The Secrets of 165 Eaton Place
Set against the backdrop of 1936 London—six years after the conclusion of the iconic 1970s original series—the revival follows the scandalous secrets and power struggles of an aristocratic family fighting to maintain their legacy in a rapidly changing world.
The narrative picks up as the wealthy Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) and his wife, Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes), move into the grand, derelict townhouse at 165 Eaton Place. To help run the estate, they recruit Rose Buck (played by Emmy Award-winner Jean Marsh, reprising her classic role) as the new housekeeper, who must assemble an entirely new “downstairs” staff.
The production boasts an impressive, powerhouse British ensemble cast, featuring early career-defining performances from major stars:
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Claire Foy as Lady Persephone “Persie” Towyn, Lady Agnes’ rebellious younger sister.
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Eileen Atkins as the formidable Dowager Lady Holland, Hallam’s mother.
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Adrian Scarborough as Mr. Pritchard, the precise and observant butler.
A Beautifully Balanced Slow-Burn
The series masterfully recreates the cozy yet high-stakes atmosphere characteristic of classic historical dramas. Reviewers have praised the show’s immaculate production design, breathtaking period costumes, and a script packed with sharp British wit, where the ensemble cast delivers every passive-aggressive line with delicious precision.
While some critics note that the first two episodes spend a significant amount of time establishing the massive family tree and setting up the complex social hierarchies—which might feel slightly sluggish for casual viewers—the slow-burn buildup pays off beautifully. Once the core family scandals, political intrigues, and underground tensions begin to unravel, the series transforms into an addictive, unmissable drama.
What is Upstairs, Downstairs about?
Upstairs, Downstairs originally ran on ITV for five seasons from 1971 to 1975. It followed the lives of the inhabitants of 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia and introduced us to both the ‘Upstairs’ aristocrats who owned the house and the ‘Downstairs’ staff who worked in the house. The drama spanned 1903 to 1930s, and all the major events that took place within in including the First World War, the Roaring Twenties and the crash of Wall Street.
The series was then revamped in 2010 and was a continuation of the drama picking up in 1936, six years after the events of the fifth season ended.
e new series, which is currently available on Netflix, sees new owners Sir Hallam (Ed Stoppard) and Lady Agnes Holland (Keeley Hawes) take over 165 Eaton Place, and the following two series are about their lives and that of their staff.
Who is in the cast of Upstairs, Downstairs?
Leading the cast of Upstairs, Downstairs is Ed Stoppard as Conservative MP and new owner of 165 Eaton Place Sir Hallam Holland. His wife is Lady Agnes Holland and she’s played by Keeley Hawes.
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The only cast member to reprise their role in the revamped series was Jean Marsh as Rose Buck, who began the 1970s series as a parlour maid and now returns in the 2010 version as the housekeeper.
Here’s who is also in the cast:
Upstairs
- Claire Foy as Lady Persephone ‘Persie’ Towyn, Agnes’ sister
- Eileen Atkins as Dowager Lady Holland, Hallam’s mother
- Alex Kingston as Dr Blanche Mottershead, Hallam’s aunt (she only appears in season 2)
- Sarah Gordy as Pamela Holland, Hallam’s sister
- Blake Ritson as a fictionalised version of the Duke of Kent
Downstairs
- Adrian Scarborough as Warwick Pritchard, the butler
- Anne Reid as Clarice Thackeray, the house cook
- Art Malik as Amanjit Singh, Hallam’s secretary
- Neil Jackson as Harry Spargo, the chauffeur
- Nico Mirallegro as Johnny Proude, a footman
Where can I watch Upstairs, Downstairs?
The two seasons of the newer Upstairs, Downstairs is available to watch on Netflix now. And the original series from the 1970s is available to watch for free on ITVX.
Upstairs Downstairs is available on Netflix now
