The Premise: Returning to 165 Eaton Place
While the original 1970s landmark ITV series spanned from the Edwardian era in 1903 through to the onset of the Great Depression in 1930, the revival elegantly picks up the mantle six years later in 1936.
The narrative centers on the grand, prestigious London townhouse at 165 Eaton Place in Belgravia, which has fallen into complete dereliction since its previous inhabitants left. The estate is bought and revived by the wealthy diplomat Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) and his glamorous, ambitious wife, Lady Agnes (played by Keeley Hawes).
To restore the home to its former glory, the couple recruits a familiar face: Rose Buck (Emmy Award-winner Jean Marsh, reprising her iconic role from the original ’70s run). Now working as the head housekeeper, Rose is tasked with assembling a brand-new, loyal “downstairs” staff to cater to the complicated needs of the “upstairs” aristocracy.
A Star-Studded Elite Ensemble Cast
Beyond its sweeping historical scale, the series functions as an incredible showcase of top-tier British acting talent, featuring several early career-defining performances from major household names:
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Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, Scoop) as the elegant and socially ambitious Lady Agnes Holland.
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Claire Foy (The Crown) in a brilliant, breakout role as Lady Persephone “Persie” Towyn, Lady Agnes’ rebellious, politically volatile younger sister.
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Dame Eileen Atkins (Doc Martin) as the fiercely sharp and formidable Dowager Lady Holland, Sir Hallam’s mother.
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Adrian Scarborough (Gavin & Stacey, The King’s Speech) as the precise, ultra-observant butler Mr. Pritchard.
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Alex Kingston (Doctor Who) who joins the second season as the straight-talking Dr. Blanche Mottershead.
Downton Elegance Meets Real-World Danger
What separates Upstairs, Downstairs from standard, cozy period pieces is how seamlessly it weaves personal household scandals with the terrifying reality of global history.
As the seasons progress from 1936 toward the brink of World War II in 1939, the characters are forced to navigate the true-to-life anxieties of the era. The plot delves into the abdication crisis of King Edward VIII, the terrifying rise of European fascism—which directly fractures the family from within—and the ticking clock of an inevitable second world war.
While some television critics have noted that the first two episodes take a deliberate, slow-burn approach to setting up the massive family tree and domestic staff hierarchies, the payoff is immense. Once the hidden affairs, political betrayals, and underground secrets begin to unravel across both floors, it transforms into an addictive, fast-paced thriller.
Comprising just nine episodes in total across its two seasons, it stands as a beautifully compact, immaculate piece of prestige historical fiction perfect for a weekend binge-watch.
For a closer look at the lavish production design, historical setting, and relationships at the heart of the revival, you can watch the original BBC Upstairs Downstairs Preview. This archival promotional teaser showcases the initial arrival of Sir Hallam and Lady Agnes as they move back into the iconic 165 Eaton Place estate just as the geopolitical landscape of the 1930s begins to shift.
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
