Upstairs Downstairs

It was not until August of 2010, more than 40 years later, that a new production of Upstairs Downstairs was in the works again. A year earlier, BBC announced that it would create two ninety-minute episodes of the series, which later was changed to three one-hour long episodes.

The new episodes of Upstairs Downstairs (2010) debuted on December 26, 2010. It was received with mixed reviews. Many who hadn’t seen the original series gave it high reviews for its interesting plots and captivating scenes while those who had been strong supporters of the 1970’s production believed that the episodes were not relevant and didn’t do the original series of Upstairs Downstairs justice.

Regardless of public opinion, it was still deemed a success by the writers and producers of BBC. Due to the response to the 2010 production, the BBC decided to commission another six one-hour long episodes of the drama to be broadcasted in 2012.

The original series of Upstairs Downstairs has influenced the onset of many productions. BBC sitcoms such as You Rang, M’Lord and The House of Elliot were both successful in the early 1990s. In addition, motion pictures like Upstairs Downstairs Bears, Nanny McPhee, and The Palace were also influenced by the popular drama series, basing many of their characters and storylines from that of Upstairs Downstairs.  

Books, soundtracks, videos and DVDs of the original as well as the remake of Upstairs Downstairs are now available at your local bookstore and movie retailer.

Upstairs Downstairs is one of few dramatic series that has withstood the test of time and has successfully crossed over to the new millennium. To this day, many are still discovering the interesting story that this drama presents. Whether you preferred the simplicity and timelessness of the 1970s version or the amazing cinematography of the 2010 rendition, it’s no doubt that the intrigue of Upstairs Downstairs has not been lost and will continue to captivate audiences both young and old.