairs, Downstairs is indeed a masterpiece! Yes, once you get past the look of the show, you're in for a total treat. The same can be said of The Pallisers!"
Another remarked: "I could never get through the first season of Downton Abbey, but I can watch Upstairs, Downstairs forever."
"I agree it is a masterpiece. I'm sitting here saying over and over 'they don't write like this anymore' ... I'm looking up whether it won awards, it looks like it did", noted another.
